Saeed....a while back you spoke about using a Panasonic DMC-zs40 on your safari. Seems like a great little point and shoot camera. Could you comment further please. I have been to Africa SO many times. I do not think I am going to take a barrage of camera's next time. Thanks.

The Panasonic ZS or TZ series - depending on country - are the best small cameras around.

I have been using these and previous models for years, and I am very happy with them.

The current top range model is either ZS50 or TZ70 - again, depending on the market.

I always carry one in my pocket while on safari, and have a spare battery in the truck.

It has a 30X zoom, and can take very good quality videos too.

I like taking photos, so I normally take 3 separate cameras on safari.

Last year was a Canon EOS 7D SLR, with a Canon 70-200mm F2.8 lens and a 2X converter.

Also had a Panasonic FZ400, which is a not a pocket camera but take great photos too.

If I was taking just one camera, the ZS60 would be it.

I suggest you take spare batteries, and enough memory cards to cover your hunt.

I took this video with my ZS50 this afternoon

I had to drop the camera as Jasmin launched herself on me immediately, and we had a bit of a playful fight.

Good grief, I might have dropped more than the camera. What a beautiful cat.

I took Saeed's advice and bought the Panosonic
last year, for our hunt in RSA. We are very pleased with it. Easy to operate, great pics, and a great price.

Highly recommended!

If you want a small pocket camera that is great. If you want just one camera and are happy to have a larger one with similar but far better options, then go for the Panasonic Lumix FZ 200 which alo Saeed uses.

This the best camera around for a lay person who is not too tech savvy. You can take professional quality pics with it.

Thanks for the camera advice gentlemen...
I really enjoy taking pictures but have not gotten "serious enough"
Saeed and others take really wonderful photos and it makes myself and others excited to try and get a little better!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge

I second the Panasonic. I have one of the older models and I have been very happy with it.

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I love my TZ 25; has a Leica lens. Thats a lovely cat, Saeed? whats her name? and did you grow some catnip in the lawn?

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Originally posted by emron:

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I love my TZ 25; has a Leica lens. Thats a lovely cat, Saeed? whats her name? and did you grow some catnip in the lawn?

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Her name is Jasmin.

And she loves to play and purr.

I went Whole Hog in late 2012 preparing for a 4 month world cruise and bought the Leica V-LUX-3.
It does a great job of photography as Saeed has demonstrated.....mine had gone KAPUT after some Florida sun in the car....."NOT REPAIRABLE" circuit board shot....control element...Leica wants to upgrade....not so sure I have the confidence with a $1000 camera going Kaput with a little heat in less than 3 years....NO WARRANTY!!
I think Panasonic is the way to go!!

Cheers,

I took a canon G16 and canon 70d with the 100-400 on it for my last safari.

Thinking 7d mark II with the new 100-400 and a 1.4x converter on my next.

Was surprised how much more the small camera (G16) was used.

Definitely going to check out the Panasonic.

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Originally posted by 10generation:
I took a canon G16 and canon 70d with the 100-400 on it for my last safari.

Thinking 7d mark II with the new 100-400 and a 1.4x converter on my next.

Was surprised how much more the small camera (G16) was used.

Definitely going to check out the Panasonic.

I don't think you will be able to fit the converter on this lens??!!

HA, now the Leica USA folks have offered me a "discounted replacement" for my V-LUX-3 in a new V-LUX 4....for $1000!! Wow, what a deal...I can buy one at AMAZON for less, and the TZ70 for $227...but now there is a new and updated replacement for that one in the FZ100,at $627, top ratings in the reviews against the Sony RX-10, around $900. I think Leica has LOST MY BUSINESS....I am going with Saeed's success!!...AND I am NOT going to buy their Binos with range finder and ballistics calculator....they wouldn't last a few years too, EH??!!
NIKON's have lasted me over 30 years with a few cleanings....what goes with the new electronics??
Cheers,

What some of the cameras LEICA offers are nothing but re-branded Panasonic cameras - and at a much higher price.

What should one expect to pay for a Panasonic ZS50? Average price???

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Originally posted by ledvm:
What should one expect to pay for a Panasonic ZS50? Average price???

Amazon is offering it at about $382

Saeed- you are BANG ON!! And a management team who doesn't seem to know the market options, nor have an interest in keeping prime customers HAPPY!!
Just like the 3-point Star on teh Mercedes, one does get a lot of attention with the Leica Red Spot....but if it is NOT Quality....why have it!!
I am stunned at the inability to repair a 3 year old camera....and further that it failed!!
Cheers,