I am not a photographer. I need a camera for idiots to take on a safari to Kruger. Animal viewings are in low light. Is this the one?
1341751
No, it isn't. For similar money you can get the fabulous Fujifilm XS-1, or the Fujifilm HS30exr is cheaper but has a smaller sensor. Both have full auto modes, and both have large zooms so you c\n get close to the action. They also have image stabilisation built in. If you decide to take a tripod as well, whatever camera you take make sure image stabilisation is turned off whenever you use it, or if you take a shot with the camera resting on a surface, or even if you use a monopod. Remember hat, and you can stick to auto for all else.
1341752
You probably wouldlike the Powershot SX 40 or 50. The zoom is much longer but it still has a relatively fast lens... that is, it admits a fair amount of light. The auto settings and the anti-shake assist will give you your best chances short of a DSLR, which sounds like too much for you to learn at this time. Also, if you think you will be standing on a platform on a truck roof, etc, you will benefit from a monopod. A tripod would be better, but maybe you won't have the room or time to set one up.
1466714
I agree with j-rob. Does anyone know how the newer model (HDR-XR500V) performs in low-light situations? They claim the Exmor-R sensor helps with these situations. It's too bad there's no easy or cost-effective way to upgrade. I'm not in the position to spend another $1k+ for a new camcorder that handles low-light.
1590026
Barry/Richard,I'm still having a heck of a time trying to get a decent snapshot of my dog indoors with typical family room lighting ( not dark but not bright either ) with the S8000. If he so much as wiggles his tail, all is a blur. With higher ISOs I don't expect much sharpness. Faster shutter leads to very dark pics. What am I missing? Do I have to use flash - a tripod is out since he won't sit still that long.Thanks guys,Tony
567353
I have the Sony. (Took 3 thousand photos and video on an international trip). It is mostly fine, but there are 2 complaints with which I agree on the message boards. 1. Blue purple tint and glare from the lens coating in bright sunlight. 2. In general, not perfectly sharp pictures usually. (I have 5 year old Kodak 5mp that is often more sharp). The good...amazing motion stabilization. 'Able to take photos in almost any light condition without the flash!! I also have some good photos from moving vehicles. Very compact and no protruding lens or lens motor. Quick startup. HD movie is ok also. Acceptable battery life. FYI. There are assorted complaints about the Canons also. I have now read enough not to expect perfect photos from ANY point and shoot, but like you, I hate to drag around that Nikon. (You might try one of the new cameras with a bit larger sensor, like 4 3rds).
1713776
I think this would work great for an African safari. There are numerous ways to mount it / use it. It's small and very portable. Getting a large capacity SD card would be best.
854775
When there is decent lighting the image is great....this is not a night time or low light camera....there is a low light version but it has a narrower field of view..... I have 3mp hikvisions and dahuas, this is not as good, but still works well considering that it has built in mic and speaker....
1174443
Its the FZ200. Just got back from Safari and this camera is amazing. Great zoom, no loss of light and clarity. I am really impressed and happy with this camera.
490818
I am also looking at these two cameras. My needs are a good low light performance as well as action sport shots. I had purchased the Panasonic FZ8 but have returned it because the inside low light pictures were very noisy and grainy. It took great outside pictures and was responsibly fast. I'm currently wanting to try the Sony but don't like the idea of having to buy a memory stick for it, I have a few sd cards that the Canon takes.
1392155
Thank you very much for your review and for posting the pics, which look really great. I am kicking myself for not preordering this camera. I kept vacillating between the Pentax K-X and this one. I would like to be able to take good photos in low light and to have a big zoom (like a moon shot, for example). Any insight you might have would be welcome.
653987
MY experience has been that it takes good low light pictures in the same room. If you were to zoom in and take pictures from 20-25 feet away in the AUTO mode, I did not have good success in this mode. However, there are many modes on this camera and I have not tried them all. What impressed me the most about this camera is for outside long shots, you can zoom in long distances and get detail from the architecture on the tops of buildings. It was also great for getting close up shots in the zoo. I took pictures of pandas and could get a picture that looked like the panda was standing next to me. MY experience has been that it takes good low light pictures in the same room. If you were to zoom in and take pictures from 20-25 feet away in the AUTO mode, I did not have good success in this mode. However, there are many modes on this camera and I have not tried them all. What impressed me the most about this camera is for outside long shots, you can zoom in long distances and get detail from the architecture on the tops of buildings. It was also great for getting close up shots in the zoo. I took pictures of pandas and could get a picture that looked like the panda was standing next to... » Read More MY experience has been that it takes good low light pictures in the same room. If you were to zoom in and take pictures from 20-25 feet away in the AUTO mode, I did not have good success in this mode. However, there are many modes on this camera and I have not tried them all. What impressed me the most about this camera is for outside long shots, you can zoom in long distances and get detail from the architecture on the tops of buildings. It was also great for getting close up shots in the zoo. I took pictures of pandas and could get a picture that looked like the panda was standing next to me. « Show Less
2041565
I would highly recommend the Coolpix p520. Great with low-light. I was able to take amazing pics both inside and out during night trips. I really love taking pics of nature. The flash feature is also a plus. Hope this helped.
386911
Hi. This Nikkon is a great camera. For nature photography you will probably need a more powerful lense or a telescope view you can buy in Amazon as well.
2006106
The low light performance is probably the best in the consumer camcorder. Check the camcorderinfo website. Comparing low light performace with my old Canon ZR25, I can't be more satisfied.
1268625
It does take photos at night, and it will flash when it does. It sort of looks like a lightening event.The photos are as good as a small digital black and white camera can be. You can recognize most animals and some of the pictures I got with it were pretty cool. This is a good beginning camera for trail cameras.
1608677
Maybe it is good in low light because for the same reason it is no sharper than a cheap 5 MP camera: all the light is concentrated on a smaller CCD. Maybe it is really no better than other new cameras i low light. I have always been happy with simple sony and samsung cameras. Cameras are one of the devices you really have to test side-by-side in the store to know.
1581802
This is not a super zoom camera. The HX400 will get you closer but will not be able to take higher IQ photos. You can take the same shot with this and crop it with better results. I have both cameras and wrote up a full comparison using both on safari here:http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54037390
2184216
I am looking for a camera of this range. My short list is like this Panasonic FZ 100, FZ40, Fuji Film HS10, Kodak Easyshare Z 981 and Olympus SP 800 UZ. Basically I am looking for a camera useful for birdwatching - distant shots, high optical zoom, faster speed etc. can you pl help me in selection. e mail haridas53@gmail.com