Going on a safari is an extraordinary experience that enables one to witness the raw beauty and majesty of the wild. To immortalize those once-in-a-lifetime moments in the finest manner, possessing the right camera is of utmost importance. In 2023, several remarkable options emerged as top contenders for safari photography.
As a seasoned photography enthusiast, I’d like to share with you several cameras that I used for photographing wild animals in 2023. If there’s anything incorrect, please feel free to point it out. Thank you!

The Canon EOS R5 is a mirrorless powerhouse. It features a 45 – megapixel full – frame sensor, which allows for the capture of incredibly detailed images with a resolution that can bring out the finest textures, from the individual hairs on an animal’s coat to the minute patterns on a butterfly’s wings. Its autofocus system utilizes Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, covering approximately 100% of the frame horizontally and vertically, ensuring lightning – fast and highly accurate focusing. This is crucial for tracking swift – moving animals like cheetahs during their hunts. The Canon EOS R5‘s low – light performance is excellent, with an expandable ISO range up to 51200 (native ISO 100 – 51200), proving invaluable during early morning and late evening game drives when the light is soft and enchanting. It can shoot high – quality stills at up to 20 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and an astonishing 12 frames per second in silent electronic shutter mode while maintaining autofocus and auto exposure. Additionally, it can record smooth 8K video at 30 frames per second and 4K video at 120 frames per second. Paired with the RF – S55 – 210mm F5 – 7.1 IS STM lens, which has a focal length covering 55 – 210mm, a zoom ratio of about 3.8 times, an optical image stabilization of up to 4.5 stops and a combined image stabilization reaching 7.0 stops, a maximum magnification of 0.28 times and a minimum focusing distance of 0.73 meters. The lens is also equipped with a lead screw type STM (Stepping Motor) that supports focus breathing correction. This combination can document every facet of the safari journey, from the magnificence of a herd of elephants to the intricate details of a bird’s plumage.

Another outstanding option was the Nikon Z9. This camera houses a 45.7 – megapixel stacked CMOS sensor that offers excellent image quality and fast readout speeds. Its autofocus system is renowned for its power and speed, with 493 focus points covering a large portion of the frame, enabling it to capture a rapid sequence of images at up to 120 frames per second (in 11MP JPEG format) or 20 frames per second in full 45.7MP resolution. This ensures that no moment of action would be missed. The Nikon Z9’s image quality is exceptional, presenting vibrant colors and sharp details. Its sturdy build, made with a magnesium alloy body, is well – suited to the occasionally harsh and dusty conditions of the safari environment. It also provides advanced features such as in – camera focus stacking, which is beneficial for crafting images with enhanced depth of field, especially when photographing landscapes with foreground elements and distant animals. For example, when paired with the Nikon AF – S Nikkor 200 – 500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens, it offers a long focal length range suitable for safari photography, and the VR (Vibration Reduction) technology provides effective image stabilization to counteract camera shake.

For those with budget constraints, the Sony A6600is a worthy alternative. Despite being more cost – effective, it does not compromise on features. It is equipped with a 24.2 – megapixel APS – C sensor that can produce satisfactory quality images. Its autofocus system, using 425 phase – detection AF points and 420 contrast – detection AF points, is reliable and quick, ensuring accurate focus on the subject. The Sony A6600’s compact and lightweight design, weighing around 503 grams (body only), facilitates easy portability during long days in the safari vehicle. Additionally, it has a long battery life, with a rated capacity of approximately 2280mAh, which is advantageous considering the potential lack of immediate access to charging facilities in the wild. When combined with the Sony E 70 – 350mm F4.5 – 6.3 G OSS lens, which has a useful focal length range for safari work and Optical SteadyShot (OSS) image stabilization to help keep images sharp, it can capture decent shots of wildlife and their habitats.
When selecting a camera for a safari, it is not merely about the camera body. The appropriate lens is equally crucial. A telephoto lens with a long focal length, like a 100 – 400mm or even a 200 – 600mm, was perfect for obtaining close – up shots of animals from a secure distance. A wide – angle lens, on the other hand, could be utilized to capture the extensive landscapes and the overall panorama of the safari habitat.
In summary, the optimal camera for a safari in 2023 hinged on one’s budget, personal preferences, and specific requirements. Whether it was the high – end capabilities of the Canon EOS R5or Nikon Z9, or the more budget – friendly Sony A6600, each had its own merits that could assist in bringing back astonishing memories and images of the safari adventure. Equipped with the right camera, one could freeze the ephemeral moments of wild animals in their natural habitats and share the marvels of the safari with the world.