What camera do you use when you're at WDW?

[DisneyGirlie]

I use a canon powershot A520, typically, but I'm looking for an upgrade.
On your camera which mode do you use while taking pics of fireworks and the spectromagic parade?
So, what camera do you use and which mode?
Thanks!

 

[ktink94]

I use my sisters old DIGITAL camera (still in excelent condition!) because she got a new Kodak Z650...but the one i use is a Kodak EasyShare CX7300

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Thanks for the answer!


I'm looking more for newer cameras that are readily available on the market.
Also, anyone else who answers this please remember to include (along with camera) what mode you use during fireworks and spectromagic parade.
Thank You all so much.

 

[Master Mason]

I use a canon Rebel XT. Don't use any of the modes, typically I use Av priority, but it depends on what I am shooting.

 

[Jeanne B]

I've used both a Canon A620 and S3 at WDW, both have a fireworks setting and I used a tripod on the last trip for the fireworks.

 

[Groucho]

It sounds like you're concerned about dark photos... this is an extremely common topic when people are looking for new photos. Check some older threads, "you are not the first to pass this way" like El Rio de Tiempo says. All cameras have problems in low lighting, chances are that your current camera will do about the same, as long as you use the same techniques. (Mainly, use a tripod.) Newer, fancier cameras can produce a better image, but most of it is the technique.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Thanks You guys!
Keep the posts coming!

 

[ktink94]

Thanks for the answer!


I'm looking more for newer cameras that are readily available on the market.
Also, anyone else who answers this please remember to include (along with camera) what mode you use during fireworks and spectromagic parade.
Thank You all so much.

On my sisters camera she uses the 'FIREWORKS' mode..but on mine If i can get the camera placed at the right time- I use the night-time vision.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Thanks for the info so far everyone.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I use a Canon DSLR at for fireworks shots I tend to use aperture priority mod. For fireworks I useful manual.

 

[robertchance]

Remember folks, its not the camera that takes good pics,, its the brain behind the camera that does

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Guys, I can't really afford a SLR.
So if anyone uses a digital camera under $400 and it works really well during fireworks and SpectroMagic, I would REALLY appreciate you telling me what camera you use and which mode during fireworks/spectromagic.
Thanks Again.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Remember folks, its not the camera that takes good pics,, its the brain behind the camera that does

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this.
Please don't tell me this because I GET IT!
Practice, Practice, Practice with your own camera, before you go out and buy a new one.
But, I have practiced with mine and its out of date anyway and I'm looking for an upgrade.

 

[robertchance]

canon s3,, here's a link, check it out

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/

 

[mister.toad]

All cameras have problems in low lighting, chances are that your current camera will do about the same, as long as you use the same techniques. (Mainly, use a tripod.) Newer, fancier cameras can produce a better image, but most of it is the technique.

This is true. Just getting a different camera will not really help with that. The A620 has full auto mode so you can do it with that camera. The thing you need to do is learn how to take the photos and a tripod will really help. I do it without but for every good shot there are 5 to 10 bad as holding still is harder than you think.

The A620 is a great camera and unless you want to step up to a digital SLR you have all you need and won't get something that will take better shots in dark situations.

The key is to learn what the limitations are and come to grips with them as they won't go away. For me, I hate using an onboard flash as it is very harsh light and looks unnatural. I understand that and know going in that if I take shots like that they will look a certain way and I decide when the shot is worth taking or not.

Most people don't learn enough about taking photos and just start taking them without know what they are doing. (I am the same way, I learn from experience usually) If you are at the MK watching Wishes you see people taking flash pictures when all the flash is doing is lighting around them and ruining their shot. Flashes only reach a certain distance (usually between 6 to 14 feet depending on the camera) and would not light up a firework anyway.

Anway, best thing you can do is practice and read the best ways to take your photos. I have the A620 and before that the A95 and when taking fireworks shots, I just go as wide as I can, select the lowest F number, set at ISO 200 and just hold tight and take as many as you can.

 

[Steve's Girl]

I use a canon powershot A520, typically, but I'm looking for an upgrade.
On your camera which mode do you use while taking pics of fireworks and the spectromagic parade?
So, what camera do you use and which mode?
Thanks!

I'm in somewhat of the same boat you are. Except, I have an A510. I also would like to upgrade. The A510 takes good pictures, but it is too slow. I often miss shots of my kids due to the lag. I also would like more zoom. I have been seriously considering the S3 IS. My current memory cards will work with it and I already have Canon's software on my computer. This camera has received good reviews and I was quite impressed with it when I spent 30 minutes or so trying it out at Best Buy. But still haven't decided for sure. It is a little bit bigger than I would like, but has the features I want.

 

[Master Mason]

Since you have decided you want to purchase a new camera, I would suggest looking at the cannon S2 and S3 and the Sony H something line I think it is 5 currently.

Many people have spoken highly of those cameras, and they both give you good manual control of your camera to take the pictures your looking for.

The modes on the various cameras are just a best guess by their programers about what the picture should look like and the settings required to make it so. However, it is just that a guess, and every situation is different, and sometimes the modes don't work out too well. So having the capablity to go manual and set it how you want it will allow you to capture the pictures in the manner you want rather than how the cammera company thought you might want it.

Find the camera you like, get it, and then follow everyones advice about practicing. Even those of us that spent a bunch of money and got dSLR's still have to practice, even the professionals learn and grow, and that's part of the fun for most of us.

 

[DisneyGirlie]

Anyone know any smaller cameras that are reliable when it comes to taking pictures of fireworks, etc.?
I don't want one of those big black ones.
Typically, does the fireworks mode on most cameras work when taking pictures of fireworks?

 

[DisneyGirlie]

anyone else help me with this?

 

[fitzperry]

Anyone know any smaller cameras that are reliable when it comes to taking pictures of fireworks, etc.?
I don't want one of those big black ones.
Typically, does the fireworks mode on most cameras work when taking pictures of fireworks?

The key to taking nice photos of fireworks seems to be a fairly slow shutter speed, which means you need a tripod. You should also use a remote shutter release, or if you don't have one, use the camera's self timer to avoid camera shake when you push the button.