How to Photograph Fireworks

Point-and-Shoot Cameras for Fireworks Shots

As the preceding page indicates, you can use almost any digital camera to capture fireworks, as long as it offers either some degree of manual control (so you can achieve the appropriate ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings) or a fireworks scene mode. The least expensive cameras typically lack manual controls but usually have a fireworks scene mode that automates the process.

Among your top choices for point-and-shoot models appropriate for fireworks shooting: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2. Currently ranked second on PC World's Top 10 Point-and-Shoot Cameras and available for around $400, this 10-megapixel camera uniquely captures pictures in a variety of aspect ratios, such as 3:2 (DVD), 16:9 (HDTV), and 4:3 (traditional). It also has a fireworks mode among its 18 scene modes, as well as aperture-priority, shutter-priority, and full-manual shooting modes.

Nikon's Coolpix L10 clocks in with half as many megapixels as the Lumix DMC-LX2, but at current prices--around $100 or less--it's quite a bargain. In keeping with the camera's low price, it lacks advanced features--it has no exposure bracketing, spot metering, or manual focus, for example. But this model has 15 scene modes--one of which is for fireworks. And it has a face-priority mode that optimizes focus for human faces.

The Fujifilm Finepix A610, another inexpensive, entry-level camera--with 6.3 megapixels--lacks advanced modes and manual exposure. But its 14 scene modes--including a fireworks mode--do a reasonable job of adjusting exposures for you. Its 3X zoom and 2.5-inch LCD display make it easy to frame your shot at the Fourth of July festivities.

Any of the advanced point-and shoot cameras on our Top 5 chart would be suitable for fireworks. Advanced cameras are generally too large for your pocket, but they offer plenty of flexibility to handle tough shooting conditions, including fireworks.