The question then arises: which Cameras For Safari In Africa?
There are a number of things to consider when looking for the Best Cameras For Safari In Africa. This post isn’t meant for professional photographers – if you’re at that level, chances are you already have in mind which one will fit your needs.
What is the best camera for safari?
Table of Contents
This is probably one of the first questions a traveler to Africa will ask after booking a safari. If you are going on safari, we recommend that you bring a decent camera.
However, there is a certain excitement that comes with the pictures you take on safari.
It also allows you to safely share your wildlife experience with friends and family back home. There are a few things to consider when looking for the best safari camera. This article is not intended for professional photographers. If you are probably at that level, you probably have your own ideal safari camera image.
Best Cameras For Safari In Africa | Comparison Table 2022
Top Quality | 5 Star Pick | Great Prices
Image | Title | Buy | |
---|---|---|---|
Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV with 0.03 Second Auto-Focus & 25x Optical Zoom (DSC-RX10M4) | Sony | Check Price | |
Canon Powershot SX60 16.1MP Digital Camera 65x Optical Zoom Lens 3-inch LCD Tilt Screen (Black) | Canon | Check Price | |
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera, 18.1 Megapixel Video Camera, 60X Zoom DC VARIO 20-1200mm Lens, F2.8-5.9 Aperture, Power O.I.S. Stabilization, Touch Enabled 3-Inch LCD, Wi-Fi, DC-FZ80K (Black) | Panasonic | Check Price | |
Nikon COOLPIX P900 Digital Camera (Black) | Nikon | Check Price | |
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Digital Camera (Black) with Accessory Bundle - Includes: SanDisk Ultra 64GB SDXC Memory Card, Replacement Battery, Full Size Tripod, Carrying Case & More | Canon | Check Price | |
Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Red | Olympus | Check Price | |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Black Body with Black M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens Kit | Olympus | Check Price | |
Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens, 64GB Memory,Case, Tripod and More (28pc Bundle) | Canon | Check Price | |
Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens + 64GB Card, Tripod, Flash, 3 Piece Filter Kit, Case, and More | Nikon Intl | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Cameras For Safari In Africa | 2022 Products Overview
1. Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV Best Cameras For Safari In Africa
- World’s Fastest AF acquisition speed of 0.03 sec. Optical image stabilization technology developed by Sony is valuable for handheld still and movie shooting, especially in low light or at the ultra-telephoto end of the zoom range up to 600 mm
- 315 phase-detection AF points covering Approx. 65% of the frame. Light etering mode- Multi pattern, centre weighted, spot (Standard/Large), entire screen average, highlight
- ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24-600mm3 F2.4-F4 ultra-zoom Lens
- 20.1 MP 1 back Illuminated Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor w/ DRAM. Dimensions (W x H x D) (CIPA) -5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 5 3/4 inches, 5 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 5 1/8 inches (from front of lens to monitor). Weight-2 pounds 6.7 ounce (Battery and SDXC Card included) / Approx. 2 pounds 5.1 ounces) (Body Only)
- 24 Fps4 continuous shooting up to 249 frames with AF/AE tracking. Filter diameter:62 mm.
2. Canon Powershot SX60 Cameras For Safari In Africa
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC allows wireless transferring of images and video
- 16.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch high-sensitivity CMOS sensor combined with DIGIC 6 image processor (Canon HS SYSTEM)
- 65x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom and 260x combined zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
- Bright 3-inch vari-angle LCD plus an electronic viewfinder | Capture stunning 1080p HD video in MP4 format with a dedicated movie button and zoom while shooting.
3. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Cameras For Safari In Africa
- Point and Shoot Long Zoom Camera: 18.1 megapixel MOS sensor plus 60X zooms DC Vario lens (20 1220 millimeter and Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) captures far off moments
- High Resolution View Finder and LCD Display: High resolution 1,170K dot view finder and rear touch enabled 3 inch LCD Display (1040 dots) are clear even in bright sunlight. Lens:14 elements in 12 groups
- 4K video Capture: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160) with three unique 4K ultra HD video pause and save 4K photo modes extracts individual high resolution Photos from 4K ultra HD video filmed at 30 frames per second to capture split second moments
- Low Light Performance: Low light capture lets you enjoy photography during your nightlife again with impressive results; Note: Refer to user manual PDF attached below in technical specification for trouble shooting steps are on page 54
- USB Charging and Wi-Fi Connectivity: Enjoy travel ready technologies like USB charging and Wi Fi connectivity to your mobile device; HDMI D (Micro), Micro USB and USB 2.0 provide additional connectivity to your favorite devices; Max resolution: 4896 x 3672
4. Nikon COOLPIX P900
- 16MP CMOS sensor; 6 level brightness adjustment
- 24 2000-millimeter 35-millimeter equivalent focal length. Sensor size: 1/2.3 inch
- 83x optical zoom Nikkor super ED VR lens
- Vari angle TFT Lcd screen
- Electronic viewfinder. Highest ISO sensitivity: 6400
- Full HD 1080/60p video
- Built In Wi Fi, NFC, and GP
- 166x dynamic fine zoom, 332x Digi zoom
5. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- Includes 1-Year Seller Warranty and All Standard Canon Accessories that comes in Canon box
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III Digital Camera -20.2MP 1 Stacked CMOS Sensor - DIGIC 8 Image Processor - 4.2x Optical Zoom f/1.8-f/2.8 Lens - 24-100mm (35mm Equivalent) - 3.0 1.04m-Dot Tilting LCD Touchscreen - UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p video recording - Bluetooth and Wi-Fi - ISO 12800, up to 20 fps Shooting - Intelligent IS Image Stabilization - Physical control rings and control dials
- 64GB U3 V30 Class 10 SDXC MEMORY CARD- Take better pictures and Full HD/4K videos with your compact to mid-range point and shoot camera or camcorder. With UHS-I cards you’ll benefit from faster downloads and better performance to capture and store up to 64GB of high quality pictures and Full HD video. Take advantage of ultra-fast read speeds of up to 90MB/s to save time moving photos and videos from the card to your computer.
- Flexible Spider Tripod - Ergonomic handgrip allows you to record smooth videos and take steady photos + Canon NB-13L Battery, Canon Battery Charger CB-2LH + Replacement Battery + Camera Gadget Bag Camera Case, Card Reader USB 2.0 and Starter kit with Lens Pen and Rubber Air Blower
- SLR/Photo/Video Rechargeable LED Light - 36 Color corrected, cool running LED lights for even natural lighting, 40 Watts equivalent, 5600K color temperature, Slim design, consistent illumination, Hot shoe mount for use with all camcorders, cameras, or brackets
6. Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera
- New 12 megapixel Hi speed image sensor for improved low light performance and noise reduction
- Underwater compensation: 2 EV to +2 EV (in 1/3 EV steps); Bright F2.0 high speed lens; Video recording format: MOV(MPEG 4AVC/H.264)
- Dual quad core TruePic VIII image processor 3.0 inches 460k Dot LCD monitor; Focus range normal: 3.94 inches (10 centimeter) to infinit macro: 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) to infinity
- Field sensor system with GPS, manometer, compass, and temperature sensors
- Waterproof to 50 feet, F, dust proof, crush proof to 220 lbf, Shockproof from 7 feet, freeze proof to 14 degrees, anti fog lens, dust proof: IP6X
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
- 20 MP Live MOS Sensor
- Always-on connection and background connection via Bluetooth & OI Share Smartphone app
- Flip-down monitor and dedicated Selfie mode. Selfie mode automatically turns on when monitor is flipped down
- In-Body 5-Axis Image Stabilization capable of 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensation
- 16 Art Filters (31 types). Includes new Instant Film for a nostalgic feel
- Digital zoom: 2.0 multiplier_x
- Image stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Optical zoom: 3.0 multiplier_x
- Video capture resolution: 4K DCI 2160p
9. Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera
- This Bundle Includes: SanDisk 64GB Class 10 SD Memory Card , 3 Piece Filter Kit , Deluxe Camera Gadget Bag , 50 inch Professional Tripod , Lens Pen Lens Cap Keeper , Slave Flash , Memory Card Wallet + Nikon Original Battery, Charger , Eye Cup , Neck Strap , Lens & Body Caps + 1 Year Seller Supplied Warranty :
- Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera Body (Import Model)- DX-format 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor , EXPEED 4 Image Processor , No Optical Low-Pass Filter , Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting , 3.0 921k-Dot LCD Monitor , Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps , Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF System , SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity , Guide Mode and Special Effects , Full HD 1920 x 1080p movie recording , Built-in pop-up flash , Active D-Lighting , In-Camera Image Editing , Built-in pop-up flash
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens - F-Mount Lens/DX Format ,27-82.5mm (35mm Equivalent) , Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/38 , Two Aspherical Elements , Super Integrated Coating , Pulse Stepping Motor AF System ,VR Image Stabilization , Access Lens Settings in Camera Menu , Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm , Two aspherical elements , AF-P pulse motor , retractable lens barrel
- Compact, easy to use, and versatile are all traits of the Nikon D3500, which is designed to be as flexible and intuitive as possible, while still offering the imaging capabilities you expect from a DSLR. Utilizing a DX-format 24.2MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor, the D3500 provides a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-25600 to suit working in a variety of lighting conditions
- The 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 processor work together to produce overall high image quality with notable detail, dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light sensitivity to a native ISO 25600. Additionally, the sensors design omits an optical low-pass filter in order to acquire the greatest sharpness and detail from subjects
What features to consider while Choosing The Best Cameras For Safari In Africa 2022 | Detailed Guide
Here are the features to keep in mind when choosing Best Cameras For Safari In Africa.
Robustness and tropicalization
The African grasslands can be a rough place for humans and animals, but even more so for our technological equipment. Dust and debris aren’t the only risks you can take on your adventure. Rain is another factor to consider, even during the dry season, when there is a risk of heavy downpours. Choosing a waterproof camera can save you on more than one occasion. The last factor to consider is not related to time, but to the type of your trip: choosing a sturdy car will reduce damage in the event of an accidental fall.
Weight and size.
If you are not planning to check in your equipment, you will need to stick to weight limits (especially if you want to take souvenirs home). Therefore, your camera will need to be as light as possible. This will also reduce the pressure on the neck as most safaris last most of the day and/or several days. Finally, a lighter camera will likely be smaller as well, and less conspicuous for thieves and pickpockets. Of course, with a lighter camera, you’ll have to sacrifice more features. You will need to find a balance between weight and image quality.
Lenses
Lenses are the most important element in wildlife photography. Even if you buy a good camera, you will not be able to take close-ups of wildlife with a wide-angle lens.
Many cameras allow you to interchange lenses with a wide range of focal lengths to capture wide landscapes or tight close-ups. Lens distance, or zoom, is important when photographing wildlife.
The distance of the lens is called the focal length. Focal lengths are measured in millimeters, with short focal lengths (<5mm) being wide-angle and long focal lengths (135mm<) being tight zoom lens images.
Choice of goal.
In this context, your photography will mainly target animals and landscapes. The better the zoom, the better the shots that will have animals as subjects. If you want great photos, you need to choose a lens that allows you to take close-ups of unapproachable animals, such as an African lion hunting. Choose a camera/lens that allows you to capture details that are lost with the naked eye.
On the other hand, African safaris offer photographic opportunities for beautiful and unspoiled landscapes. If you want to capture these scenarios, you need a camera that has a wide-angle lens.
However, the larger the angle of the lens, the smaller the zoom. What should a safari-goer in Africa do? You don’t have to choose: the idea is to bring two lenses, a wide-angle and a telephoto lens (fixed or zoom. Of course, not all cameras have interchangeable lenses. For this function, we recommend a reflex or mirrorless camera. camera (like GoPro) does not have zoom and lens add-ons.
Frames per second (FPS)
. The FPS is an important factor to consider when the context is that of the “photo hunt”. That value indicates the number of frames taken by the camera per second: the higher it is, the less chance you will have of losing action scenes.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The Wi-Fi connection opens up interesting possibilities, because it not only allows you to connect your smartphone to the camera and transfer images, but also to control it remotely via the app, thus adjusting zoom, white balance, AF point, ISO, compensation of the exposure and, of course, shutter release.
Battery life.
Always check how many shots your model can take with a battery, so you don’t end up with the camera turning off at its best. Bring a good supply of batteries with you (better if you have a battery grip available), but don’t forget a power bank, because many modern-generation cameras can be recharged with a simple USB cable.
Sensors.
When it comes to details, the image sensor is key. Capture the light when taking a photo. Larger sensors, which capture more light, mean better photos full of lifelike color and detail. Full-frame and APS-C sensors are of the best quality.
Targets.
Wildlife photography will generally take you to photograph from afar. Using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with an interchangeable zoom or telephoto lens offers better detail and quality. Zoom lenses with longer focal lengths (mm) will give the best results.
Automatic fire.
An autofocus (AF) system helps the camera focus on the subject. Multiple focal points follow the subject as it moves along the frame. This is especially important when you want to photograph a fast-moving animal.
Weather protection.
Both DSLR and mirrorless cameras are available with weather protection. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, photographing in rain, hail, and snow, this is a good option.
Manual settings.
To gain skills in wildlife photography, you need to develop proper control of your camera, just like a rock star plays an electric guitar. And for that, you need manual settings for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
How to photograph animals: 3 golden rules
Photographing wildlife comes with many challenges. As each species is different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. These wildlife photography tips should help, however.
- Don’t get too close. Wildlife photographers use the telephoto or zoom lens for a reason. Getting too close can be dangerous. Remember that at all times they do the best they can to survive predators.
- Let them come towards you. Likewise, don’t get close to wild animals. Keep a safe distance and observe them until you frame them.
- Show respect. You are in their territory. Always respect wild animals and their habitat and ask for permits when needed.
Working in different environments at different times
Wild animals do not follow office hours. Some species come out at night, others wake up with the sun. Here’s how you can get better results at different times.
During the day
The light changes throughout the day. Shots at sunrise will be different from shots at sunset. During the day, the best time to photograph is during what photographers call the golden hour. The golden hour appears twice, not once, just after sunrise and just before sunset. What makes it special is the warm soft light that makes your photos look great.
At night
After sunset and before sunrise, it gets more complicated. Photography is all about light and after sunset it is scarce. To avoid using the flash, you can adjust the camera settings. A slower shutter speed lets more light into the camera to compensate for the darkness, but you will need a tripod to stabilize the camera.
Patience is the key to successful wildlife photography
There are so many details in this guide. But the key point for any aspiring wildlife photographer is this: patience is a virtue. You have to follow the animals, spend time setting up the cameras and wait for them to come out to shoot. It could take hours, even days. Wildlife photographers are familiar with the waiting game. If you want to master this art, you have to learn it too.
How to Become a Professional Wildlife Photographer
To become a professional wildlife photographer, you need to invest, have skill, patience, and luck. Many specialists are hidden amateurs who leave on weekends with their cameras. To become a professional, you must:
Create a profile. Open an Instagram profile focused solely on your work. Post often and consider promoting your content to other photographers.
Participate in contests. Contests for wildlife photography range from larger ones like National Geographic to local ones. Participate in everyone.
Read all the time. The network boasts a rich archive of expert guides written by professional photographers – read them and learn. See the latest wildlife shots taken by creatives from around the world on the Behance Network.
Practice continuously. Spend as much time as possible outside with your camera. Explore different landscapes and different species.
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