Hello all, I am new to the forum so not sure if this topic has already been discussed. However, I will be going on trip to Namibia and Southern Africa in April this year. As I have heard that landscapes and of course animals on safari are a highlight of the trip I would like to have the right equipment for taking photos.

I would like a camera that most importantly is fit for purpose for this type of photography without being too heavy and bulky given luggage constraints and the fact that having something smaller than a DSLR is helpful for future normal use at weddings, sports events etc.

I have read good things about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5, any thoughts on this? My requirements would be high optical zoom (at least 10x), wide angle lens for landscape shots, and ability to also get pictures of animals further away, and manual controls for aperture, shutter speed etc.

Budget is less important than fit for use so any suggestions of good equipment would be welcome. If possible, I would hope to avoid large DSLRs, but small ones may be an option. I look forward to your replies and many thanks in advance!
60days.

Seems like for a Safari I'd be more inclined to go with an FZ28 for its 18x zoom and still good wide angle.

I wouldn't get a digital compact with a big zoom on for wildlife, you will be really struggling to get good image quality with any of them. It depends on how you are travelling on the safari but the vehicles you are in tend to rock back and fore with the slightest movement inside, even when they are stopped, so add the general inability to hand hold big compact zooms and you are going to have a tough time shooting good images with any of them. Although you may well get up close and personal with some animals many are going to be some distance off, so an SLR with at least a 300mm lens is the base level for hoping to get good pix. A 400mm lens would be better or a 300mm with a 1.4x converter on is a good bet too. Watch out for the low light though, as the converter will reduce your maximum aperture.