First decide which kind of camera you want to take.. Theres a vast choice. Compact, Bridge, Dslr, video/combo.
I personally think you would be more than ok with a compact if its a general holiday.
This little entry level compact would be ok for family, scenery etc,. bit of fun. takes sdhc cards so there nice and cheap. You would get a full holiday on 1 16gb card (3000 pics) . Plus you can buy the cards abroad anyway.
Make sure you keep the battery charged every night and maybe check ebay for a cheap replacement.
If your going somewhere more special, you want more control etc, then go for a bridge camera
these offer more optical zoom. at 14mp youll still get alot on your 16gb card, 32gb sdhc arent that expensive anyway.
If your going on safari, or a long special holiday where the beauty will be further away,, then you need to start your journey into the dslr market. These offer changeable lenses, external light options (speedlight)
and slightly better image quality due to a larger sensor (the digital part that captures the image).
You see a 14mp phone, or small compact isnt as good as a 14mp dslr. the sensor size is much different.
The image quality from larger sensors is better, and there better in low light. As youll see below from a camera to a full frame camera like what I use is a big difference. I love my canon 5d mk3 and mk2.
So for higher quality and more tools the dslr is the best choice for that holiday of a lifetime. More so for safari where animals are far away, get a kit with a long lens (more zoom)
This is the kind of kit you would need, you can get cheaper at mpb photographic and ebay.
Click here,. canon 1100d with multi lenses
Some tips at this point, always have extra memory cards with you, one may damage or get lost. you may take loads more than expected.
Make sure you have lots of batteries. you can get extra generic of ebay. And if you get an external flash gun like the canon 270ex get plenty of rechargeable AA batteries.
It also makes sense to get a sturdy bag to keep it all in, there are some great rucksack types that are good for holidays watch for pick pockets though.
Get extra insurance for your holiday, worldwide cover. check you are coverd. Photoguard are great and cheap for the average user.
So you now have your kit, But how do you use it.? Well for the compacts the iauto isn't bad for general shots in daylight. Check your settings for darker shots and look up how to increase the iso.
For dslr outdoors even some pros use Program mode and let the camera decide. I personally like to use manual or the creative modes. for fast objects like a running cheetah use TV and set the shutter fast.
For general animals use AV and select an aperture that may blur the background. Always thinking about the ISO. (how light sensitive the sensor is )
read the manual. Google ISO and how to use it. Or email me for more info.
They key things to remember.
Plenty of memory cards. maybe a few 4gb cards instead of 1 16gb in case you lose it. get class 6 to 10 cards. (this is how fast they write data in case you take alot of shots back to back or video)
lots of batteries always charged.
A good strong bag.
If you want to photograph fish in the water, dolphins etc, look at a polarising filter, and make sure it fits your lens. this takes the glare of the water and you see into it.
I use canon, I think there reliable and easy to use.
Yongnuo flash off ebay are a great cheap way to add flash to your dslr. and get great reviews.
Think about your shots, whats in the way, whats in the background. create a perfect shot.
Take a chance, you may think you see a good shot just go for it, you've nothing to lose and may get a master piece.
I hope this blog has helped,. feel free to email me for advice on info@leearcherphotography.co.uk
Blog by www.leearcherphotography.co.uk doncaster wedding photographer
