Need advice for African Safari: I’ve followed many of the posts for a couple of years but this is the first time I’m asking a question. I’m very much a novice and use automatic...

jscofy

I’ve followed many of the posts for a couple of years but this is the first time I’m asking a question. I’m very much a novice and use automatic settings almost exclusively. My husband and I having been going through our bucket list of travels and our next trip is an African Safari. I already own a Panasonic ZS 40 and the Nikon P900. I find the bridge camera too heavy and end up using my Panasonic almost all the time. I want to get a pocket camera that will be good on Safari. The Panasonic ZS 100 has been recommended but I’m intrigued by the Sony RX 100 VI. I’m not sure if the expense of the Sony is worth it but it seems as if some people say the the images on the Panasonic may not be as sharp as the Sony. Any suggestions are welcome. Thank You

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I own the ZS50, ZS60, and the P900. I hear great things about the Sony. But, as you note, it is higher in cost. More than 2x. Listed below is a comparison of the two cameras. You can look the specs over carefully and make an educated decision on the worthiness of spending the extra money. The comparison source seems to rate the Panasonic a bit higher.

Either way, I wish you a GREAT trip. P.S. the second listing is comparing the newer ZS200 with the Sony. You might want to give serious consideration to the ZS200

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS100-vs-Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX100-VI

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Panasonic-Lumix-DC-ZS200-vs-Sony-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX100-VI

jscofy

Thank you. I didn’t think of the Panasonic 200. Does anyone know how both cameras would perform in low light? The numbers don’t mean very much to thi inexperienced user.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

jscofy wrote:

I’ve followed many of the posts for a couple of ye... (show quote)

Boy, are you going to get a wide range of replies. The Sony RX100VI is a great camera, but at $1200, I think its a bit overpriced. But, it sure is light. Most of the animals you will see are just outside your vehicle, and since you cannot walkabout (you'll get eaten), the RX would be a great compromise.

That being said, Nikon's Coolpix P1000 covers 24 to 3000 mm and will have a $1000 price point. But, it's kinda big.

The thing is, how many times are you going on an African Safari? You'd hate to miss things, yes?

jscofy

You’re right, this trip to Africa is a one shot deal so I want to make the best of it. I know I won’t use a heavy camera but I’m willing to spend the money for the expensive Sony if the pictures make a difference. From the sample photos that I’ve seen online, Sony seems to have a definite advantage for sharpness. I don’t know if it’s because of the camera or photographer.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

jscofy wrote:

You’re right, this trip to Africa is a one shot deal so I want to make the best of it. I know I won’t use a heavy camera but I’m willing to spend the money for the expensive Sony if the pictures make a difference. From the sample photos that I’ve seen online, Sony seems to have a definite advantage for sharpness. I don’t know if it’s because of the camera or photographer.

Oh, the RX system takes beautiful pictures, I was just concerned about you not being able to get the once in a lifetime shot.

jscofy

Thank you for your reply and you’re right about the possibility of missing that once in a lifetime shot. If I’ve learned anything in my travels, your camera is only good if it’s with you. My Nikon is usually left behind so I’m looking for the best light weight alternative.

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

jscofy wrote:

You’re right, this trip to Africa is a one shot deal so I want to make the best of it. I know I won’t use a heavy camera but I’m willing to spend the money for the expensive Sony if the pictures make a difference. From the sample photos that I’ve seen online, Sony seems to have a definite advantage for sharpness. I don’t know if it’s because of the camera or photographer.

Based on reviews and the specs of the camera, the Lumix ZS200 seems like it would be well suited to your purposes, without the higher cost of the Sony. It has a 15X Zoom, as compared with the 10X zoom on the ZS100 and the Sony RX100VI. Having been on a Safari in Kenya last summer, I can tell you that you will want more than a 200mm reach. You'll have opportunities where the animals are very close, but there are other shots that will require a significant zoom. If it were me, I would take your Nikon P900, but if it is too heavy to handle, that's understandable. Remember that you will be riding in a vehicle the entire Safari. If you are going to on of the National Park Reserves, they usually won't let you get out of the vehicle, except at designated viewpoints, etc. In Private Reserves, sometimes the rules are different.

wtmarks

Two years ago I went on a Micato Safari to Kenya and Tanzania. I carried my D810 and a backpack full of lenses and accessories. One of the others on the safari brought just the coolpix P900. At the end of each day the twelve of us (including several very accomplished photographers) compared our photos. I was repeatedly impressed by the photos taken by the P900. It is a little heavy, but the results are worth the extra weight. I think you have the camera you need for your safari.

martyaron

I took a Panasonic zs60 on a Tanzania safari
30x zoom came in handy numerous times
low light is not a problem, you are not taking photos in the dark
zs60 has been replaced by zs70-even better

rosjan

Whatever camera you take make sure it is weather sealed. I took a Nikon D3400 to Kenya a couple of years ago and nearly lost it to the dust. I'm going back next year with a D7200.

philo Loc: philo, ca

if this is a one time use I would think about renting a camera. i have never done it, but from what you said it may be an idea.

Fotomacher Loc: Toronto

jscofy wrote:

You’re right, this trip to Africa is a one shot deal so I want to make the best of it. I know I won’t use a heavy camera but I’m willing to spend the money for the expensive Sony if the pictures make a difference. From the sample photos that I’ve seen online, Sony seems to have a definite advantage for sharpness. I don’t know if it’s because of the camera or photographer.

I have been to Africa and took a D810 with a selection of Nikkor glass from a 17-35mm f/2.8 to a 300mm f/4 prime. Heavy stuff for sure. My wife took a E-M5mk2 and she also has a bag full of glass. But, I would not get too fussed about sharpness unless you’re printing large images. Up to 8x10 a bridge camera or p/s will be just fine.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

I seen three weeks in Africa and managed 3 different safaris and took a large Nikon FF and an older version Sony. With some photos there is no comparison between the output, with others not so much. If you want to travel light, the Sony would do well for you. My experience was that the guides will get you very, very close to subjects. Here is a link for some photos taken by the Sony: https://www.sony.ca/en/electronics/cyber-shot-compact-cameras/dsc-rx100m6

Have fun!!!

jscofy wrote:

I’ve followed many of the posts for a couple of ye... (show quote)

shaunaonsafari

Hello - If you’re thinking of using the Sony. Why don’t you order one on Amazon and try it for a couple of days? You can also rent it for a couple of days from Borrowlenses.com . I rented a second camera body and a lens from them for my recent African safari . It was such a more economical way to get the quality pictures I wanted and not break the bank. What I found when researching African safari is that every photographer has a different opinion on the gear that you bring, the clothes to pack, and where to go. I saw a million different cameras in Africa ,and as long as you’re comfortable with it - you’ll take great pictures with it just like other those million cameras did:) just make sure you bring a ton of ST cards and extra batteries .