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.

Click READ MORE to see lots more!

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:

With a 20X optically stabilized zoom lens (28-560mm), HD Video Sweep Panorama, and a 9.1 megapixel resolution, you have the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Night photos are no probem with Sony's Handheld Twilight Mode that quickly takes six images of the same subject and through the magic of compositing produces a "perfect" image - all without a tripod.

"Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX1 is a camera of two sides: on the one you have the traditional super-zoom aspects which, like several rivals, deliver a massive stabilised range with full manual control and a flexible screen..."

With a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, HD 720p video capable, a variable angle LCD display and the Nikon name branded on the front, you've got the D5000 DSLR. Also under the hood is Live View, 19 automatic Scene Modes, low image noise and 4 fps shooting. And, with a price under $700 the D5000 becomes even more attractive.

"The D5000 is extremely compact and although it’s smaller than what I’m used to, it still feels good in my hands."

Nikon D5000 Body is available from these trusted sources:

With 14.7 megapixels of shooting power the Canon PowerShot G10 has become popular as an alternative to heavier cameras. Standard is a 5X optical zoom that ranges from 28-140mm backed with optical image stabilization. Also appealing is the G10's support for Raw files and manual exposure. Images can easily be viewed on the 3" color display. Although there's a built-in flash a hot shoe welcomes more powerful strobes.

"After it was all said and done though,  I do prefer my little Leica D-Lux 4 to this Canon G10. That is most likely because I am used to that camera, its files, and its features."

The Pentax K-7 is a 14.6 megapixel DSLR with 720p HD Video. With a magnesium alloy body chassis and weather resistant body  the K-7 is able to handle just about any conditions. Innovative features include a 77-segment metering system, electronic level function, in-camera lens correction, and even a mirror lock-up. An embedded copyright function protects your award winning images.