If you are thinking of getting a new digital camera, the first question you need to answer is weather to get a Digital SLR Camera (DSLR) or a Digital Compact Camera (Bridge Camera).

If you are wanting to take decent photographs of wildlife, you are going to need a decent zoom and so realistically the choice is then between a DSLR and a Compact Superzoom camera (also known as superzoom bridge cameras). The important point to remember that there is no right choice for everyone, the two types of camera have different advantages and disadvantages over each other and once you know these you can then make the right choice for your needs.

DSLR and Superzoom Compact Cameras

Advantages and Disadvantages

Digital SLR Camera	SuperZoom Bridge Camera
Advantages No Shutter Lag High ISO Levels with Low Noise Wide Range of Lens Choices Big Sensor (better quality images)	Advantages Smaller and Lighter Low Cost (in comparison) One Lense with Long Zoom Range Image Stabilization Easier to use (less to learn) Video Recording
Disadvantages High Cost Heavy & Bulky Steep Learning Curve Having to Change Lenses	Disadvantages Shutter release time lag Noise at higher ISO Levels Small sensor (poorer quality images)

Differences Between DSLR and Compact Cameras

Not taking into account the way they capture images, the main differences between the two types of camera to the user are price, size, weight and image quality. Compact SuperZoom cameras are smaller, lighter and cost a lot less, so why would you choose a digital SLR?

The main reasons to choose a SLR over a Compact digital camera are image quality and versatility.

DSLR Image Quality

In bright sunny conditions (which you often find on safari) the quality difference between a good compact camera and a digital SLR is minima as both types of camera will produce sharp, colorful photographs. It is when you are shooting in low light conditions or attempting to capture fast moving sports action or wildlife, the advantage of a digital SLR's larger sensor and higher sensitivity start to make a big difference.

Camera Versatility

The versatility comes with the ability to change lenses, the creative versatility offered by the more advanced controls and higher quality components and then the wide range of accessories that includes flashguns, remote controls to the more specialized equipment that allow SLRs to capture anything from the tiniest bug to the most distant stars.

Below is a video that explains pretty well the main differences between a DSLR camera and a compact camera, as well as a DSLR camera and a compact superzoom camera.

Best Camera for Wildlife Photography

If money is no issue, there is no doubt that the best type of camera for wildlife photography would be a Digital SLR camera. The higher quality of the image created from the larger sensor and improved optics make it the better camera.

This is not to say that the new Superzoom cameras do not create quality images. There are some fantastic compacts with huge 20x zooms on the market that are more than adequate for wildlife photography and should you feel that the cost of a DSLR with a good quality telephoto lens is too much, I don't think you will be too dissapointed with a SuperZoom.

Recommended DSLR Cameras

• Canon EOS 450D/Rebel Xsi
• Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i / Kiss X3 Digital)
• Canon EOS 1000D/Rebel XS

Best Camera for Travel (Safari Photography)

Again if the cost of your camera and lenses is not an issue, the DSLR would be the better camera, but I feel that for travel (safari), the issue of size also comes into the equation and this is when a compact superzoom really starts to look like the better option.

A good quality DSLR, with a decent size telephoto lens (minimum 200mm) takes up a lot of hand luggage space and can weigh what feels like a ton after a long journey. There is also the issue, if you plan to do a lot of traveling within a country, because of it's size, it is far more conspicuous making you much more of a target for theft. Also If you were to have your camera stolen or broken whilst traveling, would you not much rather it be a cheaper camera than a very expensive one?

I think the main choice to make here is cost and size, if these do not worry you, I would go for the DSLR, if they do, go for a good quality Digital SuperZoom camera.

Highly Recommended SuperZoom Cameras

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45
• Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
• Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR

 

Related Articles

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What to Take on Safari

This page is part of a series of posts on what to take on safari, for further reading try:

• Safari Binoculars
• Best Digital Cameras for Safari Holidays
• Best Superzoom Cameras 2013
• African Safari, Travel & Wildlife Books
• What Equipment I take on Safari
• Bird Photography: Equipment used on Safari
• Safari Clothing Advice
• Safari packing list of what to take on safari