Cameras bring them or stick with phone

[KuduKiller]

I didn’t know how to do it until my son showed me,,,lol. It’s all about the shutter speed and being very still!

 

[J.Ogilvie]

I know that this is an old post, but I want to throw in my two cents as someone with a formal education in film/photography.

Please, please, please bring a camera! Smartphone cameras have come a long way, but there are things that they just can't do because of technological limitations. A dedicated camera (with good/decent lenses) will ensure that your memories are well-preserved.

 

[pc3]

I upgraded my camera and also helped my son obtain one as well.

We went for micro 4/3 format, I got an OM3 and my son an OM5, both with all round lens.

We took some nice pics, better than a phone would.

I have a hunt booked for may of this year and keep fighting if it be worth getting a stand alone camera. The camera I am thinking is the canon eos r50. I have a iphone 16 pro which has a solid camera but seems to not be great when zoomed in. Some of my concerns with it is its more I have to carry. ill already have the rifle bino pack im not sure I want to add more. and Its so easy to just flip a phone out my pocket. Looking for all advice as I'm new to cameras just not sure it be worth it or if ill use it over there.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

I brought my Nikon Z8 with 28-400mm lens with me on my recent Tuskless hunt in Zimbabwe. I did NOT carry it while hunting but my trusty Nikon was in the cruiser standing by. I also hired Untamed TV and Knives to film my hunt.

Why would I carry an expensive camera all the way to Africa when I had a professional camera man ready to film each and every event? I've got a good eye to capture the right light and compose scenes. Over my 10-day hunt, I shot 1,000 still photos and a couple dozen short videos. Vaughan Vosloo of Untamed asked me for my photos to integrate them into the hunt video he is producing. Two pairs or eyes or cameras are better than one.

If one reads my hunt report they will notice I max-ed out the limit of 48 photos in my first post! 90% of those were shot with my Nikon. A few were from my iPhone 15. Modern cell phones produce great snapshots. Modern cameras can produce even better photographs!

Thread 'ZIMBABWE: Tuskless Elephant With PH Johnny Russell'

Oct 11, 2025

Hunter: Mark Ouellette
Hunt: Tuskless elephant
Location: Chewore South safari area, Zimbabwe
When: 15 to 24 September 2025
Operator: @DALTON & YORK SAFARIS
Professional Hunter: Johnny Russell
Trackers: Chiedza, Luke, Boniface
Videographer: Vaughan Vosloo, Untamed Knife Company
My Camera: Nikon Z8 with a 28-400mm F4-8 Lense

The Goal: Tuskless, to be my first elephant
Elephant, the largest land animals on earth. Or, at least the bulls are. Tuskless are predominantly female and thus smaller than males but larger than other species, male or female. A large, old bull elephant will...

• Mark A Ouellette
• Replies: 43
• Forum: Hunting reports Africa

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[Kalthoff]

I have a hunt booked for may of this year and keep fighting if it be worth getting a stand alone camera. The camera I am thinking is the canon eos r50. I have a iphone 16 pro which has a solid camera but seems to not be great when zoomed in. Some of my concerns with it is its more I have to carry. ill already have the rifle bino pack im not sure I want to add more. and Its so easy to just flip a phone out my pocket. Looking for all advice as I'm new to cameras just not sure it be worth it or if ill use it over there.

On a recent hunting trip, I brought only the phone.

During the hunt I enjoyed the lighter load.

After the trip, when looking at the mobile-phone pictures, I regret not bringing the good camera and lenses.

 

[Longwalker]

If hunting on my own, 1x1 I would only bring a cell phone and make do with quick snapshots. I just can't hunt and photograph effectively at the same time.
One of the reasons I like hunting with a companion - 2 hunters, one PH ( 2x1) is the other person is designated the photographer. We take turns at hunting and photography, and so the hunt can proceed without distractions. The memories preserved with a good camera taking high quality photos is very worthwhile. And I like action shots with me in them!

 

[Sabre]

One thing that isn't mentioned that makes a big difference is what people do with the photos afterward. Many professionals or hobbyists will recommend taking the photos in RAW. Which preserves the most data and you can do more in editing software.

However, what is not discussed is that your phone heavily edits your photos with photo processing software on each photo. So, there is a decent chance a lot of your photos on your much nicer camera might not "pop" to you, the same way your photo on your iPhone does. This is likely because the iPhone photo has already been edited by the phone automatically, and your RAW photo on your Nikon or Canon has had no post photo editing.

I would be interested in hearing from people on here who take photos with the nicer cameras on safari, what software they use after the trip to edit to get the best images.

 

[Philip Glass]

I have a hunt booked for may of this year and keep fighting if it be worth getting a stand alone camera. The camera I am thinking is the canon eos r50. I have a iphone 16 pro which has a solid camera but seems to not be great when zoomed in. Some of my concerns with it is its more I have to carry. ill already have the rifle bino pack im not sure I want to add more. and Its so easy to just flip a phone out my pocket. Looking for all advice as I'm new to cameras just not sure it be worth it or if ill use it over there.

This is a personal decision. I don't think you have to carry it with you on the stalk. You can just take it for various nontrophy pics. I only carry an iPhone but I am a minimalist. Do what is best for you.