I want to be able to video some of my stepsons stalks on our upcoming safari. I would like to buy a new point and shoot camera, will that work or do I need a camcorder? Also have an iphone7. What are the best point and shoot cameras to buy?

Good morning. This is Doug's brother Joel, I run the photo side of the business. A great choice would be the Canon SX730. Here are the popular features:
20.3MP 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor
DIGIC 6 Image Processor
40x Zoom Lens, 24-960mm (35mm Equiv.)
3.0" 922k-Dot 180° Tilting LCD
Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
Intelligent IS Image Stabilization
Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth
ISO 3200, Up to 5.9 fps Shooting
Zoom Framing Assist
Story Highlights and Self Portrait Mode

It can fit in a jacket pocket. The camera would be $385.00. It's a much better choice then a camcorder. Great stills and terrific video.

I am at the store today until 5:00. Our # is 516-217-1000

Thanks Joel
joel@cameralandny.com

It your budget will stretch to it, the Panasonic ZS200. I have the previous model ZS100, and it is an outstanding travel camera for stills and video.

The new model has a longer zoom, better battery life, and keeps the excellent 1" sensor. The larger sensor in a P&S really improves the still photo quality.

Video is excellent. I did not shoot this, but here is an example: https://vimeo.com/89358946

I took my ZS100 to Alaska last fall for a sheep/bear hunt. Perfect camera for that trip. 3 batteries, and a small belt pouch made up my total kit. Some of those photos are in the hunting reports forum-rest of the world.

My 2 cents.

Jeremy

Unless money is no object, try to get something compact. I recall guys so loaded up with photographic equipment they paid $500 in excess baggage. (Yours truly took a little Canon still/video camera plus two heavy rifles and clothing - and paid zilch excess.) Really heavy, Pelican-type gear cases may be strong but they add a lot of weight, too.

The PH may have an apprentice already geared up with a big camera, of course, at a price.

The "best" camera for recording hunting is like the "best" gun for shooting game: It is the one you've got in your hand when the action starts. If it is too large, heavy, or complicated, it won't be with you when the real action happens.

Unless you are a real photography bug and that's all you intend to do on the trip, then keep it small and simple. I'm guessing that the models previously suggested in this thread will meet those criteria, although they are quite sophisticated and will probably do much more than the average tourist needs or wants. Don't buy more than you need and can handle. Most of the P&S ("point and shoot") cameras on today's market will do everything you can do.

By the way, I am a dedicated user of a "dumb phone" and my old flip phone won't tell me where I am, trade corn futures, or even take a picture. However, many of today's latest models of "smart phones" have incredibly good integral cameras. A producer recently shot an entire feature length movie on an Apple I-phone to illustrate that it could be done. If you have one of these late-model marvels there really isn't any need for a separate camera. Just a thought, and one less piece of equipment to keep up with.