Fireworks with a620

[Disengager]

So, my town had a fair tonight, and at the end of the night there were fireworks, perfect time to test the fireworks mode on my new a620.

Anyways, none of my fireworks shots came out as true fireworks, but rather a lot of squiggly lines, and although cool, they look more abstract then fireworks. Any ideas how to actually shoot fireworks?

[adas]

turn the Mode dial to M (manual mode) and select a long shutter speed (a matter of seconds 5, 10 or 15) along with a small aperture (highest numbers). The ISO should be let at 100.
You guessed it, you must use a tripod.
Good luck.

[Edd S]

Yes, a tripod is a must. Timing is also a very important factor. I took the ones in the thread below and most of them were still of poor quality:

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=189028

[Stefan A]

As has been said, a tripod would have solved the "squiggly line" problem. Anytime (not just with fireworks) you use a long exposure, a tripod is a must. As far as how much time, you just have to experiment. I did most of my fireworks at 4 seconds. But I wish I tried 3 because they look so busy. The 2 second time (which is what the fireworks mode automatically set) seemed too short. You just have to experiment, and hope the fireworks go on for a long time.

Stefan

[Disengager]

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/6930/img06493ar.jpg

That would be the best shot I got of the fireworks (I snapped about 15 photos in all). The rest just came out looking something like this:

http://img343.imageshack.us/img343/6505/img06458cr.jpg

Don't get me wrong, that's a cool photo and all, just doesn't look like fireworks.

[Chris1le]

Tripod my friend. Tripod. The exposures look good. I would have held shutter open a little longer but otherwise the photos look like they could use a tripod. :cool:

[sando]

A tripod would help immensley - but they ARE good shots! the 1st is a keeper! :)

[The Cheat]

I use a tripod, and about 3-8 second exposure:

http://www.svmetro.com/photos/fireworks-radnor-2006/radnor_fireworks-01.jpg

[PsychProf]

With my A95 point and shoot I used the "fireworks" setting and a tripod and got great shots. I took 144 pictures in 45 minutes and only deleted 23 after reviewing them. The A95 sets the camera at 2 seconds and that was plenty of time for me.

[dequadin]

Guys,

This is my try.....

[pickupman92]

you could always bump up the ISO unless you are wanting the flare from when the firework is set off. I ususally use a higher ISO on fireworks because I have an SD400 and it's just a point and shoot. mine turn out really well.

[HuskerTony]

Here are a couple that I did on the 4th of July with my S2 IS using the fireworks mode.

http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanonS2IS/photos/browse/eaa7?m=l

[pickupman92]

hey husker... email em to me pickupman92@hotmail.com and I'll host em for you, your yahoo link no worky.

[asolie]

Just watch out for over-exposure when it comes to shooting the grand finale. I have ruined many pictures from this.