OT: Fireworks recording help, please

johnmeyer wrote on 12/11/2013, 10:55 AM

I've shot fireworks with various camcorders and the auto setting usually works pretty well. As always, it helps to do a trial shoot, but of course it is tough to just go out and find a fireworks display for testing.

I would definitely recommend reading through your camera's user manual. I have searchable PDF versions of all of my manuals and I just did a search across all of them for the word "fireworks." In my old Sony TRV-11 (late 1990s SD camcorder) the manual recommends using the Outdoor white balance preset (bet you didn't think about the color preset). It then recommends using the "Sunset & moon mode." From the manual: "This mode allows you to maintain atmosphere when you are recording sunsets, general night views, fireworks displays and neon signs."

I don't own the Panasonic TM700, but have the manual because I almost bought it several years ago. That manual describes a specific "Fireworks" mode which works "to capture the fireworks in the night sky beautifully."

My much newer Sony CX-700 also has a specific Fireworks setting (and also recommends using "Outdoor" color balance).

My Sony FX-1 is closer to a pro camera and therefore has fewer "idiot" settings and does not therefore have a fireworks setting.

I would stay away from using the Nightshot mode because you want to capture color, and this mode is 90% B&W. Also, the fireworks are quite bright.

In the old days (meaning when we were shooting film) most film stocks included instructions specifically for fireworks. They gave you shutter speed and f-stop numbers you could use, since an exposure meter was useless in determining the proper presets. If you are trying to get pro results, I'd use the manual settings and simply open the f-stop setting until the fireworks appear in the viewfinder.

fldave wrote on 12/11/2013, 11:17 AM

Set it on a tripod. Manual focus to near infinity. Do not use autofocus. I think I set WB to auto or an outdoor setting.
Fireworks are bright, so don't think you need super low light settings. Low gain, 1/60 sec, then adjust iris to the level you want.
I used a Zoom H2 surround setting for audio. Then I adjust the audio on the timeline to eliminate the time lag of video of an explosion to when the sound gets to you.

johnmeyer wrote on 12/11/2013, 11:41 AM

Do not use autofocus. That's really important. You obviously never want to use autofocus when filming subjects at a distance because even the best autofocus systems will hunt under those conditions. However at night, against a black sky (most of the time), the autofocus will go crazy.

Grazie wrote on 12/11/2013, 12:37 PM

No autofocus.

G

Maverick wrote on 12/11/2013, 12:39 PM

Once again very quick responses and great help.

Am re-reading the manual so I can put the advice into practise. Hadn't thought about setting manual focus but it makes sense to do so.

Not sure if using a tripod is really going to be practical because of all the hustle and bustle of the crowds unless we can get there early enough and at the front. I have a mini tripod which may suffice.

Again, thanks for the tips.

Cheers.

farss wrote on 12/11/2013, 12:46 PM

[I]" Not sure if using a tripod is really going to be practical because of all the hustle and bustle of the crowds"[/I]

If you can't then leave the camera at home and enjoy the show.
On top of the camera settings getting good footage of fireworks involves getting a good location to shoot from away from the crowds.
Usually most of the unwashed masses are well lubricated, want to look into your camera's lens, trip over tripod legs and/or pick a fight.

Bob.

Grazie wrote on 12/11/2013, 1:44 PM

Tripod.

G

bill-kranz wrote on 12/11/2013, 1:55 PM

Monopod?

Arthur.S wrote on 12/11/2013, 2:02 PM

Yep, +1 for monopod - if tripod not an option. If you can get it wedged up against something it can be pretty steady.

Chienworks wrote on 12/11/2013, 3:43 PM

Because fireworks tend to occupy a small number of pixels and are against a large dark background, autoexposure tends to key off the black sky rather than the sparkles. I usually set my camera's exposure adjustment to about -3 stops. This keeps the fireworks from overexposing to white and allows much more of the color to be captured.

And, as everyone else and his horse will tell you, no autofocus!

Grazie wrote on 12/11/2013, 4:21 PM

Stop down.

G

MSmart wrote on 12/11/2013, 5:20 PM

I always love coming here for G's original and insightful comments. :)

OldSmoke wrote on 12/11/2013, 5:41 PM

Isn't it difficult to point a monopod towards the sky? I guess it depends how close you are to the fireworks.

Chienworks wrote on 12/11/2013, 9:03 PM

Most of my photog friends have ball heads mounted on top of their monopods.

richard-amirault wrote on 12/12/2013, 8:37 AM

Isn't it difficult to point a monopod towards the sky?

Not if you have one of these. Works great on mine. (never tried it for fireworks however)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/554098-REG/Manfrotto_234RC_234RC_Swivel_Tilt_Head_for.html

OldSmoke wrote on 12/12/2013, 8:42 AM

That's a great head! I must get one for my Manfrotto Monopod! I have the monopod but never used it because without a head its rather difficult to work with.

Grazie wrote on 12/12/2013, 8:58 AM

@msmart: Perceptive.

G

vtxrocketeer wrote on 12/12/2013, 9:05 AM

The videos section of my website (www.cinemactionfilms.com) includes a short fireworks display in my little town of Washington, D.C. I've since shot other fireworks, mostly closer range than what is in my video. Manual focus, manually exposed for the hottest portion of particles (i.e., the center), and camera locked down should yield great results.

Some wider shots that include landmarks or buildings can emphasize the size of the fireworks. If you have decent focal length available, zoom in to fill the screen with explosions. It can make for some compositing fun in post.

Post back with your finished video. Would love to see it!

Grazie wrote on 12/12/2013, 10:08 AM

I covered and edited a DIWALI Celebration which culminated in a massive Bangra and Firework extravaganza that "rocketed" me into the sparkling world of FWs and Smoke and Sound and Tree lines and ..... Been hooked ever since.

G