Which Digital Camera for Wildlife Safaris?

tpowell

I am not looking for professional images at the moment, just want to step up from my current Samsung PL55, which is a small beginners camera which gave me very blurry photographs when I used the built-in zoom.

Which one would you most recommend out of these, or an alternative?:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-14-1MP-Digital-Camera/dp/B003WOKU4W/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00342UTQ6/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_d0_i5?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1Y6HMXA9JT40ME3KWX5Q&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=219600407&pf_rd_i=468294
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-Lumix-TZ10-Digital-Camera/dp/B0031MA0ZE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291470488&sr=1-1
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77764/show.html?cm_re=011010-_-Home-_-DSLR_a290
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/77970/show.html
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/75886/show.html

Thanks in advance

victor2

Good selection there, wondered if the Sony cameras would come into the discussion as they are also highly rated. The Sony and Canon models have removable lenses, probably better optics quality as well. I would ask if you really want to go that way. Dust is the enemy there and to capture the type of shots you typically will get the opportunity for on a safari, a good zoom lens will be required, which will jump the cost up significantly.
I have an earlier/lower model Fuji than the one you're considering and have been very pleased with it. I particularly liked the fact that it runs on AA batteries, so buying extra ones and a charger was a simple matter. Against it (and the one linked to here) is the longest shutter time of 4 seconds, which is useless if you fancy trying some night photography. The lumix has a 60 second maximum, which is much more useful. Batteries are not such an issue really, so long as you have a spare and keep it charged.
If I had to eliminate one, it would be the lumix TZ10. The FZ45 has better spec for only a slightly higher cost.

tpowell

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?

AuntyCat

Thanks for all the advice, I just ordered the FZ45. got a god price at pixmania through quidco (6% cashback & voucher code)

Can't wait to get it now.

tpowell

AuntyCat wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice, I just ordered the FZ45. got a god price at pixmania through quidco (6% cashback & voucher code)

Can't wait to get it now.

What price did you get it at there?

AuntyCat

£280 for the camera. 8GB card, mini tripod & bag.
There soukd be £15 ish back from Quidco.

I'm pleased with that. I wish we'd had it when we did safari in Kenya, going to Cuba soon so will be able to get some great sots there. Can't wait, for the camera & the holiday!

tpowell

AuntyCat wrote: »

£280 for the camera. 8GB card, mini tripod & bag.
There soukd be £15 ish back from Quidco.

I'm pleased with that. I wish we'd had it when we did safari in Kenya, going to Cuba soon so will be able to get some great sots there. Can't wait, for the camera & the holiday!

Ah cool, its cheaper on Amazon but without the added goodies!

AuntyCat

Yea, I checked out Amazon but you need the card & bag really, the tripod was an idea as we never have foto's of us together.
Let me know what you end up with.
The Quidco cashback has tracked already.

tpowell

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

[Deleted User]

tpowell - this site may help you http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/

You are going to get more 'reach' (zoom) for your money with a bridge camera, even though ultimately the quality won't be as good. However; it won't be bad either.

If you are thinking SLRs, it may be worth finding the lens you want first, then work backwards to what camera to put it on (ultimately, you're buying and SLR for the bigger sensor and the better access to lenses)

Here's a few lenses that i found which are budget, and have a good reach:
Sony Alpha 75-300mm
Canon EF-S 55-250mm
Nikon AF-S 55-200mm

Personally, i'd be looking at the canon system (I have a Panasonic SLR and the range of lenses is less and more expensive, so i use old manual focus lenses.. i have a 300mm prime lens that only cost 30 quid)

You could always get the Canon EOS 1000D (with a 18-55 kit lens) for £335 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001TOD3YG) and tie it with that 55-250mm zoom, and you've got a really large range of zoom for about £485. Add in a 50mm f1.8 for £78 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-Lens-50-1-8-II/dp/B00007E7JU) and you'd have a nice photography kit.

Sadly, SLRs aren't the cheapest way to take pictures