Home » Wildlife Photography » Gear » Cameras » Best Wildlife Photography Cameras for an African Safari
Written by Antonio Cala.
Capturing great wildlife photos requires the right equipment, and choosing the right camera for an African safari can be a daunting task. With so many camera options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best for wildlife photography.
I’ve been to over 50 safaris in Africa until this point, and I’ve met many professional wildlife photographers, each of them using their own set of camera bodies and lenses to shoot wildlife.
Even though everyone has their own preferences, there are several factors to consider, including image quality, lens options, autofocus capabilities, and durability that are important for a safari. The camera should be able to capture high-quality images with fast autofocus and have a rugged, weather-sealed body to withstand the harsh conditions of the African wilderness. Additionally, the camera should have a long battery life and be able to shoot at high speeds to capture fast-moving animals.
That’s just the start. In this article we’ll dive into the details of what makes a camera a great option for an African safari.
For a complete analysis, make sure to check out the ultimate guide to wildlife photography cameras.
Feel free to check out this list of our favorite cameras to take on a safari in Africa, or continue scrolling to see our full list with in-depth reviews.
Our Pick For
The Absolute Best Camera for an African Safari
The Canon EOS R3 is a top-tier professional mirrorless camera renowned for its exceptional capabilities in wildlife photography. Its advanced and accurate autofocus system and impressive low-light performance make it our preferred choice for an African safari.
The camera’s remarkable autofocus system, high ISO performance, and rapid continuous shooting capabilities make it ideal for capturing fast-moving wildlife in various lighting conditions. The camera’s 24.1 effective megapixels and impressive image detail further enhance its suitability for wildlife photography.
Pros:
Cons:
The Canon EOS R3‘s combination of cutting-edge technology, exceptional autofocus performance, high ISO performance, and high-speed shooting capabilities makes it the best choice for wildlife photographers planning a safari trip to Africa.
Our Pick For
Best Mid-Range Camera for a Safari
The Sony Alpha 7R III camera is our preferred choice for an African safari if you cannot afford the price tag of the Canon R3.
This camera offers a great performance, with its 10 frames per second continuous shooting capability, its famous autofocus system (especially handy for animals in motion) and its impressive ISO range for the price.
Pros:
Cons:
In summary, the Sony Alpha 7R III is the best deal for photographers planning a trip to Africa and want a high performing camera with a more reasonable price range than the other top-tier options.
Our Pick For
Best Budget Camera for a Safari
The Nikon COOLPIX P1000 stands out as the ultimate budget camera option for safaris, offering unparalleled zoom capabilities and advanced features tailored for capturing far away subjects. With its 3000mm super telephoto lens, this camera allows photographers to zoom in on wildlife from great distances, providing frame-filling images that were previously unattainable with traditional lenses.
Pros:
Cons:
In conclusion, the Nikon COOLPIX P1000 emerges as the top choice for people on a budget planning a safari trip in Africa.
Best Cameras for an African Safari
- |
Canon EOS R3 |
Sony Alpha 7R III |
Nikon COOLPIX P1000 |
---|---|---|---|
CAMERA |
|
|
|
BEST FOR |
Absolute Best |
Middle Range |
Budget |
BODY |
Mirrorless |
Mirrorless |
Mirrorless |
PRICE |
$$$ |
$$ |
$ |
WEIGHT |
1.81 lbs |
1.45 lbs |
3.12 lbs |
ISO |
100-102,400 |
100–32,000 |
100-6,400 |
MEGAPIXELS |
24.1 MP |
42.4 MP |
16.0 MP |
BURST RATE |
Up to 30fps |
Up to 10fps |
Up to 7fps |
AUTOFOCUS POINTS |
1053 |
399 |
N/A |
|
The size of the camera’s sensor plays a significant role in image quality. A larger sensor can capture more light, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos. Full-frame cameras are the most popular choice for wildlife photography, but they can be quite expensive. APS-C cameras are a more affordable option and still offer excellent image quality.
African safaris can be harsh environments, so it’s essential to choose a camera that can withstand the elements. Look for cameras with robust build quality and weather sealing to protect against dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Many cameras are designed specifically for wildlife photography and come with features like reinforced bodies and sealed buttons.
Battery life is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a camera for safari photography. A camera with a long battery life will allow you to capture more photos without worrying about running out of power. It’s also essential to consider the availability of power sources on safari. Many wildlife reserves and lodges have limited access to electricity, so it’s a good idea to bring extra batteries or a portable power bank.
One of the most important features for wildlife photography is a fast and accurate autofocus system. This is particularly important when photographing animals in motion, as you need to be able to quickly and accurately track your subject. Look for cameras with advanced autofocus systems that offer features such as face detection and subject tracking.
Another important feature for wildlife photography is the camera’s ISO performance and low light capability. This is especially important when photographing animals in low light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. Look for cameras with high ISO capabilities and good low light performance to ensure that you can capture sharp and detailed images in any lighting conditions.
The lens you choose is just as important as the camera itself when it comes to wildlife photography. Look for cameras that are compatible with a range of high-quality lenses, particularly telephoto lenses, which will allow you to get up close and personal with your subjects without disturbing them. A lens with a long reach will also enable you to capture animals from a distance, which is important for safety reasons as well as for getting unique shots.
While there are many cameras out there that are suitable for an African safari, the Canon EOS R3, Sony Alpha 7R III, and Nikon Coolpix P1000 stand out as our top choices.
The Canon EOS R3 is the absolute best choice for an African Safari due to its full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and impressive image stabilization. It also has a versatile zoom range of 24-105 millimeters, making it great for capturing both landscapes and wildlife. Additionally, its optical image stabilization corrects up to 5 stops of shake, making it easier to capture sharp images even in low light conditions.
The Sony Alpha 7R III is a great mid-range option, with a 42.4-megapixel full-frame sensor, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance. It also has a wide range of customizable settings, making it a great choice for more experienced photographers.
For those on a budget, the Nikon Coolpix P1000 is the best option. It has a 125x optical zoom lens, making it ideal for capturing distant wildlife. It also has a fast autofocus system and 4K video capabilities, making it a great all-around camera for wildlife photography.
For an entry-level camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a great option. It has a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which can capture high-quality images. The camera also has a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects, making it ideal for wildlife photography. Additionally, it is lightweight and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners.
For an affordable option, the Nikon COOLPIX B500 is a great choice. It has a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 40x optical zoom lens that can capture clear and detailed images of wildlife from a distance. The camera also has a variety of shooting modes, including a sports mode that can freeze fast-moving subjects.
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is a great compact camera for capturing safari moments. It has a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor and a 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 lens that can capture high-quality images in various lighting conditions. The camera also has a fast autofocus system and can shoot at up to 20 frames per second, making it perfect for capturing fast-moving wildlife.
The Canon PowerShot SX70 HS is a great bridge camera for safari photography. It has a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 65x optical zoom lens that can capture detailed images of wildlife from a distance. The camera also has a fast autofocus system and can shoot at up to 10 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing action shots.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a great superzoom camera for safari wildlife shots. It has an 18.1-megapixel MOS sensor and a 60x optical zoom lens that can capture clear and detailed images of wildlife from a distance. The camera also has a fast autofocus system and can shoot at up to 10 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing action shots.
The Sony Alpha a7 III is a great mirrorless camera for an African safari experience. It has a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and a fast autofocus system that can track moving subjects, making it ideal for wildlife photography. The camera also has a variety of shooting modes and can shoot at up to 10 frames per second, making it perfect for capturing action shots.
If you would like to read more about camera options for wildlife photography, make sure you check out our Master Guide to Wildlife Photography Cameras.
For even more specific options, you can check out our other reviews below:
Camera Type
Skill Level
Budget
Brand
Planned activitiy
During your research, you might want to consider checking out articles or videos from various publications that provide insights into camera options for a safari in Africa.
Below are a few resources that caught my interest.
WILDLIFE Photography GEAR For SAFARI In Africa – Mark Dumbleton
What is a suitable camera for African safari and wildlife photography? – Reddit.com
Born and raised in Southern Spain, Antonio quit his job in 2013 to travel the world full-time with his wife Amanda for 10 years straight.
Their passion for adventure and wildlife encounters took them to visit 150+ countries and experience countless of wildlife experiences. They cycled 25,000km + from California to Patagonia, sailed over 10,000NM around the Caribbean & Sea of Cortez, rode their motorbikes 30,000 kms+ across West Africa (Spain to South Africa) and visited Antarctica, among many other adventure expeditions.
Today Antonio runs Adventure Fix with Amanda, where they share their knowledge about the places they’ve visited and the ones still remaining on their list.
Co-Founder of Adventure Fix
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