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Backup camera for an African Safari - Canon DSLR or SX30 IS

Started Nov 22, 2011 | Discussions
joe arena Regular Member • Posts: 107
Backup camera for an African Safari - Canon DSLR or SX30 IS

Hello Hello: I'm planning for my first African Safari, in February 2012. I currently own a Canon 50D. I'm renting a 70-300L lens from borrowlens.com, and will bring my own Canon wide angle lens for non-safari shots.

I recently returned from Peru, with a friend, who dropped his Nikon DSLR on the first day at Machu Picchu and was forced to use his wife's small point-and-shoot for the remainder of the trip.

With this possibility in mind, I'm planning on purchasing a backup camera for what could be a once-in-my-lifetime trip to Tanzania.

For about the same $, I can purchase a used 30D from Adorama/BHPhoto, or a new Canon SX30 IS with a virtual range of 24mm to 840 mm, at f2.7/5.8.

Would it be better to have a new body for my lenses, assuming that my catastrophe would only involve the body, or would it be better to have a complete backup (SX30), incase either my 50D or the 70-300L lens failed?

Luggage room, weight and $ will prohibit me from buying a backup 30D and also renting an additional long lens.

Thoughts ????

Canon EOS 30D Canon EOS 50D Canon PowerShot SX30 IS
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samuel17 Junior Member • Posts: 29
Re: Backup camera for an African Safari - Canon DSLR or SX30 IS

I recently returned from a South African Safari and exclusively used the SX230HS. I was totally thrilled with the results. It is a very small camera and I felt the 14X zoom was good enough to get me as close as I needed to the animals

gary0319
gary0319 Forum Pro • Posts: 10,522
Re: Backup camera for an African Safari - Canon DSLR or SX30 IS

I once dropped my Canon SLR (before digital) with 100-400 attached from the tripod onto the pavement. Luckily the impact was on the camera body (smashed flat), but.........had it been on the lens it would have been much worse to my pocketbook.

Either way (broken lens or broken body) you will be out of commission. I think I'd opt for the SX30, or better yet the SX40. It also give you a nice camera for instances when you don't want to lug the DSLR kit.

I have a 7D and use the SX40 as the backup.

Gary

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