cameras

[sgt_zim]

I'm looking for a camera, preferably something used, for my upcoming safari.

I used to be a fair hand with regular 35mm cameras, but I'm looking for a digital camera (other than my cell phone), something in the $300 - 500 price range, with a bit of zoom on it. I don't know the first thing about modern digital cameras, and since the missus is probably going to have the responsibility of taking the pics, needs to be something fairly simple.

I'm told Canon has some good choices, but I've no real idea what to look for.

 

[poco]

I'm looking for a camera, preferably something used, for my upcoming safari.

I used to be a fair hand with regular 35mm cameras, but I'm looking for a digital camera (other than my cell phone), something in the $300 - 500 price range, with a bit of zoom on it. I don't know the first thing about modern digital cameras, and since the missus is probably going to have the responsibility of taking the pics, needs to be something fairly simple.

I'm told Canon has some good choices, but I've no real idea what to look for.

I use a old cannon it has zoom , video capabilities, lighting/ flashing
buy a 30g card and it’s pretty much all I need for my outfitting season

 

[rookhawk]

I'm looking for a camera, preferably something used, for my upcoming safari.

I used to be a fair hand with regular 35mm cameras, but I'm looking for a digital camera (other than my cell phone), something in the $300 - 500 price range, with a bit of zoom on it. I don't know the first thing about modern digital cameras, and since the missus is probably going to have the responsibility of taking the pics, needs to be something fairly simple.

I'm told Canon has some good choices, but I've no real idea what to look for.

This is self serving and above your purchase target, but I just posted a barely used Leica D-Lux typ 109 in the classifieds today for a lot less than they sell for used on the auctions. It takes a world class picture and has a lens way better than the typical sub compact SLRs. Takes good video too. Used on one safari. Paid around $1400-$1500, I'm asking $800 with all the accessories, box, papers, yadda yadda.

Whatever you decide, it must be a subcompact or you just won't use it. If its a full size SLR, the pics suck if you're not dropping big money on grey canon lenses and going pro, nor is it so handy you're carrying it always to get good candid action shots.

 

[Rare Breed]

I use a old cannon it has zoom , video capabilities, lighting/ flashing
buy a 30g card and it’s pretty much all I need for my outfitting season

I have a Canon Rebel with three different lenses that serves me well from landscape to close ups

 

[Joker12]

I can vouch for the Canon G7 compact as being an outstanding camera. There have been National Geographic pros who use it as a backup and have had photos in the magazine taken with it. They still make several versions of it and a used G7 should be easy to find.

 

[Mike Van Horn]

I just purchased a Canon SX740 HS. 40x OptiCal zoom. It’s a point and shoot, easy and quick to use. Sure like mine, take a look at them

 

[JimP]

I picked up a Canon PowerShot SX50 for my first hunt. It has both a standard zoom along with a digital zoom.

It takes great pictures

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi,

To me no other than an Olympus TG. I still have and use the TG1, bought in 2013. Now the serie is in the TG 7. Super tough, totally sealed, truly underwater camera, great optics.
Good luck!

CF

 

[sgt_zim]

Hi,

To me no other than an Olympus TG. I still have and use the TG1, bought in 2013. Now the serie is in the TG 7. Super tough, totally sealed, truly underwater camera, great optics.
Good luck!

CF

Based on the recommendation of @375 Ruger Fan , I went ahead and picked up a used Sony Alpha a5000, plus a 55-210 to go with the 16-50.

I'm expecting the missus to have a pretty stout case of empty nest syndrome in about 18 months, plus we are going to RSA in August. Her only current hobby is watching Fox news, murder porn, and (she reminded me last night when I told her the camera is really for her) reality TV cooking shows (mostly baking, even though I'm the pastry chef in this house).

 

[Luminous Ham]

Just my five cents: don't know about cameras as such, but you really want some good optical zoom for a safari, they are not all just next to the car.

 

[sgt_zim]

Just my five cents: don't know about cameras as such, but you really want some good optical zoom for a safari, they are not all just next to the car.

Yeah, that's why I went with the Sony - based on the recommendation, I knew which additional zoom lens to buy.

 

[CJW]

Good call on the longer lens. No matter the camera you'll always find a need for more zoom.

Don't forget a few extra batteries, extra charger and a bunch of SD cards. The great thing about digital is being able to snap as many photos as you want and deleting the undesirables later.

Maybe sign her up for some photography classes or find someone to give her some pointers.

 

[Altitude sickness]

The quality in affordable compact cameras is amazing
My favorite is a Leica, but they are all good now. It’s more of a matter of ergonomics and ease of use, intuitive use is mandatory.