Best Camera for Safari: Ultimate Buying Guide

“A safari gives you moments that last for seconds, but the right camera can help you keep them for a lifetime.”

Contents

What makes a camera good for safari?For safaris, is a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera the choice?Full-Frame or Crop Sensor?The Most Important Part: Your Safari Camera Lens Do You Need a Zoom Lens?What About the Low Light?Autofocus Matters More Than You Think How Many Megapixels Do You Need?Safari Photography Tips for Better Wildlife Photos The best safari camera is about more than price Can You Use a Smartphone on Safari?How to Protect Your Camera on Safari Extra Batteries and Memory Cards Are Essential Should You Take a Tripod?What Camera Should a First-Time Safari Traveller Buy?Camera Choice by Safari Style Do You Need Professional Photography Skills?Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Camera for Safari FAQ

Dear travellers, to the exciting world of safari photography.

Imagine this. The African plains are beginning to warm up in the morning sun. You are driving quietly down through the grass when suddenly a lion appears distant in the grass. A herd of elephants is walking towards a waterhole. A leopard resting on a branch. For a brief few seconds, everything is motionless.

Then it happens.

You pick up your camera, focus the camera, and take a shot at that moment.

When it comes to safaris, one does not always have to opt for the best camera for safari that is the most expensive in the market. It’s about the camera that can capture the movement of animals, the changing light, dusty roads, the long game drive and those random moments that make a safari so unforgettable.

In this guide, I will guide you through the features that are really important, the types of cameras you should consider and the importance of lenses, the useful safari photography tips and how to create the perfect camera kit for your safari adventure.

When you’re on safari, you never know what’s going to happen around the corner.

What makes a camera good for safari?

Safaris are not a common sightseeing holiday.

One minute it could be a lion in the shade and the next minute a bird flying overhead. Your subject may be hundreds of metres away, or be much closer than you think.

That is why a good safari photography camera must be able to take more than just beautiful pictures.

Keep an eye out for these key attributes:

Fast and reliable autofocus
Good performance in low light
Adaptable shooting speed for bursts of rapid shooting
A strong zoom range
Good image quality when cropping
Comfortable handling
Long drives with a battery that will keep going.
Weather and dust resistance where possible
A useful minimum focusing distance for closer subjects.

Not all the advanced features offered are required. It is important to select equipment that you are comfortable using.

But if you’re still struggling to get the right setting, and then a cheetah runs off, what good is a complicated camera anyway?

For safaris, is a DSLR or Mirrorless Camera the choice?

It’s one of the initial choices you will make when selecting your camera.

The DSLR camera has been a favourite among wildlife photographers for years. They boast great picture quality, battery life and a variety of lenses.

Meanwhile, mirrorless cameras are gaining traction as they can deliver rapid autofocus, stellar subject tracking and a smaller design.

Mirrorless cameras have become increasingly popular because they can offer fast autofocus, subject tracking and a more compact design.

A proper DSLR camera, however, can still snap some amazing photos of safaris.

It is important to note that a camera is not the safari photographer. It’s about the timing, patience, light and lens.

There might not be much point changing a good DSLR for a newer mirrorless camera if you already own a good DSLR and know how to use it.

Full-Frame or Crop Sensor?

Another choice that can seem more difficult than it is.

Full-frame cameras can perform particularly well in low light and can produce detailed images, especially when paired with high-quality lenses.

A crop-sensor camera can give you a narrower field of view, making a distant animal appear larger in the frame compared with the same lens on a full-frame camera.

For instance, a 300mm lens will allow a narrower field of view on a crop-sensor camera than on a full-frame camera.

Useful when working with a distant subject when the extra reach is needed.

If you’re a traveller that doesn’t want to put a lot of money into an expensive professional camera but still want some great wildlife photos, a good crop sensor mirrorless camera can be a very sound option.

The Most Important Part: Your Safari Camera Lens

One thing I always remind travellers of:

A good camera with the wrong lens may not be as useful as a good camera with the right lens.

The longer the focal length, the larger a distant subject can appear in the frame without you needing to move closer.

It is advisable to photograph wild animals from a safe distance. A telephoto lens allows you to frame the shot without needing to get physically closer to the animal.

On most safaris, the range of lens to consider is:

70–300mm

It’s a versatile beginner’s choice.

It makes it easy to carry around without being too heavy or large, and provides you with a helpful extension. It may be suitable for bigger animals, landscape or closer views.

100–400mm

This is one of the most adaptable tools for taking wildlife photographs.

It provides significant reach plus a little flex when an animal gets closer to the vehicle.

200–600mm

A lens in this range can be superb if you’re primarily interested in wildlife photography.

It is especially effective for birds and animals that stay a good distance out of the vehicle. The drawback is that it’s typically larger and heavier, and more expensive.

400mm and above

Long prime lenses are also special, more expensive and can make excellent wildlife photos.

They are not so important for most holidaymakers.

The key to choosing the best safari camera lens is to find one that offers the length you need but isn’t so cumbersome that you forget to have fun.

Do You Need a Zoom Lens?

If you are a safari traveller, I would recommend you to look into a zoom lens.

There are no wildlife photography rules.

It may be a long distance from where you come from when you see an elephant, then walk very close to the car. Sometimes, a fixed focal length may make you feel like you aren’t able to capture the entire animal in one frame.

Zoom allows you some flexibility.

You can shoot a far-off lion, zoom out as it gets closer and then snap it without having to change lenses.

One of the best features of a versatile safari photography camera with a decent zoom lens is its versatility for holiday photography.

What About the Low Light?

Some of the prettiest moments of safari photography occur when the light is less than ideal.

It can be cool and dark early in the morning. Game drives can continue into the evening until the sun sets. Animals can be seen under trees where the shadows can make photography a bit difficult.

This is where a good high ISO performance camera can come in handy.

If there is not sufficient light, you might also need to increase the ISO setting. A camera with good high-ISO performance can help you capture cleaner images when light levels are low.

A lens that has a larger maximum aperture will also aid.

But if you’re looking for specs, don’t get fixated with them. Often the most important key to beautiful safari photography is understanding the light and not just having the best gear.

Autofocus Matters More Than You Think

Wildlife can be gone in a single blink of an eye.

Your camera must have a fast focus and preferably follow your subject as it moves.

An animal-detection autofocus feature in modern cameras can be extremely helpful. Many modern cameras offer animal or bird subject detection, which can help track the subject and focus on its eye when conditions allow.

This can be very beneficial when taking photographs:

Running cheetahs
Birds in flight
Birds in the trees
Leopards climbing trees
Elephants approaching water

Moving monkeys from branch to branch

Do not only consider megapixels when comparing cameras.

On safari, it can be a lot more significant.

How Many Megapixels Do You Need?

A higher number of megapixels may sound good, but it’s not always the best option.

A high resolution camera will provide you with ample space to crop your photos. This may be of assistance when an animal is distant.

The quality of the image is also dependent on the lens, the lighting, the focus and your steadiness of the camera.

For most safari travellers, a camera in the 20–30 megapixel range can produce excellent wildlife photographs. More megapixels can provide extra flexibility for cropping, but they are not the only measure of image quality.

The focus is on the picture itself.

Safari Photography Tips for Better Wildlife Photos

Purchasing quality gear is just part of the equation.

The remaining half is finding out how to use it.

A few useful ‘safari photography tips’ for making a difference.

1. Watch before you photograph

Don’t spend all the time in your viewfinder.

At times the best approach is to just sit back and watch.

Examine the direction of movement of the animal. Watch its behaviour. Be aware of the direction of the light.

Then get ready for the photo.

2. Focus on the eyes

The eyes can add life to a photograph of an animal.

If you can, concentrate on the animals eye, especially on close portraits.

3. Use a fast shutter speed for movement

Animals can be much quicker than they are thought to be.

A faster shutter speed can help freeze movement when a lion walks, an elephant shakes its head or a bird takes flight.

4. Take several photographs

Wildlife doesn’t pose well.

Shoot when an animal is moving or acting erratically with burst shooting. One frame may be slightly out of focus or the animal may look away, while the next frame could capture the moment perfectly.

5. Don’t neglect the background

But a pretty animal will make a clunky photograph if there is a distracting background.

Whenever possible, look for clean backgrounds and natural light.

6. Leave some space

Don’t always fill the whole frame with the animal.

Creating some space in front of a walking or running animal can lend a more natural and dynamic look to the picture.

7. Be patient

Perhaps the most significant of the safari photography tips is this.

You can wait for 20 minutes and nothing happens.

Suddenly, a lion rises to its feet.

Patience will eventually make for a memorable photo of an ordinary sighting.

The best safari camera is about more than price

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that you must use professional equipment.

You do not.

For first-time safari-taking, a solid mid-range or entry-level mirrorless camera with a good zoom telephoto lens can take great photos.

Rather than spending nearly all your money on the camera, you may prefer to invest in a one great lens.

For instance, rather than purchasing a very expensive camera body with a cheap kit lens, you might get a good camera body and a great 100mm – 400mm or wildlife zoom lens.

It’s a recipe that can work far better on the plains of Africa.

Just don’t forget that your camera should be fun to take with you!

Can You Use a Smartphone on Safari?

Absolutely.

Modern smartphones can take excellent photographs in good daylight, particularly when wildlife is relatively close.

Your smartphone is also great for landscapes, sunsets, camp life, food, portraits and between wildlife moments.

However, smartphones come with their drawbacks.

Wildlife is out of sight and digital zoom can cause loss of image quality. Using a dedicated camera with good telephoto lens allows for far greater control and reach.

My advice?

It’s important to remember that your safari experience is worth more than just one device!

How to Protect Your Camera on Safari

The safari is a dusty, sunny and changeable environment.

Some protection for your equipment is warranted.

Have a small camera cloth in your bag and be careful to clean your lens with it when necessary. A simple protective cover or camera bag will help keep dust from getting on the camera between sightings.

Do not unnecessarily change lenses in dusty environment.

If you have two camera bodies, you can maintain two different lenses attached and minimize the switching of lenses. But this is not mandatory and is something that most travellers don’t really require.

It’s also a good idea to get a comfortable camera bag.

Government of Botswana – Environmental Filming and Photography Permit

Beyond the camera gear, our Essential Safari Gear guide will help you get ready for your trip.

Extra Batteries and Memory Cards Are Essential

A rare sighting of wildlife and a low battery warning isn’t really a good thing.

Bring spare batteries.

Take additional memory cards.

Charge your batteries before each game drive and use charging facilities at your lodge or camp whenever available.

When available at the lodge or camp, utilize charging stations.

When shooting continuously at high speed or shooting video, be sure to plan ahead and not think that your single memory card is going to last for a whole safari.

Would it be better to go back home with no space left on your card than to find the card is full as a leopard comes?

Should You Take a Tripod?

For a typical safari, a large tripod isn’t necessary.

Tripods are not always a suitable fit in Safari vehicles and may not be able to be used comfortably in the vehicle.

For photographers using a heavy telephoto lens, using a monopod might be more convenient.

An inflatable bean bag is also very helpful. Can accommodate support for your camera on the side of a safari vehicle without obstructing too much space.

But do please ask your safari operator before bringing and/or using large equipment within the safari vehicle.

What Camera Should a First-Time Safari Traveller Buy?

If it is your first time on a wildlife holiday, then do not over-complicate it.

A starting set up might consist of:

Camera body: Modern (mirrorless or DSLR)

Main lens: Around 100–400mm

Wide lens: Approx 16-50mm or equivalent

Memory: A few high capacity, reliable cards

Power: Two spare batteries or a suitable power bank/charging solution

Protection: Comfortable camera bag and cleaning cloth

This will provide you with flexibility, but not with a professional photography studio in your luggage.

For those who are still thinking about their first trip to Africa, the First Time Safari Guide will help you to know what you can expect before you go.

Also check out our First Time Safari Guide before you quit on how much camera gear you really need. Your safari style, destination and activities you plan can all impact your selection.

Camera Choice by Safari Style

The gear you select can also depend on your aim.

Big Cat Photography

If lions, leopards and cheetahs are your primary targets, then you want to focus on focus speed, low-light sensibility and a telephoto lens that has a good amount of range.

Elephant and Rhino Photography

A flexible zoom lens can be great for large animals, as it’s often easier to photograph them from a distance.

Bird Photography

Birds can be challenging.

They are small, rapid and often in trees or over open water. A longer lens can make a huge difference.

Landscape and Wildlife Together

If you’re looking for a mix of wildlife and scenery, you may want to take two lenses—one telephoto and one wide-angle.

This allows you to get the elephant herd shot in the morning and also get all the landscape around the elephant herd shot.

Do You Need Professional Photography Skills?

Not at all.

It is not imperative to know all the camera settings before you go on safari.

Begin in the fundamentals:

Understand how to adjust shutter speed.
Understand ISO.
Know how autofocus works.
Practise using your telephoto lens.
Learn how to hold the camera steadily.
Capture photos of dynamic subjects before you go.

There is a lot that can be done at home with a little practice.

Take photos of birds, animals or in motion humans. This will give you an idea of how fast your camera will focus and how your lens reacts before you are in a safari vehicle.

Your camera should tell the story, not get in the way.

This is an important thing to keep in mind.

A safari is NOT a photo shoot!

At times you want to take a picture of a lion.

There will be also points when you just need to see it.

Sometimes place the camera on the floor.

Listen to the birds. Enjoy the chill morning breeze! Observe elephants crossing the road. Notice the colour variations in or around the scenery.

The pictures will be terrific, but the experience itself is not one that can be fully captured by the camera.

Before you go, check out our Ultimate African Safari Holidays Guide for more inspiration and practical tips.

If you want to brush up on your technique before you go, then our guide ‘Safari Photography Tips’ is a next step that will help you improve your technique.

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Camera for Safari

So, what is the best camera for safari?

There are no ‘right’ answers for all travellers.

It could be a light, compact mirrorless camera with a wide zoom lens for another individual. For another, it may be a full-frame camera that is for professional use with a robust telephoto lens.

The ideal camera is the one that you can afford, have experience with, and what type of safari you’re doing.

Focus on autofocus capability, reach, low-light performance, comfort and reliability. Avoid buying the highest end apparatus available. Most importantly – practice before you go.

If a wild animal appears at an opportune moment, you don’t want to be sifting through the complicated menu to find what is needed.

You could be on a few days’ safari.
That one special photo might be a photo forever.
Sometimes the photo you did not imagine you’d have, is the one you cherish most.

So give your camera a helping hand, charge those batteries, leave room on your memory card and then be prepared, world holiday vibes pulsing through every beat as your wildest adventure is about to begin.

Your wildest adventure is about to begin.

FAQ

Is it necessary to have a costly camera on a safari?

No, a basic mid-range or entry level camera with a good telephoto zoom lens is excellent!

Is a mirrorless camera better than a DSLR?

Both are excellent, but mirrorless cameras are lighter and have quicker autofocus, so they are popular today.

Which lens focal length is best?

The most versatile and adaptable lens for wildlife is a 100–400mm zoom lens.

Should I bring a tripod?

Generally, no, tripods take up a lot of space in safaris vehicles, a monopod or an inflatable bean bag would be much more convenient.

Can I just use my smartphone?

Absolutely, smartphones are wonderful for landscapes and camps, but a standalone camera with a telephoto lens is better for far off wildlife.

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