Need advice on choosing Camera for African Safari

[mrpink]

I live in Africa - I don't want to rent gear everytime I go out on an excursion, besides I doubt there is anywhere to rent from here in Tanzania.

If you plan on going multiple times, wouldn't that justify a larger budget?






p!nK

 

[Overread]

Ok, so what would be your recommendation out of the ones I have listed, or a similar one within the £300-£400 price range maximum?

Sadly I've no experience of them to really give you a firm recommendation - all I know is my sister has a Fuji something that works rather well. :blushing:. You might get luck with a salesman or comparing stats from shopping websites against each other - otherwise I can't really give much more advice on this kind of camera.

 

[Ron Evers]

I think a bridge camera (super Zoom) would be a best option for the OP.

 

[Powelly]

I think a bridge camera (super Zoom) would be a best option for the OP.

Any recommendations Ron?

 

[PJL]

DPReview did a pretty comprehensive assessment of several different superzooms:

'Super Zoom' Camera Group Test (Q2 2010) Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

 

[Powelly]

After checking pictures of the camera's in my original price range, they all seem to be very blurry when zoomed in. However, my favourite was the Lumix FZ45.

Could someone let me know what kind of price I would be looking at for a better setup? Maybe I can buy a Digital SLR for now, and then get the zoom at a later date? I am an amateur at all this, but have so many great photograph opportunities where I am living, so want to take advantage of this

 

[Ron Evers]

I think a bridge camera (super Zoom) would be a best option for the OP.

Any recommendations Ron?

I recommended the Panasonic FZ35 to an acquaintance, she bought the Nikon P100. They live in a rural area without camera shops only access to box stores. The Canon SX20 IS or the Nikon P100 would be good choices if one cannot find the Panasonic FZ35.

Now outdated, I still use my Canon S5 IS.

 

[Powelly]

Should I be looking for something more like this?
Canon EOS 500D Digital SLR Camera: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Please someone advise

 

[Ron Evers]

Should I be looking for something more like this?
Canon EOS 500D Digital SLR Camera: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Please someone advise

You will need an additional lens with that camera, a telephoto, to shoot distant objects whereas with a bridge/super zoom you have an all-in-one where you do not have to change lenses for near & far shots. With wildlife, the shot can be gone while you change lenses. You must decide what want.

 

[Overread]

Like I said most of the superzoom/bridge camera bodies will have around 400mm or more in focal length with their built in lenses. To get that with the 500D you'd also have to invest in something like a Sigma 120-400mm (cheap east way I know to get to 400mm with modern lenses).

 

[Shadow1288]

(sorry if this is an old post - cant figure out which way the date is .. think its month then day but anywho...)
I am new on this forum and have recently bought the Fujifilm Finepix HS10 bridge camera. I know it's not a DSLR and such but it is of a reasonable price and It was recommended to me as a good starter camera for getting used to the settings and such.
Powelly I understand your problem with zoom and your limited price range and the Canon EOS 500D ive heard to be a great camera, although as far as I could find, a tad more expensive than £300, (it was the one I was looking at, but was restricted by price).
On the zoom front I would recommend the HS10 as it has a huge zoom capacity and the images as I have currently found are very clear.

I borrowed this from another post and found if very interesting - Fujifilm Finepix HS10 / HS11 review Photo Gallery by Jacky Lee at pbase.com

Dont know if any of that helped ..... Just me blabbing on...