There is the new Canon "superzoom" SX-10 IS that you might consider. It's has 20X zoom and that's the equivalent to about a 560mm lens. I'm going "light" on my trip next month and decided to take that, instead my 2 Rebel XTs with lenses. I also have a Sony HD video camera and will use each as "backup" for the other, as the SX-10 shoots video and the Sony shoots stills.

I didn't realize the dslr on auto would be difficult to master before we leave and am now thinking I will just stick with my S3 for this trip-maybe it will mean that there will be another visit to Africa since I haven't invested in a new camera.

I like the idea of the "superzoom" Shaytay-will check that out for weight also. Thanks all.

moremiles, wasn't quite sure you were still looking at DSLRs, but, in my opinion, it's not difficult to make photographs with an DSLR set in the auto mode. Basically all you're left with is to compose the shot and to hold the camera steady. At least in my Canons, the auto mode will mostly give the same exposure as the Program (P) mode. Using the P mode allows you to increase shutter speed to stop motion or to adjust the aperture to increase or decrease the depth of field (the amount of distance between the nearest and farthest objects that appear in acceptably sharp focus in a photograph). The auto mode won't allow the same adjustments but it will do average exposures to handle most situations.

If you're like at least 90% of the people here, you're going back to Africa. Might as well get the DSLR now, have fun and get experience with it this time, and then you'll be all set (except for the new lens you'll no doubt want) for your next African adventure.

Best, Steve

my free advice:

I used to own an S3...a few years ago. Now that I'm seriously into SLR's and photography...I've investd heavily in Canon SLR bodies and L lenses. There's NO competition...once oyu use an SLR...your eyes will be dazzled...the details..the quality..the post processing the RAW files can take...is a whole different world altogether.

My advice for this trip:

1. Buy a used EOS 20D for under $300
2. Rent a 100-400 lens for this trip.

That's it !!!!

moremiles - just to clarify, shooting in Auto on a DSLR is just as easy as it is with a point and shoot. Just don't expect the picture quality to be better. Many, myself included, will tell you your DSLR shots could end up worse in Auto than with the S3.

I have a suggestion for you if you're willing to spend the time. Take your S3 and a memory card to your local camera store. Take some shots with your S3 using the zoom (e.g. a person out in the parking lot ~20 yards away). Take the same shots on Auto with whatever DSLR you are considering (using your memory card). When you get home, open up the pics on your computer and see if: a) you notice much difference and b) the difference, if noticeable, is worth $1000 to you. You'll know what to do from there.

The only problem with Kenny's comments above is he talks about investing heavily, in time, $$$ and education. You've indicated you are not really interested in making photography a hobby and it's more of a one time thing. Sure, there is no comparison when using a DSLR correctly (i.e. not on Auto), but that seems to be irrelevant to your situation.

Good luck with your planning and enjoy the trip!

Thank you for such detailed replies! My friend has already bought the Nikon dslr so I can compare some shots with my S3-good idea. This is not my first Africa trip but my last trip over 5yrs ago, I used a Nikon film camera, but now am traveling solo and have to be concerned about weight which I think will limit my options.