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What You Ought To Know About Your Compact Digital Camera's Fireworks Mode

What You Ought To Know About Your Compact Digital Camera's Fireworks Mode

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Your guide to digital camera scene modes

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Whether you're going to a destination where fireworks are a daily event or are waiting for the Fourth of July, here's a look at a compact camera mode that can come in quite handy...fireworks mode.





The key to getting great images of fireworks with a digital camera is finding the best place to sit during the display. To the best of our knowledge, there are no cameras on the market that can help you do that (even though some do have built-in GPS locators) but many have a Fireworks mode that will take over once you’re seated. The settings that are selected differ from camera to camera, but in every case the exposure is optimized for brilliant, dazzling images.


Use a tripod! Exposure times can vary from 1/30 to as slow as 1/4 second, speeds that mere mortals cannot hand hold. Review the images as you capture them. Fireworks are much brighter than most people assume, and can sometimes fool automatic cameras, too. Be prepared to experiment by shifting out of the Fireworks mode and freewheeling it. If you feel really courageous—and a bit creative—switch to the Night Portrait mode. That mode preserves the influence of the prevailing ambient but then fires a flash at the end to freeze nearby subjects.

 

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5 readers rated this article. Average rating: 2.0 stars
 
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1 of 1 people found this comment helpful
 
Inherent Limitations

Due to the very short lens focal lengths associated with most compact digital cameras, the minimum aperture is relatively large (usually f/8 or so) to avoid intolerable diffraction effects. This, coupled with a minimum ISO that is typically 64 or more, often results in overexposure of the fireworks displays. My old Canon PowerShot A540 permits the addition of auxiliary lens attachments, so I can add a neutral density filter to reduce the light levels. The camera's rather extensive manual controls also provide many exposure options.

by in Seattle, WA on

4 of 4 people found this comment helpful
 
My experience with a point and shoot

I've shot fireworks with point and shoot cameras for 3 years. I've used tripods each time. My best results have been in manual exposure. Open aperature, 1/2 to 1 second shutter speed. The most important setting is manual focus at infinity. You won't have all that delay when the camera tries to lock in the focus in the dark. Last year I used a remote shutter release on my Canon G12. Get set up early, and bring a small flashlight in case you want to adjust shutter speed. Get ready and have fun. There's always next year. Don't be afrait to crop later for frame-filling images.

by in Napa Valley, Ca on

0 of 1 people found this comment helpful
 
fireworks w/ compact cameras.

Thak you for this.

by in Hartford, South Dakota on

3 of 3 people found this comment helpful
 
Disagree with auto mode comment

Auto mode almost never works well when shooting fireworks. Strongly recommend manual or bulb mode and a few test shots based on ambient light - bulb has by far worked best for me.

by in Watertown, CT on

10 of 12 people found this comment helpful
 
Incomplete advice

IMHO and experience in teaching digital photography, most people with P&S cameras do NOT have tripods, and many of the older cameras don't have a fireworks mode. In many cases the Auto mode works fairly well.and some camera movement may add an interesting touch. If your camera allows for a longer exposure such as might be available in a nighttime setting, place the camera on a sturdy object aiming the camera straight up at wide angle and trip the shutter as the firework soars into the sky

by in Santa Monica, CA on

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