Camera for safari advice

[Richprins]

haha....I see on Bushcraft's report it is used for taking leopard pics from a bridge!

[RobertT]

You get bridge binoculars too RP.

[Alf]

Sometimes you get bridge baboons too

[Flutterby]

[Bushcraft]

What the hell is a bridge camera?

A bridge camera is the camera you use to catch things speeding over a bridge, hence the name bridge camera

Whahahahaha Don't confuse RP

[Bushcraft]

Jokes aside, I know from my experience that although I would still get good pics with my bridge camera, moving back to a DSLR was a noticeable step up in image quality - particularly in low light situations or when animals were moving (better high ISO on a DSLR and much better autofocus for moving subjects). But... budget often has a lot to play in these decisions unfortunately. Otherwise I'd be walking round with a R125k lens

Hundreds I don't have the best DSLR setup due to budget and admittedly I don't really know how to use the thing properly I agree with all of the above though. The SX50 (have the SX40 and the SX60 also - rats use them) falls down big time in low light conditions and moving subjects (almost unusable) The best bridge with a good zoom in the Canon range is the SX50 for image quality, the SX60 is a major disappointment.

I want the 70D and the Tamron 600mm lens, but need to hit the lotto first

[Lisbeth]

I still have the Cannon SX20 and it takes nice pics, but has a lot of technical faults and when I dropped it on the floor and is keeping it together with an elastic I think it is time to change After having read here, I think I'll go for the SX50. The bigger zoom will be useful with the birds and they will probably have improved the technical side. I have lost so many possible great opportunities because it goes "blank" for a fraction of a second before focusing, when you are zooming

[smithsonian]

I agree with Flutterby - a DSLR is best. As your photography improves and you visit the parks more often you will want the options the DSLR provides. I currently shoot with the Nikon D7100 and Sigma C 150-600mm lens - great combo for African safaris! Looking at the new Nikon D500 body...

[Richprins]

Hello, smithy!

What is a bridge camera, and what excatly is DSLR?

[smithsonian]

There were primarily two types of cameras - point and shoot with very limited control over aperture, shutter speed etc. and then DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex) with full control over everything. The Bridge camera is inbetween the two - it provides some manual control but still lacks some things the DSLR has such as interchangeable lenses. The Bridge sits between these two and is for people who want to progress from a P&S but don't want to plunge right into a DSLR - basically bridging the way to a DSLR if the need is there.