philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

Dear Forum,
I have one last request for my African Safari. Some of you were kind enough to reply to my camera settings for my African trip.
I would like to save these in Memory recall on my Sony Rx10 M4 and would like to ask you what settings you would use. I will primarily be shooting in Shutter and Aperture priority modes.
What Focus settings and Metering mode what would you select for Fast moving Bird, Animals stationary and moving,
Thank you for your time and help.

Sincerely,
Philip Klim

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

In my opinion you are getting too concerned with the technical side and "settings" and may miss out on actually "seeing" a lot of things on your trip.
Besides the settings change as the conditions change - light, time of day, clouds etc etc

I would recommend some general wildlife or travel photography sources, either DVD to watch before you go or a book to read ahead of time and carry with you.
I have a couple that are good:

"The Art of Travel Photography" from The Great Courses - available on ebay for under $20 - DVD - it is six lessons on general travel photography by Nat Geo's Joel Sartore.

"National Geographic Photography Field Guide-Secrets to Making Great Pictures" also available on ebay, amazon etc - a general book on field photography - there also are editions on specific subjects like people etc.

"National Geographic ' Ultimate Field Guide to Travel Photography" like wise found on ebay, amazon etc. smaller more compact book.

Also for Nat Geo help specific to African Safari photography look here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/lists/activities/photography-tips-africa-safari/

And back to your question on "bean bags" Use a large sock filled with beans or dried rice - you can wear it also. Or get a draw string bag that can go in a pocket or odd corner of your bag when empty.

philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

Dear Robert,
Thank you for your suggestions. I will read as much as I can.
Phil

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Just practice a lot before you go. Hard to learn how to use a camera without using a camera.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

The best bet is to adjust settings for best results after the 1st shot. Depending on lens and the light, if adequate, I would start with shutter speed preferred mode, 1/focal length or 2/focal length (if hand held with stabilization or on tripod) for speed, auto ISO.

I am not familiar with your camera, but on mine you put the camera in the mode you want, set it the way you want, then use the Menu to store the current settings to C1 or C2. After that, each time you go to the C1 or c2 mode it will set the camera that way.

philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

Gene,
Thank you for your reply
Phil

philklim Loc: Harrisonburg, Va.

Thank you for your reply.
Phil

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

I have had several students head off to African Safaries. 100% have returned stating that the best advice I had given them is to go to a park and practice, practice, and practice. Shoot everything that moves or stands still. Above all, be able to take your camera from your lap, to your eye and shoot at a moments notice. You should be able to in one swift motion. Turn on the camera, zoom, and switch shutter speed and or F stop without looking at the camera. Anyone can shoot with the camera glued to your eye. But practice with the camera on your lap to your eye and shoot. Practice, practice, practice. The animals you will see are not trained models and second, you won't have a big sign saying "Disney photographers" so hold still. Don't forget to enjoy the trip.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Never take new equipment on a dream trip. I am sure I am not the only one on this forum who has made that mistake. The online classes can walk you through every aspect of your camera, but get out and take photos. Understand the basic principles of exposure - how to use shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to your favor. Otherwise, just use auto and hope for the best.

doclrb

Despite the tongue lashings form several respondents, settings are important. I expect your camera has the equivalent of continuous autofocus (AF-C in Nikon). So, for fast moving birds, use your AF-C equivalent with center weighted metering so the bird is in focus as you pan with it and the meter is adjusting for the object of interest rather the sky or trees around it. You will also want to consider exposure compensation, typically in the range of -1 to +1, depending on the contrast between the bird and the background. Definitely read-up on this setting and again, try different settings before your trip.

One warning though, birds in flight is a challenging technique. I agree with those who recommend you practice as much as possible prior to the trip.

doclrb (not an expert, just lots of trial and error)

Nicholas DeSciose

Practice in every possible situation before you go

doclrb

Absolutely!

doclrb

traderjohn Loc: New York City

The same settings that you use in wherever you are shooting birds in the US. The circumstances are the same the location is different. About 5 years ago we went on a SilverSeas 30 day cruise. Everyday the staff, tour guide gave you insight as to conditions and settings. Yours may do the same....Have a good time.

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

f8 and be there

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I suggest you buy a book from Steve Perry - Back Country Gallery. He's an accomplished wildlife photographer. It's a good deal.