Completely Clueless.....

HdnOut2WDW

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 23, 2009
Messages
165
I have a Sony Cybershot camera and would really like some help with trying to figure out how to take some night time pictures of fireworks and things like that. Have been looking at the pictures on here and the are great. I hope maybe I can get some pictures similar.
Thanks in advance.
 
I'm sure folks here can help - but we'll probably need just a bit more information. Cybershot is a 'line' of cameras, not just one single model. Sony has made dozens of Cybershot models over the years, and at any one time may have 10 different current models. They range from ultra-compact fully automatic cameras to large ultrazooms with manual controls. Because the performance, features, and specs are quite different from model to model, it would help give you specific advice that is within the capability of your camera if we knew the model. Usually, Sony models have a letter followed by a number, such as S100, W300, T200, H50, P100, G1, N1, etc. A few have two letters, such as the HX1.

The good news is that with the right technique, you can take fine night shots and firework shots with even the tiniest, most simple camera. The biggest rule is for the camera to be completely still, which means either a tripod or placing it on a ledge or rail to take shots.

Post your model, and the advice should start flowing!
 
Thanks for the reply. It is just a basic pocket size camera(nothing at all fancy). The model # is DSC-W230. I have just started to scrapbook and would love decent pictures of night time shots(fireworks etc). I just don't have the know how to do it.
 
OK...with that model, the same thing I said before goes first - the camera MUST be absolutely still when taking the photo, which can take a few seconds to complete. The best way to do this is a tripod, but any level surface you can sit the camera on will work in a pinch. It is best not to even touch the camera when taking the photo, so you can set your self-timer to 2 seconds, aim the camera, press down the shutter button halfway to lock focus and metering, then fully press the shutter and let go of the camera. In 2 seconds, the timer will take the shot for you. Wait until you see the LCD screen go back to a normal display again, which will let you know when the shot is complete.

Settings-wise, your camera has a maximum shutter speed of 1 second...which isn't much. First, try Program Auto mode ont he dial, try setting the ISO manually to 100, and take the pic. if it still comes out too dark, you can adjust the ISO up to 200 or at most 400 - you don't want to go much farther than that or the shot will get too grainy. (I have some practice with this myself - I have a Sony T100 compact that has very similar specs to your camera - including the 1-second shutter speed!).

The other option is to use the 'Twilight' or 'Fireworks' scene modes on your camera. The SCN or scene mode should be selected on the dial, then on the LCD screen, you choose the mode you want. Twilight mode will take a photo in low light by opening the aperture and using a longer shutter speed - just what you want. Fireworks mode should keep the shutter open long enough to get some streaks, but maintain that dark sky look. You still need to keep the camera still during these shots - tripod or level surface - and use the timer to take the shot if you can.

Your camera also has an 'intelligent auto' mode which is supposed to detect between 5 different types of photo you may be taking, and set the camera optimally for each condition. I believe 'low light' is one of those 5 types it detects, so you may just want to set your camera to Intelligent Auto, and make sure the feature is turned on. Then all you have to do is put the camera on a level surface, set the timer, and press the shutter...you won't have to worry about the settings as the camera is programmed to shoot optimally for those conditions.

No matter what, keep the flash turned off unless you are trying to take a photo of someone from 10 feet or closer...otherwise it is doing nothing at all, and can actually hurt the photo. Those little flashes won't help you for wide landscape shots!
 

Holy cow that is a lot of information. I am very electronically iliterate, it might take me a while to digest all of it. I will have to set and play with it on the 4th of July when we see some fireworks then. I do appreciate the info though. Thanks a lot.
 
Holy cow that is a lot of information. I am very electronically iliterate, it might take me a while to digest all of it. I will have to set and play with it on the 4th of July when we see some fireworks then. I do appreciate the info though. Thanks a lot.


You may also want to check out if anywhere local has July 3rd fireworks...that way you can test out all you want and then learn from that and take more on the 4th. :)
 












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