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BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Taking Pictures of Lightning and Fireworks

Photography Question 

BetterPhoto Member 		 

Shooting Lightning


Can I capture lightning with a digital camera? I'm a weather fanatic, love tornados, lightning, etc. I want a digital camera because of all the features, but I heard the image quality isn't as good. What would be the best digital camera to get for taking lightning pictures? Also, what's the best film camera to take pictures of lightning with?


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August 13, 2004

 

Bob Cammarata 		  I would imagine that any camera - digital or film - is capable of capturing lightning strikes ... as long as it has a "bulb" setting for long exposures at night. You can get some great tips on shooting lighting at this link:
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/qnaDetail.php?threadID=9967


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August 13, 2004

 

Wendy 		 
 
 
I have a Nikon CP5700 and have photographed lightenng. The "bulb" setting is essential. As is the ability to do rapid capture shots. Get a largish memory card (not less than 512M) as you will have lots of duds but a few magic ones.
I attach one from my first attempts at lightening shots. I took about 200 shots with about 20 having forks in them.


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August 15, 2004

 

Chantry Brinlee 		 
 
 
I'm currently using the Canon EOS Digital Rebel and have captured many shot of lightening. The only real way to do it, (my opinion) is to have the bulb setting or some way to keep you shutter open long enough (30 secs - 2+min) to get the shot. I tend to try several different settings when I'm shooting lightening just to make sure I get at least a few good shots each trip out. It pretty much boils down to two things...luck and being prepared.


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December 12, 2004

 
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