Best fireworks photos--anyone use Kodak Easyshare 6490?

[trampslady]

I think that's my camera, anyway. It's the 10x optical zoom version, and I love it--except for two things--fireworks and animal shots. I was used to a Canon professional 35mm--we were pals. My hubby talked me into the digital, and I have to admit that I love the ease of shooting, seeing the photos immediately, and the reduced $$ spent on prints. That said, I have yet to take an outstanding fireworks shot (or much of anything in a dark setting) and taking photos of whales in Alaska almost made me jump ship.

Any suggestions on how to make that digital "see" Cinderella's castle like I "see" it during fireworks?

 

[FatCow]

There should be a "night mode" or "slow shutter" mode on the camera. Use that AND kill the flash (for fireworks and landscape at night). Use a tripod. You'll get a terrific result.

What really kills is the shutter lag on a digital camera.

BTW, I'm selling my Olympus C8080WZ digital camera (8MP, 5 batteries, 2 Sunpak filters, battery grip, shutter cable release, about 2 months old) real cheap. Interested? (I'm upgrading to Canon 1Ds, 16.7 MP SLR)

 

[mousy_in_canada]

There should be a "night mode" or "slow shutter" mode on the camera. Use that AND kill the flash (for fireworks and landscape at night). Use a tripod. You'll get a terrific result.

What really kills is the shutter lag on a digital camera.

BTW, I'm selling my Olympus C8080WZ digital camera (8MP, 5 batteries, 2 Sunpak filters, battery grip, shutter cable release, about 2 months old) real cheap. Interested? (I'm upgrading to Canon 1Ds, 16.7 MP SLR)

How cheap is "real cheap" I have a 2.3 mp and would love to upgrade but I think yours will be out of my range..

 

[FatCow]

Well, the camera alone is currently selling for CAD$1050 plus taxes. The entire set at the time (paid in mid-October, received the camera -- it was a special order, NOT eBay dealie -- just in time for Halloween '04) cost me CAD$1995.

Now I'm selling the entire set for CAD$1200 (including shipping within Ontario, payable via PayPal or Money Order).

 

[FatCow]

For an example of the Wishes fireworks pic taken using the C8080WZ:

http://groups.msn.com/lafamigliadisusilo/dec2004wdwtrippiccies.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=569

Osborne Lights:

http://groups.msn.com/lafamigliadisusilo/dec2004wdwtrippiccies.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=570

For some other example pics you can go here:

http://groups.msn.com/lafamigliadisusilo/dec2004wdwtrippiccies.msnw

 

[aec]

I have the kodak DX6440. I think for animals (if they are moving) you should use an action setting.

For fireworks I think a tripod would help

 

[FatCow]

BTW, if you want to take whales jumping, even my camera (C8080WZ, rated to have an excellent speed of Auto Focus for a camera of its class by dpreview.com) will not be able to get it perfectly (although it's much better than most digital cameras).

If you really need really fast AF response, you'll need a dSLR with a good lens which the body and lens alone will cost you easily around CAD$2,400 including taxes. I would highly recommend Canon 20D, also 8MP. (I also own that camera; lovely but too bulky and heavy for travelling)