Africa is a photographer's dream!
For close-up photography of birds and animals, a good SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. The minimum recommended size is 200–300 mm, and a zoom lens can be extremely useful on safari. Consideration should be given before travelling with any lens bigger than 400 mm as most interesting shots are taken using hand held equipment.
The current crop of high resolution digital SLRs are outstanding and provide high-quality images equal to and in most cases better than their film SLR counterparts. Digital SLRs such as the Canon 100/1200D, 700/750/760D, 6D/7D, 70D, 5D Mark III/5DS and 1DX and 1D Mark IV, as well as the Nikon D3100/3200/3300, D5200/5300/5500, D7100/D7200, D800/810, D750, D610, D300, Df, D4/D4S and D3X are all superb (as of September 2015).
Other non-SLR format 'prosumer' mirrorless and compact digital cameras by Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica, Fujifilm, Samsung and Olympus are gaining popularity because of improved image quality, increased flexibility and light weight. Many of our clients have taken 'National Geographic' worthy images using their iPhones (especially the 6/6S/6Plus) - one just needs to be at the right place at the right time!
The latest high performance 3.5 ounce lightweight Go Pro Hero 3 and 4 video/photo cameras are incredibly versatile and allow one to record breathtaking video footage in high-definition format.
For those still using film cameras we are getting the best results using Fuji film. Safari guides' personal preference is slower film (either 50 or 100 ASA) as this gives the best quality in normal light. However you may consider going up to 400 ASA for a longer lenses in low-light conditions.
IMPORTANT: BRING LOTS OF DIGITAL STORAGE OR FILM, AS THESE ARE NOT EASILY AVAILABLE AT THE SAFARI LODGES AND CAMPS. BRING SPARE BATTERIES.
