Camera for safari upgrade

Soldato
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I am going on Safari and thinking of upgrading/getting a new better camera. I brought a Panasonic FZ200 in 2013 when I last went on safari. What camera would you guys recommend, something like a Nikon D5600 with 70-200 Lens kit, another better bridge camera the Panasonic FZ1000 or something completely different? I like taking pics of wildlife and scenery/landscapes.
Thanks in advance.
 
What's your budget, and do you see yourself wanting to learn and progress to the point of wanting to explore different lenses?

Bridge cameras to be honest are a "jack of all trades, master of none" type thing. The sensors are typically small (especially compared to the size of the bodies), so the image quality is in fact not a huge step up from like a modern phone.

You could maybe try a used Canon 80D, which should be a step above the D5600 but a similar price. For safari, I think you'll want a fast burst speed and accurate/fast AF.
 
I would prefer to buy new and my budget would be around the £800 mark. The Panasonic FZ1000 and FZ1000 2 has an 1inch sensors, so probably better pics than my Pixel 5 and existing FZ200.
I have so far only used point and shoot cameras, but I can learn to use the camera's "better"/learn more about all the different settings if I go down the DSLR route.
 
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Yes, go for a 1" sensor bridge camera if only for the convenience of not needing to swap lenses in dusty conditions. If you can afford it then the Sony RX10 IV is the best available but the FZ1000 or FZ2000 will do almost as good a job and focus faster than any earlier RX10.
 
I like taking pics of wildlife and scenery/landscapes.
That needs good reach in both wide angle and tele.
And you'll be finding for uses for that long tele also in scenery/landscapes to get farther details:
It's not always possible to get closer, or that would change image perspective to "photographer being in the process of falling on his/hers back".

And at your budget you're not going to get much of lenses for system camera.
Besides covering wider range can fast collect more weight to carry than you might want.
Also dust is certainly lot bigger worry when having multiple lenses to juggle.

Like said Sony's RX10s (especially RX10 IV) are the top models of 1" sensor cameras with very good lenses and JPEG processing, but cost is also at that level.


I have so far only used point and shoot cameras, but I can learn to use the camera's "better"/learn more about all the different settings if I go down the DSLR route.
Advanced fixed lens cameras have more direct controls than entry level DSLRs.
(like dual control dials/wheels)
Heck, some of Canon's mirrorless models are basically Ixus with bigger sensor and lens mount.
 
Would a Sony RX10 IV bridge camera produce as good quality pics as a Nikon D5600 with a 70-300 lens?

Is it worth me upgrading my Panasonic FZ200 to a Sony RX10 IV, FZ1000 or D5600 just keep using the FZ200?
I can get the following
Sony RX10 IV for £850,
Panasonic FZ1000 - 530-550) or FZ1000 II - £730
Nikon D5600 (18-55mm + 70-300mm) for £780

Thanks guys.
 
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I think this will be a bit situation dependent.

In good light the results from all of these should be decent.

What limitations do you have with your current camera?

Although I'm a Nikon DSLR user the Sony rx10 seems like the best choice for you.

Whatever you do buy go out and practice with it properly before you go.
Not just a quick test in the garden!!! But properly learn how to use it.
Of you don't have the time to learn a new camera you are best off taking your old one.
 
The Nikon combo loses out in lens coverage at both end compared with the RX10 IV - 27mm vs 24mm (equivalents) at the wide and and 450mm vs 600mm at the telephoto. Plus you will need to change lens to get the whole range. The one area The D5600 will give better results is dynamic range, due to the much larger sensor, so better in contrasty situations. But I'd still take the RX10 in preference because of its all-round capability and convenience.
 
The reason I am looking to possibly change is that the pictures my ex-partner took using her Nikon D5100 were much better than mine (clearer, sharper and more detailed when you zoom into the pictures than my pictures.
Also her pictures in lower/darker light conditions were far better
 
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@wijcc - I went on a Safari to Uganda a few years back and can say that without a doubt 200mm is nowhere near enough of a range. Depending on if you want to pixel peep or not the bridge camera like the RX10 or Panasonic you mentioned would still be pretty good. How would you be planning on viewing these pictures after?

When I went I took my A7III and rented a 100-400mm Sony GM lens as to buy they were like 1600 and the rental was about 150. The images I got were definitely better, but the difference in equipment cost was drastic. (£1k vs £4k)

These are a few I have just saved from her FB account so are not going to be amazing quality due to compression, but you get the idea - https://imgur.com/a/ZPhx1kW these are with the RX10 III

For a comparison, these are what I took - https://photos.app.goo.gl/5AYxV7RXsFG8gnxM7

We haven't used the bridge camera since the Safari so I should probably sell it soon.
 
The Nikon would be purchased along with a 300mm lens and not 200mm
I was begging for more reach even at 400mm, 300mm wouldnt be ideal for Safari.
One option to consider if your cash flow is there, would be to buy a used lens like the Sigma 150-600mm which you should be able to pick up for around 600-700 - then sell it when you return for not much of a loss. Then get the lens you would use more often. Or even just rent one.
 
The price of cameras seems to be shooting up. the Nikon D5600 2 lens package has gone up by over £100, its now selling for £899 everywhere, just a month or so ago if was around £799.
Can't make my mind up on which/what camera to get or whether to just stick with the FZ200.

Forgot to reply to previous question, I view the pictures either on my laptop, PC screen or my big screen TV.
 
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The price of cameras seems to be shooting up. the Nikon D5600 2 lens package has gone up by over £100, its now selling for £899 everywhere, just a month or so ago if was around £799.
Can't make my mind up on which/what camera to get or whether to just stick with the FZ200.
If you think you might go deeper into photography then system camera could be choise.
For casual photography it brings fast notable weight and bulk to carry.
And then there's the changing of lenses. (add extra changes if you like taking close ups of anything)

In comparison fixed lens cameras can give lots of flexibility in convenient to carry and use package.
Though that FZ200 is outdated and those small sensors were never especially good.
1" 20MP sensor cameras would improve good amount in both noise and dynamic range.
That budget level should give choise including Panasonic's FZ2000/2500 (depending on country) or FZ1000 II.

As for system cameras (D)SLR it's optical viewfinder has one definitely strong point:
It's really low on power consumption being powered by ambient light...
As downside that also prevents having live preview in it.
Mirrorless is really the future where advance will be.
 
I managed to pickup a Sony RX10 IV for £850 when it was discounted by Amazon, go to decide whether to keep it or return it now :confused:

Here is a link with some of the pictures i took when I went to Kenya in 2013 using the FZ200, some of the pictures came out pretty well but others less so, not sure it that was due to limitations of the camera, the user or both

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cybFcuRPmgzpipJ97
 
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I managed to pickup a Sony RX10 IV for £850 when it was discounted by Amazon, go to decide whether to keep it or return it now :confused:
For that price it should be no thinking needed buy.
Getting system camera with anything approaching same capabilities would cost arm and leg more, have as much more bulk and weight to carry and of course come with the hassle of changing lenses depending on situation.

It's going to be improvement from FZ200 in every performance area.
Low light performance is going to be well superior especially at wide end.
And even if equivalent focal length range is same Sony's bigger pixels have better quality and there's more of them giving extra details.
(though at longer ranges thermal shimmering is always limit)
Also sensor integrated PDAF is going to superior. (in fact when properly set up good for birds)

Though battery life is worser (all that processing power/display resolutions) so before travel make sure you find out if you need extra batteries.
 
For that price it should be no thinking needed buy.
Getting system camera with anything approaching same capabilities would cost arm and leg more, have as much more bulk and weight to carry and of course come with the hassle of changing lenses depending on situation.

It's going to be improvement from FZ200 in every performance area.
Low light performance is going to be well superior especially at wide end.
And even if equivalent focal length range is same Sony's bigger pixels have better quality and there's more of them giving extra details.
(though at longer ranges thermal shimmering is always limit)
Also sensor integrated PDAF is going to superior. (in fact when properly set up good for birds)

Though battery life is worser (all that processing power/display resolutions) so before travel make sure you find out if you need extra batteries.
I fully agree but, as a long-term RX10 owner, I know that extra batteries will be required.
 
I managed to pickup a Sony RX10 IV for £850 when it was discounted by Amazon, go to decide whether to keep it or return it now :confused:

Here is a link with some of the pictures i took when I went to Kenya in 2013 using the FZ200, some of the pictures came out pretty well but others less so, not sure it that was due to limitations of the camera, the user or both

https://photos.app.goo.gl/cybFcuRPmgzpipJ97

THe RX10 is VERY capable. Just make sure you learn the focus systems and controls before you go as you will need to think on the fly. I think I used WIDE and Continuous AF for most of mine whilst away.
 
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