Whether you are a novice, hobbyist, or professional, and no matter if it is your first African photo safari or the 100^th visit to Africa, the most essential item in your pack is the camera.  Having the perfect camera will make all the difference to the quality of wildlife photos you capture on an African photo safari.  Nevertheless, it doesn’t guarantee great images.

To capture those great images you need to know a little something about wildlife photography yourself.  You’ll still need to control the composition and depending on the conditions you will need to also control the exposure when your camera isn’t able to effectively expose the scene.  So even if you’re a novice on your first African photo safari it is still important to have the best camera and equipment available because when working with great equipment it will always tilt in your favor to capturing those great images you desire, wouldn’t you agree?

Should you purchase a Compact or DSLR for your African photo safari?

To answer that question you need to first determine how serious a photographer you are.

If you simply like to capture memories while on holiday and have the photos more for visual images for storytelling then a compact digital would in most cases suit you best.

However, if you are a little more serious with your photography and you wish to publish, sell, or simply develop larger prints for your own household then there is no question you should really consider a digital SLR.

The Best African Photo Safari Compact Cameras

Advantages of Compact cameras

• Low cost
• Lightweight and smaller in size
• One lens with long zoom range
• Image stabilization
• Easy to use, short learning curve
• Video recording function

Disadvantages of Compact cameras

• Shutter release button lag time
• Noise at higher ISO levels
• Slow power up time
• Small sensor which causes it to become ineffective in lower light

Although there are a great variety of high quality Compact cameras on the market today, they simply don’t measure up against the DSLR – especially in low-light situations (like dusk and dawn when the wildlife behavior in Africa is at its absolute best!).  Nevertheless, they are extremely adequate for safari photography and will get the job done.  Also, the image stabilization is a huge plus for novices and amateur professionals who excitement often times can result in blurry shots.  The image stabilization will reduce the chances for blur.

With Compact cameras it also means you don’t have to fumble around with changing lenses and possible wasting an opportunity as the wildlife disappeared into the bush.  It also cuts down on the amount of dust able to reach the sensor which can be an issue when changing the lenses.

A rather large disadvantage I find with Compact cameras is the lag time – from the time I press the shutter release button between the times the actual image is recorded.  It is possible to completely miss the shot, whether it is a hippo yawning or a bird leaving its perch the timing of image capture is essential.

As with all technology, Compact cameras are improving.

The Best Digital SLR African Photo Safari Cameras

Advantages of the DSLR

• No shutter release button lag time
• High ISO levels with low noise
• Quick power up
• Wide range of lens options
• Big sensor, works well in low light conditions
• Many accessories

Disadvantages of the DSLR

• High cost
• Steep learning curve
• Heavy and bulky

For African photo safari photography cameras are important, but even more important than the camera itself is the lens.  Your initial investment should be for a mediocre camera and a great lens.  Never should this sequence be reversed.  Your image results will always be much better when using a great lens.

Our advice, find the perfect, high quality safari lens first and purchase the entry-level DSLR camera that goes with it.  And by all means, if you have the deep pockets to upgrade on your first initial camera investment, do it.  You won’t regret the images you capture.

Check out our guided photography tours!