Video Camera

I am another huge flip fan. It is small and the kids can use it (my 2 year old has tons of fun with it). The only thing is that the video is made for the computer only and it doesn't look good on TV. But for $150, who can complain?

I can not speak to video cameras, though I recommend that you bring a high quality camera to take still photos. Bring one with optical zoom. My husband went on a safari a few years ago with a fairly inexpensive digital camera and took amazing photos(even without optical zoom). On his next trip we plan to invest in a camera with more features because there were a number of animals that he was not able to get close-ups of (ex. gathering at watering hole, birds). You will be amazed at how close you can get to the animals. You can almost reach out and touch the giraffes and springboks. Enjoy! Your sons are the perfect ages to go.

The best thing for you to take on this trip would be a digital camera. Most of the new models also have a "video mode" that takes decent video. Some features to look for: 30fps(frames per second), 640x480 video size, zoom feature in video mode, long optical zoom (like 10x or more)for closer views of your subject, image stablization, face detection, & high memory capacity (SD type memory cards are available up to 16GB). Most of your memories from this trip should be in photos. But, you can connect the camera to a VCR or DVD recorder to make copies of videos. This can also be done on most newer computers, or can be taken to local stores like Walmart, Target, CVS, etc.
Some good camera choices are Panasonic "Lumix", Canon, Olympus, & some Sony. Check sites like Consumer Reports, & PCmagazine (pcmag.com) to determine your best choice for budget & ease of use. Be sure to get extra memory cards & batteries. It may be difficult to recharge batteries out in the middle of the African desert unless you're able to get a mobile charging unit that plugs into the lighter socket of the vehicle your travelling in.
If you have any questions, you can email me ____@____.com this helps.

Check out the Flip. It is about the size of an Ipod (only a little thicker) it is $149. It is unbelivable! It is so user friendly. When it comes time to downloading the videos to your computer, it is just like downloading pictures. It is SO user friendly, it doesn't even come with directions! It also can bring all of your video clips together and make a movie out of all the video clips and puts music in the backround. It runs on small batteries. It records up to an hour. There is an extra piece that you can purchase and you can transfer all of your movies onto this little device so you can clear up your memory space. I highly recommend the Flip. I also have a really expensive camcorder and I use the Flip so much more! Good Luck and have a great time! PS~ My mother-in-law just got back from Africa and used the Flip-she loved it!

First I want to say. .. . I AM SO JEALOUS!!! I have always wanted to go to Africa.

I haven't bought a camera in a long time - I know they make them super small and easy to carry now. I checked out consumer reports and came across an article with buying advice in regards to camcorders.

Here is the link: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/...

I hope this helps..

Let us know how your trip was!

We just bought the Flip video camera and we love it. It's cheap and tiny. You may want to buy it as a supplement to a real video camera but it's a great toy to let your boys play with and make their own movies of the trip.

http://www.amazon.com/Video-Ultra-Camcorder-60-Minutes-Wh...

sony makes various kinds of good cameras,
my kids have dropped 3 and they still work,LOL

M

Hi S.-
have atleast 1, maybe 1 per person and then when you come back you can merge them into a "family" Project.
This will keep everyone interested in the trip if they aren't now!~
Take plenty of Batteries, get a list of Proper material for luggage or back packs, If it rains or hot weather etc, you don't want it getting wet or burning out!
Make sure you follow the Rules: If the Leader says don't take pictures or film at certain times, It's for your Safety.
Most animals are much more sensative to lights and unknown noises. "Fight or Flight.." Or you could cause a stampede by a click or whining noise from you machine(s).
Good Luck, Takes lots of pics to share with Us!
Jules

I have a Canon Optura S1 that I love! It uses a miniDV, but also holds a miniSD card. Once I figured out how to use the SD card I don't even use the miniDV tape anymore. This camera is just big enough to wrap my whole hand around. It takes video and still pics. To transfer pics and video from the camera to computer you just plug in a cable that is firewire from the camera and USB into the computer. It's a really great little camera, and they have the newer models out too. I bought mine refurbished. That's a great idea because they have already figured out the bugs and fixed them. Have a wonderful trip. Too bad there's no way to share pics on here. :)

I am envious! I have been to Africa 2 times and we found that a good camera was always best. One with alot of memory and zoom, that could take a beating. It also had a video capability. We had friends take video camaras but we found that the videos just collect dust at home- no one watches them. Our pictures tho are in frames all over the house! But I don't want to dicourage you if you are the type who uses i-video, or the boys may want to make school presentations.
Basically go try them out. My advise (I have been there in the dry and the wet season) make sure it is quick and easy to use, light and simple, and can take a real beating. I don't know how organized your safari is, but we always went pretty primative ourselves and photo opps aren't as easy and posed as they are at the zoo. Dust, packing, airports and security, souvenirs crammed in the bag, bumpy jeep rides, high theft rates-all can beat the heck out of your equipment and you don't want it to break/lose charge (memory) while there. Remember that you may be on night safaris too-very popular. Plan on that as well as taking photos from a moving vehicle.(get one with a good "sport" mode for moving shots. Get one with a good viewfinder as you won't be able to see a screen in the bright light of a savanah.
Read reviews on Consumer reports or in travel/outdoor magazines. See what they use-then buy the lower priced model without the crazy gizmos that the pros need for the National Geographic specials!
Have a blast!
M. P