Taking 2 digital high zoom cameras
 

I am thinking it is a good idea to take 2 cameras. Here's why: Once I had an SRL just stop working, requiring repairs when I got home. Another time one of my two SRLs became unreliable, I think due to a very rainy, humid environment. I never regretted hauling two SLR bodies.

With digitial cameras being even more subject to glitches, aren't two cameras a good idea? I'll have my point and shoot Nikon Coolpix with 3x optical zoom, but don't think that should count as one of the two zoom cameras. One more reason for a spare camera is I go alone I cannot count on pictures from my traveling partners if something goes awry with my equipment.

The irony of this question is that I still have not settled on exactly which high zoom digital I'll be getting, but I think I should get two!

I always carry my two Canon 20d's when I am going to be shooting, whether it is boxing photo assignments or African safaris. I prefer taking two cameras to avoid changing lenses.

Perhaps instead of point and shoot digitals you should consider DSLR's. Even the best point & shoot cameras lack the zoom that you can get with a DSLR. For example, even a 12x zoom point & shoot only gets you to a maximum of 420mm, while an 80-400mm zoom lens on a Canon 20d gets you to a maximum of 640mm (or more than 50% more zoom than the 12x point & shoot).

Of course, it would be much more expensive to go with the DSLR cameras but then you could really start customizing the cameras to your liking.

Even before I got my digital 10X, I travelled with two cameras and a few disposables.

It's just smart to have backups, regardless the kind of camera.

I'm also looking for a new high zoom digital and have been lurking on the other threads on the subject.
I'm also taking an old but reliable Nikon SLR with zoom, and my favorite autofocus that takes the best pictures. I never leave home without it. I know it'll be of limited use on safari, but I'm sure there'll be situations that call for it. Plus, my new digital, whatever it may be!

When and where are you going?

Hello all:

Atravelynn - in Jan 2005 I took two cameras with me to Tanzania, the first a Canon A80 digital compact zoom, (don't know the stats but I bought it cheap in an end of line sale) and my trusty old Nikon FM2n (Panecott - I would assume yours is autofocus?) with a couple of lenses. (28mm f2.8 and 80 - 200 F4 - of course all manual focus). The results can be seen here:

http://www.smartgroups.com/pictures/...lbumID=5280137

I am somewhat of a trad shooter (until now) I love the old Nikon but it's shortcomings are obviously the man focus and all the drawbacks (positives?) of film. Anyway, not to dwell on film vs digital - with regards to the animals we found that with our guide and driver whom were excellent we were able to approach close to the wildlife even limited as we were to the tracks. Therefore the zoom digital was fine for most shots - some, (like rhinos in the crater, distant lion shots, cheetahs etc) it wasn't possible to use either camera: I also didn't want to hide behind the viewfinder and some sights made me gasp aloud like "wow!" and in these situations I didn't even think about the camera.

So - take the compacts and enjoy - take 2 cards for each machine - both at least 512 and take photos at the highest resolution: better for later enlargements. Plenty of batteries. If something is too far, photograph it with your eyes, save it in your memory...

BTW landscaping with the Nikon and 28mm is great, no need for AF - landscapes never move! And it's a FF ;-)

Hope this is of some use. WHere are you going?

Matt

I have two Nikon F-100 bodies, and I bring them both, with an assortment of lenses. I had a problem with one on my first safari to Kenya and Tanzania, and I was glad I had an extra. I don't bring two cameras to other destinations, like Europe or Asia, because if one fails, I can always buy a replacement; obviously, the same can't be done on safari.

I must be the only one wedded to analag cameras, but to my eye at least, there is still a large quality gap.

Thit cho - <i>wedded to analag cameras</i> yeah but you use AF: try using man focus on safari - it really makes you appreciate the photographers who worked for National Geographic and Life back in the good old days when each pic was accompained by which fil had been used.

And re &quot;real cameras&quot; ;-) I've just bought a mint Canon eos 1n HS for peanuts - I'm gonna invest in top quality Canon L glass (perhaps at a push the sigma 100 - 300 F4) so when eventually I make the jump all the lenses will be high quality to match the new body.

Isn't photography fun...

Matt

In response to when/where I am going--Aug 7 I leave for Botswana to Duba Plains, Vumbura, and Zibalianja. But I need to be camera-ready by about June 22 for a different trip.

Thank you for all the advice.