BEST GOPRO FOR SAFARI
Which is the best GoPro for Safari? Ever wondered how great pictures are taken? When you look at professional work from photographers is only logical to ask ourselves “how do they do it”? When planning a safari it is very important to take into account the equipment that we are going to take.
If you are not a professional photographer, you will be surprised you can still get one of these great shots on any of your trips. For instance, let´s think about the African Safari. If you want to get these memories saved with the best resolution, then keep reading and you will surely get the best camera.
By getting a GoPro you can capture the best moments in your trip, get the best of nature even when moving. GoPro’s have been in the market for a long time now and are conventionally known for taking pictures and videos in the best resolution possible.
When it comes to the safari, the best recommendation is that you take an oldie camera that will do great in performance.
Considering smartphones improved their built-in cameras, so probably it has been a long time since you last looked at digital cameras. Worry no more, this article is intended to give you a guide to purchasing the best one and some additional options that may adapt to your needs.
1. GoPro Hero 10
With 23 Megapixels + Super photo, HDR, and RAW features, the GoPro Hero 10 is a great option that will get you great professional captures. Use its 5.3K and be at the top of the newest cameras in the market.
The GoPro 10 will not only be useful for your safari trip but also your day-to-day basis as it can be used as a webcam.
Some of these features are possible due to its high performance and capabilities to connect fast and easily. Every picture you take will instantly be auto uploaded to your unlimited cloud.
Average price: $499.99
Battery Life: approx. 2 hours
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5
2. GoPro Hero 9
You will love the GoPro 9 rear touchscreen because it will be so much easy to use.
With a 5K resolution and 20MP, this model is also great for capturing high-quality pictures and videos.
Something great about this camera is that there is a 30% longer battery life which comes as a great benefit for your safari trips.
Some reviewers express that this is one of the best (if not the best) cameras in the market due to its ability to perform in the outdoors and any circumstance.
Average price: $329.29
Battery Life: approx. 2 hours
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5
3. GoPro Max
Is a Gopro good for vlogging ? If you are thinking about vlogging in a safari, this camera is perfect for you, not only there is a great performance, but it will also let you shoot different types of footage.
What makes this model great for vlogging is its visible front microphone and front-facing screen.
Another great feature is that you can live stream in 1080p on social through the GoPro app while saving your footage for revision.
These benefits will enhance your experience while vlogging on a safari.
Average price: $464.77
Battery Life: approx. 2 hours
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5
4. Cannon 2
This model is a great option because you get weather protection with it and some great features that will let you record or take pictures in the dark.
With nearly 22 megapixels, there is no doubt that you will get great results with this camera.
Some professional photographers prefer this model due to its great resolution and high-end sensor.
There is also a great price range for this model compared to newer versions.
Average price: $399
Battery Life: approx. 2 hours
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (624)
5. Cannon 3
This version of canon is highly rated due to its quality and improved resolution from its previous version.
It is no surprise that it is used for professional shootings in the outdoors.
Users who have purchased this model also appreciate the autofocus accuracy and great ergonomics that make it even easier to use.
Although this model is pricier than its previous version, it is worth it due to its high resolution, great sensors that give you the best lighting regardless of the set or weather you find yourself in.
Average price: $799
Battery Life: approx. 3 hours
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (912)
Perhaps you found that these models are similar in price, resolution, battery life, and performance so if you are going to the safari, any of these models will offer high-quality pictures and videos without hesitation.
1. GoPro 2
Although this is a small camera, it gives you great quality pictures and videos. This camera is used for many people that love being outdoors and when reading some of the reviews, most of them are happy with the performance of it especially when doing sports.
When it comes to battery life, you will find rechargeable batteries that will give you a 1.5hr recording session (non-stop). Similar to the other models in this article.
Compared to their latest versions, this camera comes in a great price range.
Something to be aware of this camera is that it does not come with built-in WIFI.
Average price: $305.99
Battery Life: approx. 1.5 hours
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5
2. GoPro 3
Smaller and lighter, the GoPro 3 will still give you great pictures and videos.
You will also love that this model is waterproof and shockproof.
Something great about this model compared to previous versions is that there is built-in Wi-Fi and it even comes with a remote control which is a great upgrade to this model.
When it comes to battery life, you will find rechargeable batteries that will give you a 2hr recording session (non-stop). Like the other models in this article.
Compared to their latest versions, this camera comes in a great price range.
Something that stands out about this model is that it has been greatly accepted by plenty of customers with high ratings on Amazon.
Average price: $299 – $399
Battery Life: approx. 2 hours
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (3,085)
So which one should I get?
Most of the options listed above will get you through the day without any issue.
If you go for performance, any GoPro model will help you capture the best shots even when moving. They provide very high-quality HD videos.
Something great about the GoPro models is that they are not as expensive compared to other professional models and have a great value-cost relationship.
Additionally, GoPros are very easy to use and edit so we are sure that if you get one of these, you will not be disappointed.
As part of our research, we found that the models listed above have great ratings from thousands of people who have bought them and left their reviews using them.
We still recommend that you go and check these reviews if there is something more specific you would like to review.
As expected, there will be some negative reviews of customers who expected better performance, battery, or quality of the materials or that perhaps found some issues while using them.
Whichever model listed above will be a great option to take on a safari, so go and see it for yourself and live the experience of taking professional pictures without being a professional photographer.
What to look for? (Buyer’s Guide)
We have gathered some of the greatest features of these types of cameras and have gathered them here.
- How much will it cost? Will it adjust to my budget?
- Easiness of use – Am I going to need training on its use?
- How long will the battery last?
- What happens if it gets water or falls?
- Is it easy to travel with? Do I need additional packaging for it?
- What is a sensor and why should I care for its size?
1. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? WILL IT ADJUST TO MY BUDGET?
When it comes to budget, we know that you perhaps already have a range defined to buy your digital camera.
You probably already spent some of it before the trip itself so the recommendation is that you get one that fits your needs.
You will find several options in the market, from cheap to luxurious cameras that will get you great results.
The truth is that you don’t need the last model or spend thousands of dollars to capture great moments and in the best quality.
Once you get to the safari, you will learn that probably taking an old-fashioned camera model will get you through without any hassle.
If you do your homework, you will purchase a great camera within your budget.
2. EASINESS OF USE – AM I GOING TO NEED A TRAINING ON ITS USE?
At the beginning of this article we recalled how even if you are not a professional photographer, you can still take great shots with the right camera.
The truth is that while this is convenient, some cameras do require extensive time to use the right settings and could make this process difficult to learn so if you invest in a camera we do recommend that it is easy to use.
Practice makes perfect and once you get the hang of it, it will be a piece of cake.
Some features you will learn with your new camera are the default and common settings you will find in most cameras.
For instance, there should be autofocus, creative settings (filters), time-lapse function, Image stabilization (to prevent shaking), ISO ratings, etc.
Gladly, there are many resources online to help you get started. Or if you go to any photographer´s social media like Instagram or TikTok, you will find most of them share great tips and preset settings for anyone.
3. HOW LONG WILL THE BATTERY LAST?
Just like with any electronic device, your camera should have enough battery life to keep up with your journey through the trip.
Even though camera descriptions will tell you what the battery life expectancy is, we do recommend that you go a little bit into more detail in the user’s reviews because that is where you will truly get honest opinions about this topic.
It is also a good practice to go and check if there is room for additional batteries because you can feel safe and sound thinking that even if the current battery runs out you will have a backup plan.
Travelers also recommend getting a power bank to get you through if needed.
4. WHAT HAPPENS IF IT GETS WATER OR FALLS?
Of course, if you are going to the African Safari you want to think about the weather conditions you will experience on your trip.
While you will not worry about snow, it´s recommended to prepare for rain and a lot of dust on the way.
So, what if your camera falls? Will it get over or will it resist the fall and continue working as if nothing happened?
It can happen to any of us so let´s better be prepared for it and the best way to do so is by getting a durable quality material that will resist anything.
People who have taken vehicle or walking tours do express the need for a dustproof camera. Think about how easy it is for the wind to come with dry dirt blows so if your camera can resist these conditions then it is the one.
Additionally, think about the inevitable, the rain. Just because of the conditions of the jungle, there´s still a chance that there will be a downpour so if you get wet you want to have a waterproof camera.
5. IS IT EASY TO TRAVEL WITH? DO I NEED ADDITIONAL PACKAGING FOR IT?
While some of us do pack a lot when traveling, it is important to consider that there are weight limitations in any safari. In most cases, you are required to carry just one bag that will not exceed 30-35 pounds.
So, if you keep this in mind, probably it is not a good idea to carry a lot of things for your camera because most likely there will not be enough space for it, other personal belongings or additional things you may want to bring.
Needless to say, the camera to bring must be lightweight. Not only it will give you enough space, but it will be great to carry around. Something else great about this is that there could be fewer chances of getting robbed.
6. WHAT IS A SENSOR AND WHY SHOULD I CARE FOR ITS SIZE?
The sensor in a camera is the one responsible for creating the image and getting the light in it and since lighting is a key factor, you will want to use it and get the best out of it.
Most of the professional cameras will come with a high-quality sensor to make sure you get great accuracy and lighting.
Now you are ready to go over the list of options we bring you that meet most of the items of the checklist below.
