SANParks.org Forums

Will our Canon Power Shot SX110 IS (9.0 MP) be ok for taking pictures of birds, wildlife and landscapes? or should we invest in a Canon Power Shot SX40 HS (12.1 MP). We will be doing a self drive thru the park for 3 days (Mopani, Satara and Letaba) and 4 days at a reserve in Sabi.
thank you in advance.

Welcome to the forum Straum!

Canon Powershot SX 110 IS has 10x optical zoom whereas the Canon Powershot SX 40 IS has 35x. That basically gives you a 36 - 360mm compared to a 24 - 840mm in 35mm terms. If you can get the SX40 the extra zoom will certainly come in handy for bird shots and other shots where the animals are further away! I hope you enjoy your trip whichever way you decide!

Hi S, welcome to 'our' world of endless entertainment.
The smaller camera is a nice to have for ' on the go' but nowadays the modern cellphones/mobliesalso fits in nicely for all the different moments. If you can upgrade do so for the 'far' moments but the 'shaking' stabilising is an aspect that , without support , limits the optimal usage. I am not a Canon user so I will restrain from making a recommendatio regarding the specific camera mentioned by u.

hi Straum
I bought the Canon sx30is (x35 zoom) a year ago. I love it!!
I visit the park often (leaving Thursday for my 6th visit this year) and have taken amazing photos of everything. For very far distance, you do need to support the camera but I will pm you and give you my phone no. if you want to contact me for more info.

I agree with fee that a bridge camera with a zoom of 35X is perfect for a non-pro . Reason is that manouvering inside a vehicle is easy while still being able to use a huge telephoto factor with IS . I also have the Canon SX30is and have taken amazing shots without the fuss of a huge physical telephoto lens . Our EOS450 may have beter IQ but the big lens is not handy in a vehicle with the affordable Sigma 150-500 and that still is less than the 810 @ 35X of the SX30is . And you can venture into digital zoom too - I have taken otherwise impossible shots with a low sacrifice of IQ . The Fuji Nikon Sony Olympus etc. are also excellent . And the makro ability in one lens with the tele is great atribute . If you can afford to upgrade you won't be sorry .

Thank you all for your suggestions. Decided to stay with the camera we already have.
Looking forward to the trip.
Best