A few questions about photo taking

[hollisterluva92]

I am also posting this on the photography board, but I have a few questions.
My trip is in a week and a half and I need some tips as far as photography goes. I have a Olympus E-400 with the standard lens that came with it.

1.) Should I set my camera in shutter priority mode for dark rides? What about ISO? I've heard 3200 is good.
2.) How about fireworks? I am getting a tripod today but should I put it in fireworks mode?
3.) Is there a idiot-proof mode? Can I just set it on Auto and still get good shots??

 

[carlbarry]

Cameras vary from brand to brand. My suggestion would be, start in auto. The great thing about digital cameras is you can instantly see the results. If you're not satisfied, then fool around with the settings.

 

[MichaelH]

I have a Cannon digital camera. I like you am not that knowledgeable about how to take pictures and what settings I should use. I would just try it out. For the dim rides inside, you may want to try and see how to turn the flash off and just use a longer exposure. I need to learn how to do this. I know in the Haunted Mansion I would just like to capture the image as my eyes are seeing it and the flash will light everything up.

I about the only thing I change mine to is sports mode, so I can capture action shots. This setting would be good for Lights, Motors, Action.

 

[seashoreCM]

It is not a bad idea to set shutter priority. Still, it is possible that there is not enough light to take the picture. Then one of two things will happen: the camera honors the shutter priority after maxing out the lens and lets the picture come out dark, or the camera dishonors the shutter priority after maxing out the lens and lets the picture come out blurry (if you didn't use a tripod).

Sometimes the lesser of evils is to raise the ISO (try 1600, 3200, etc). Raising the ISO means the camera doesn't need as much light in the first place. So it doesn't get to the decision point of honoring or dishonoring your shutter priority as often. But keep in mind that the picture will come out grainy.

When using a tripod for ordinary (non-fireworks) shots, set the ISO at 100.

Fireworks mode should prevent dimming down the entire picture when lots of fireworks are int he sky at the same time and brightening up and washihg out the color when there is just one or two fireworks in the sky.

Digital camera hints: http://www.cockam.com/digicam.htm

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Here is a great thread on how to shoot dark rides that may help you ... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2212739. Unfortunately your kit lens may not be sufficient enough for the especially dark rides like Haunted Mansion, even at 3200 ISO. You might want to look at getting a low light lens (something like a 50 mm f/1.8 or 30 mm f/1.4). You need to keep your camera as still as possible, and timing is everything.

... and on the topic of fireworks, here is a great thread on how to shoot fireworks that may also help you ... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1474329