How to pick the best type of camera for safari as a beginner

Wildlife photography is one of those hobbies where you can read endless lists with things you “need” to buy. It’s alway seems expensive. The list is always getting longer. And being on safari is often a once in a lifetime experience so there’s added pressure. But if you’re a beginner or not super into wildlife photography yet there’s no need to break the bank for the newest toys. Here’s a list to help you narrow down the level of camera to consider for your safari.

This is a super high level overview made for beginners. I’m not a professional just a big fan so I’m not here to give you specific brands and price points but hoping to help someone going on safari make a decision (or feel good about the one they’ve already made). No one should feel pressured into buying something they don’t need/want/can’t really afford.

But first, some definitions

This article covers categories of digital cameras but if you’re super new to everything here’s the the basics of what we’re covering

• Smartphone: think like your iPhone, or Google phone. If your cell phone has a camera, it can be a great tool for wildlife photoraphy
• Point and shoot: when you imagine a basic camera, this is probably what you see in your mind’s eye. They’re small, easy to use, and have internal zoom capabilities (essentially, all you need in one – you don’t need to buy additional lenses). These shoot pictures and video digitally so your pictures are saved on a memory card (which you’ll need to purchase on top of the point and shoot camera)
• DSLR: Digital Single Lens Reflex camera. These are bigger than a point and shoot. We won’t get into specifics but these require additional lenses (they are interchangeable which helps photographers take the kind of images they want). These also capture your images digitally and require a memory card. These are older tech so you might score a deal.
• Mirrorless Camera: the newest kind of digital camera that can capture video and still pictures. These also require you get interchangeable lenses. The tech is newer so it’ll cost a more than a DSLR or point and shoot.

So here’s a beginner’s guide to picking what kind of camera you need for your safari

I’ve broken out my suggestions based on how you might feel about taking pictures on safari. It’s by type of camera NOT brand of camera. What that means is I’m not telling you which specific make and model, because your budget/what you like/have access to may differ. Just which category to consider.

I’m just looking for some sweet pictures for the ‘gram.

Let’s just say you’re the kind of person who isn’t big on pictures but you’re going on this awesome trip and want to have a few snaps to share. You don’t want to invest a ton of money, don’t want to deal with learning the basics, you’re here for fun not photos!

• Just use your phone and some binoculars
  Honestly, I saw a few people doing this. You carry your phone with you anyway and many phones have cameras that are pretty incredible. If you need to upgrade your phone at least it’s something you use every day.
  • Let’s be realistic, you’re not gonna be able to make a huge print out of these bad boys. If you’re looking to share on your socials, in emails, or print out small 4×6 or 5×7 kind of pictures this is likely all you need.
    
• A second-hand point and shoot
  All the major camera companies (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic etc) have their version of a simple point and shoot camera 
  • Check out garage sales, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace etc and see if someone is selling an old point and shoot. Maybe there’s a sale somewhere. Just make sure it works if it’s second hand. 
  • Remember: a camera like this requires a memory card (which will cost extra) and you’ll need to keep the battery charged.
  • If you have the money to buy a new one it’s not a bad idea and there’s many that are pretty reasonably priced. Don’t feel pressured if you know you’re not really that fussed.

I’m not really into wildlife photography, but I want some nicer pictures for this trip!

So you know you’re going to want to do a little more with the pictures you take for this trip but you’re also not likely to keep the hobby up afterwards. You need a decent all arounder that won’t break the bank and won’t be a hassle to use or lug around. No extra lenses. Happy to shoot on auto. You might want to print a few out for the family photo album and share online.

• A new entry-level or mid-range point and shoot camera
  Honestly, point and shoots can get most people where they wanna be. They’re not heavy, only require a memory card and maybe an extra battery, don’t take up much space. And some of the newest models have 20 megapixels which is more than enough for anything on social media or print outs up to 19 inches on the long side.
  • Any of the major players in the camera world will have something that will work for you based on your budget
  • I don’t recommend someone like this getting a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses because the glass is where the money piles up and it becomes much more to manage/pack/learn (and requires a little practice). So only check those out if you’ve got the budget and you’re willing to do some research and practice.
  • if you already have a camera with interchangeable lenses that you love that’s great! Don’t feel like you need to buy a point and shoot. Practice will make it feel like second nature for your safari (lol, wildlife joke for you there) so make sure you take it out so you’re super comfortable with it before you go

I’m dipping my toes into wildlife photography and will probably keep it up after this trip

Yay! So fun! Photography is a great hobby and wildlife photography on safari is such an amazing experience. Remember to practice so you’re super comfortable with your camera to get the most out of the trip.

• Entry level mirrorless or DSLR
  If the act of photography is what you’re getting into and you’re ready to spend a little more money and time to practice, it’s time to look into the entry level cameras with interchangeable lenses
• This is something you could research and debate for hours but for the sake of this blog post here’s some basics:
  • You’ll need to consider which brand’s “ecosystem” you like best because that will dictate which lenses you can use.
    • For example, I can’t use a Nikon lens on my Panasonic Lumix S5ii or S5. It also dictates price, availability of certain accessories etc.
  • You’ll hear some camera snobs say “full frame is always better”. It’s not always better. It WILL always be more expensive though. So ignore the pressure.
    • If you’re early in your photography and/or don’t wanna spend a ton, please know you can capture absolutely breathtaking pictures on a crop sensor and don’t feel pressure to splurge until it makes sense financially and for the kind of art you’re making
    • Check out this helpful article from Adobe for a better understanding of what a full frame is and what a crop frame is
  • These kinds of cameras usually come with one lens with the base kit but if you’re looking for long reach you’ll need to look into lenses or teleconverters. Which… it’s wildlife photography you’re gonna want the reach. Keep that in mind when you’re budgeting

I already have a DLSR, do I need to upgrade to a mirrorless camera for safari?

If it works and there’s no issues with the mechanics then you probably don’t need to upgrade. Use that money for a new lens instead since wildlife photography often requires reach. If you’re a pro and use it all the time then… I’m honestly surprised you’re here in a beginner’s guide to choosing a camera type for a safari lol.

I wanna make wildlife photography and lifestyle video content!

Okay influencer I see you ;). Your priority is video. This could be on top of a camera you have for stills or do both. There’s a ton of tiers this could break out into but again this is for people just getting into it

• Just use your phone and save some $$$
  A ton of YouTubers and pretty much everyone on Instagram and TikTok just use their phones for video content. Save your money and wait to invest when you know you’re committed to it
  
• A basic content creator kit
  There’s a few camera companies that make content creator type kits with their cameras (GoPro, DJI, Canon, Nikon). These should cover your basics like a microphone and maybe a small tripod, but of course there’s some investment required.
  
• An entry level mirrorless camera/DSLR + microphone + accessories
  This one will cost a lot more than the other two options and will require a lot more research into what’s right for you. I’d only really recommend this route if you’re really sure this is a hobby you’re committed to.
  • I’d highly recommend checking out Simon d’Entremont who is an incredible wildlife photographer and popular YouTuber. He lists all his vlogging equipment here and on a few videos on his YouTube channel and can give you a better idea of specifics.
    
• Leave the drone at home for safari trips
  Drones aren’t a great companion for these kinds of trips – they’re typically not allowed in National Parks at all and they can also cause stress for the wildlife around you
  • Drones are also unfortunately popular tools for poachers (awful) so people take them seriously. Save yourself the hassle and leave it at home

If you’re just getting into travel or wildlife photography, remember:

1. The best camera to have is the one you actually want to use. If it’s too big or you hate changing lenses you won’t bring it anywhere and won’t end up taking any pictures.
2. You don’t need to spend a ton of money to get pictures that make you happy
3. The amount you spend does not equal the quality of the pictures you take. You can buy the most expensive camera in the world and take bad pictures. You can take incredible pictures with your smartphone. 
4. Your itinerary might change which kind of camera you want to bring. Check out my article on best places for landscape photography in Namibia for some itinerary inspo
5. This is supposed to be fun. If it’s stressing you out take a few days off the relentless research and come back to it when it’s fun again (this last reminder is for me mostly)

So what did you decide? Leave a comment and let me know – or let me know if you wanna chat specifics, I love this kind of stuff and am happy to dig into it.