Fireworks are one of the best oh and ahhh moments of the family July 4th gatherings. They are pretty to watch and there are the "adventurers" that fire up the fireworks and the "concerned" folks who are always telling us to BE CAREFUL - lol.

I have to admit I get tired of being told to be careful all the time, after all, at my age I am looking out for the kids and STILL getting told by the well meaning and wonderful grandparents to BE CAREFUL - ha.

Taking pictures of fireworks is also a lot of fun and I actually look forward to getting out there to take my fireworks shots. Here are some suggestions to help you get better fireworks pictures.

Read how by clicking where it says READ MORE!

If you have a hot shoe flash you can trick the camera into getting sharper more focused pictures. Knowing how your focus system works is the first biggest step towards getting sharper pictures.

One of the biggest complaints about cameras is the grips I read about soft focus and out of focus pictures. Some of it has to do with the camera itself, meaning brand specific like how well a Canon camera focuses verses how well a Nikon camera focuses. I don't want to engage that argument here. What I want to show you is how just ONE aspect of how you can get sharper focus on your DSLR.

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The Leica D-Lux 4 is a 10.1 megapixel point and shoot camera with a Leica DC Vario-Summicron f2-2.8 zoom lens. Another area that separates it is the  24-60mm that can get those wide shots. You'll even find all manual exposure control as well as a manual focus mode for those wanting more control than automatic, shutter or aperture priority. Even with a built-in flash there's a hot shoe. Plus, the D-Lux 4 can capture 720p HD Video. In the end it's the quality of the images that make this one stand out.

Although recently introduced June 16, 2009, the Olympus E-P1 has been one of the most closely watched digital cameras in recent times. The E-P1 has a 12.3 megapixel resolution and is based on Micro Four Thirds. But, for many, the attraction is in the features that include interchangeable lenses, in-camera stabilization, advanced dust reduction, and even HD Stills and Video.

"While many will balk at the price of the thing (£699 with pancake lens - about $1100 USD), the camera has the right amount of technology to back up its worth and will no doubt tempt new users to the ‘grown-up camera’ brigade. The retro revolution starts here."

Based on Four Thirds Olympus has produced the compact E-620 DSLR. Behind the lens are 12.3 megapixels , in-body image stabilization, multiple exposure, Art filters, and a 2.7" swivel display. And, it's all in a DSLR that costs less than $600.

"When we reviewed the Olympus E-30, we said it was the best Four Thirds DSLR yet - it didn't hold on to that crown for long. The E-620 crams most of the E-30's feature set into a much smaller, much less expensive package that competes more convincingly with its peers than any Four Thirds camera we've yet seen."

Olympus E-620 DSLR is available from these trusted sources:

The Olympus PEN E-P1 is a totally new direction for a digital camera. It's not only based on Micro Four Thirds but it also takes interchangeable lenses opening the door for a wide variety of optics. The E-P1 is a compact camera  backed by 12.3 megapixels of resolution with features that include in-camera stabilization, HD Video, Art Filters for creative effects, and hot shoe for high powered strobe units.

With a 15.1 megapixel CMOS sensor powered by a DIGIC 4 Image Processor, the newest Canon Rebel, the T1i, packs HD Video along with Canon know-how for uncompromised still image quality. The T1i has a built-in flash but when needed can also accept a bigger strobe via the built-in Hot Shoe. A 3" display allows for easy viewing.

"For the most part, the T1i’s body isn’t that different from that of its predecessor, the EOS Rebel XSi. The T1i is a very compact camera that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or stable shooting to achieve its small footprint."

The Olympus E-620 packs features that include 12.3 megapixels of resolution, a flip-out 2.7" display, Autofocus Live View, 6 Art Filters and multiple exposure. In addition the two lens kit includes a Zuiko 14-42mm and a 40-150mm covering a wide range of optics suitable for your camera bag.

"All in all, I’ll admit that I found this to be an admirable system, with enough functionality to suit even the needs of the advanced amateur, while giving photo enthusiasts a camera they can use immediately sink their teeth into. If you’re a pro, you’ll find this a capable camera for travel photography."

The Sigma DP1 and DP2 digital cameras use the unique Foven X3 14-megapixel sensor which is easily up to 12 times the size of sensors found in other point and shoot cameras. The DP1 has the equivalent of a 28mm f4 lens while the DP2 comes with that of a 41mm f2.8. The optics are Sigma quality. Both cameras support Raw files for the utmost image quality differing a bit in the feature set between the two.

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i offers 15.1 megapixels via a CMOS sensor that is used to capture beautiful still images as well as full HD Video. An Auto Lighting Optimizer balances exposure even in difficult light. Live View is easily viewed on the big 3" display even in bright conditions. The 14-bit A/D conversion produces high quality Raw files making it an affordable full-featured DSLR.

"I recommend B&H Photo as a trusted online source for cameras like the Canon Rebel T1i, along with a broad range of lenses and accessories to go with it."

Canon EOS Rebel T1i DSLR Body is available from these trusted sources: