Which camera to bring to the jungle? (Page 5): The Panasonic LUMIX line has some great P&S telephotos..ll.lthe ZS40 takes great photos with 30x optical and 60x dig.

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

marram101 wrote:

Hi....I'm going to Africa for 3 weeks this summer. I'd like to buy a small, not a SLR or mirrorless camera, to take good photos while running around the jungle. I like the enthusiast compact cameras (Canon G15,Pany Lumix FZ-1000,etc.) but would like to have one with greater telephoto range. What cameras would you recommend?

The Panasonic LUMIX line has some great P&S telephotos..ll.lthe ZS40 takes great photos with 30x optical and 60x dig.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

marram101 wrote:

Hi....I'm going to Africa for 3 weeks this summer. I'd like to buy a small, not a SLR or mirrorless camera, to take good photos while running around the jungle. I like the enthusiast compact cameras (Canon G15,Pany Lumix FZ-1000,etc.) but would like to have one with greater telephoto range. What cameras would you recommend?

The Panasonic Lumix series as others have said should do well enough for the situation.
In the actual jungle you do not see far so a wide capability would be needed. But if there is mountainous terrain as in many of the jungles I have been in there are many opportunities for long shots. Also many exotic birds need a long lens even though you are relatively close.
So yes, a wide range lens is very much needed and if not weather protected bring something to protect the camera.
Finally, Yes there are many types of jungles don't let the naysayers dirvert you. Have a great trip and enjoy the "Jungle"

Dsrapa Loc: Outside of nyc

Jungle, plains, wooded areas and all in between, leopards in trees require telephoto. Hippo running down road, telephoto and fast shutter. Baboons mating - telephoto and good video, monkeys stealing your
Lunch, sense of humor and Fast camera. Lion staring you down in the road, steady hands and telephoto to get the teeth when he smiles.
LUMIX PandS and bridge caught all and more.
Terrain in africa varies from minute To minute, mile to mile. So you need to be prepared. And quick.

PattyBWest Loc: Jacksonville, FL

boberic wrote:

"Jungles" are no more dangerous to cameras or people than many cities around the world. At least the animals in Africa won't steal your gear. For that matter any beach on a windy day can do more harm to a lens or camera body than any jungle.

I had to laugh at this statement. When I went to South Africa in 2012, we spent nearly a week within Kruger National Park, staying within the park at various designated camps along the way. On one morning we were loading our cars to go out for the day's drive and as fast as one of our members was loading his car, Baboons came running up and actually did begin to steal items from his car. (He left the door open for about 2 minutes.) Took about 30 minutes to collect his gear. Thanks for the reminder of this memory.

Paul J. Svetlik Loc: Colorado

Several choices for a practical pocket bridge camera:
18 megapixels, RAW, 24-720 mm zoom and the most important, electronic viefinder (EVF).
My preferred choice for such a trip would probably be:

Panasonic DMC Lumix ZS 40 (about $ 400.00)

Have a good trip!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Earworms wrote:

Do you know the way to San Jose?

No, Ive been away too long!! :lol:
SS

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Mogul wrote:

You idiot!
Who buys fleas anymore? 8-) 8-) 8-)

Yes, that's what my wife called me when I excitedly proclaimed I had just bought a circus!! :lol:
SS

MontanaTrace

Architect1776 wrote:

The Panasonic Lumix series as others have said sho... (show quote)

Good reasons for a bridge camera.

Jolly Roger Loc: Dorset. UK

I'm curious if this is a serious question from the O.P.
I asked two or three pages ago which countries will be visited. To date no response to either my question or any response to the many comments made over five pages.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Jolly Roger wrote:

I'm curious if this is a serious question from the O.P.
I asked two or three pages ago which countries will be visited. To date no response to either my question or any response to the many comments made over five pages.

I could be wrong, but I thought Tanzania came up somewhere in the thread. Still, most of the advice covered wetlands to desert, plains to mountains, and wet season to dry season. I guess O.P.will just have to figure which advice applies to the trip.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Jolly Roger wrote:

I'm curious if this is a serious question from the O.P.
I asked two or three pages ago which countries will be visited. To date no response to either my question or any response to the many comments made over five pages.

If you check the OP has started 5 topics with a total of 6 posts (2 on one of his own topics). Just doesn't seem to be into conversation, goes the ask a question and then read the replies route.

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

robertjerl wrote:

If you check the OP has started 5 topics with a total of 6 posts (2 on one of his own topics). Just doesn't seem to be into conversation, goes the ask a question and then read the replies route.

With all the name calling that goes on around here, is it any wonder why some might refrain from protracted conversations?

Jolly Roger Loc: Dorset. UK

robertjerl wrote:

If you check the OP has started 5 topics with a total of 6 posts (2 on one of his own topics). Just doesn't seem to be into conversation, goes the ask a question and then read the replies route.

If you are correct it is unfortunate, taking into account the wealth of knowledge by the members here. I myself having worked in Africa for twenty plus years.