Nikao

really depends on your ambitions. I took a point and shoot on my first safari as well, worked fine.... but on that safari decided to go for DSLR for the next safari along with 2 real good lenzes... a point & shoot wont beat that of course but you are only going to notice the difference if you have more serious interest in photography and the lenses on your DSLR. (the standard low cost lenses probably will give you similar photo's as your point & shoot )

atravelynn

Artsfan2,

I'd suggest traveling with 2 cameras--something I always do--in case there is a problem with one of the cameras. That may mean you will acquire another camera, which can be a higher optical zoom with image stabilization.

For nice vacation memory shots, a 10x will work fine. If photography is one of the goals of the trip, I'd go a little higher than 10x.

Nikao

one tip; don't go for zoom solely in your choice! .. Zoom is really hyped currently just like megapixel was a few years ago. The quality of your pictures depend on so much more than zoom solely. Better go for the good camera that takes really good pictures and have less zoom than the other way around: better sharp and good/nice wide angle pictures than crappy close ups

Artsfan2

Thanks for your help. I think I'll check out a few cameras - the 4/3's look interesting.