shooting Osborne Family Lights

[FergieTCat]

I am going to WDW in December and am looking for a recommendation for a decent point and shoot for night photography -- mostly the Osborne Lights and the Castle. I have a Canon S5, but don't feel like lugging it around. I was looking at the Canon sx130 but I can't find any samples of photographs.

I prefer Canon, but any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

[ssanders79]

Have you considered getting a tripod.

[klmall]

I got great shots in 2007 using a Canon SureShot G5; no tripod needed.

See the link below for several Osborne light pics.

http://klmall.smugmug.com/Disney/Disney-2007/IMG7609ed2/808176760_CouB3-M-1.jpg (http://klmall.smugmug.com/Disney/Disney-2007/11485572_SNkW3#808176760_CouB3-A-LB)

[photo_chick]

Another vote for the tripod. And it doesn't have to be a fancy one. Go pick up one of the $30 Sony ones from Walmart... seriously, for a point and shoot it will more than get the job done.

Most of the point and shoots with decent controls can get the shot if you use a tripod. And the tripod will allow you to capture the scene using a slower shutter speed and consequently a lower ISO, which means less noise.

[Steve's Girl]

My first time shooting Osborne lights, I used a trash can for stabilization. I've since gone high tech with a tripod, but if the OP isn't wanting to carry the S5, I doubt a tripod will be high on the list. (although I think that is the best solution for these types of night time photos) I've always used my DSLR for Osborne, but I'd imagine a P&S without a tripod would render some pretty noisy images.

[Frantasmic]

What's missing from the posts of these fine people is between the lines (plus most have said it in other posts).

It's not the camera, it's the photographer.

You have a good, capable camera in the S5. To enhance your pictures, you really only need a monopod or a cheap tripod. However, you state that you don't want to "lug" around the S5. There's really not a different point and shoot out there that has anything more to offer technology-wise.

What you are really asking is there a smaller, better camera. The answer is No, not really. The answers you are getting are learn your camera, learn technique, take some time, practice, and you will have better pictures.

[FergieTCat]

Thanks for the replies.

I can/have get decent pictures with my S5 (especially concert photography), but I find it a little big and heavy to carry around all day. In my defense, I have a bad shoulder.

I am impressed with the G5 pictures. My friend has one and it's a nice size. I'll have to check to reviews of the newest model.

Thanks again!

[libraryfreak]

Help! Does anybody have a picture of a display at the Osborne Lights of a campsite - I remember (well, I think I remember) it had 2 camp chairs, a tripod over a fake fire, a cooler. It might of also had a tent?

I'd like to recreate it for our local metro parks, they have a Christmas Lights walk and are in need of scenes.

Thank you VERY much for any help you can offer, I tried googling but its like looking for the proverbial...

[ColleenG]

I don't have a picture of the scene you are talking about, but maybe try searching it on Flickr or Photobucket. You might come up with more shots than you can shake a stick at of just the light display. Good luck in your quest.