Hello, All:  

Just want to refresh my understanding of camera settings using the vast expertise of this forum, so as to capture some awesome night-time fireworks pics on the 4th of July in the U.S.

-Phantom 3 Pro
-Hover in-place (at a safe distance)
-Best settings for still pics?
-Best settings for video?
-Use best settings + AEB for stills?

Thanks, in advance!

Paul H.

Also curious for P3S.

Trying to get a photographer to give you their camera settings is like trying to get a fisherman to tell you his secret fishing spot. Ain't gonna happen.

I'm a drone pilot and a pyrotech...if at all possible, find out what the largest diameter shell will be used in the show.Then do some simple math to give you your minimum safe distance. Generally speaking the shells have a 75 foot explosion radius and lift height per inch of shell diameter. And to be safe I'd add half as much to your safe distance. There have been bad incidents with drones and Pyro and pilots already have a bad reputation with shooters so be EXTRA cautious. As far as camera settings. Use the stock filter, I'd think white balance should be auto. To get awesome shots, play with shutter speeds. Long exposures of say 1 to 1.5 seconds will get things like willow shells to be elegant flowers in photos. A 3 or 4 second exposure will capture from mortar to finish. Set your iso to 100 or 200...the light from the fireworks will give you more than enough light.

drago_6999 Posted at 2016-7-1 06:19
I'm a drone pilot and a pyrotech...if at all possible, find out what the largest diameter shell will ...

A nice perspective, thanks Drago.  And yes, I will be well out of the range of danger for this event :-)

I would be cautious of people trying to seek your aircraft as a "target" with bottle rockets...I also thought about maybe taking mine out for a flight on the 4th..but then..nah.

guns&cameras Posted at 2016-7-1 09:17
I would be cautious of people trying to seek your aircraft as a "target" with bottle rockets...I als ...

Yeah, good advice.  But I live close to the fairgrounds where these fireworks will be launched from, and all my neighbors are very supportive of my drones, so I think the risk is "manageable"

phinchman Posted at 2016-7-1 13:17
Yeah, good advice.  But I live close to the fairgrounds where these fireworks will be launched fro ...

Be sure to post some. I would love to see some photos/video!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/143011749@N04/shares/QJgfKL

Hers a couple from last night.

drago_6999 Posted at 2016-7-4 18:11
https://www.flickr.com/photos/143011749@N04/shares/QJgfKL

Hers a couple from last night.

Sa-weet! I'm excited for tonight! P3S

Does anyone know if 2.7k can be downconverted to 1080p using premier elements video editor? I bought that program awhile ago and can't figure out how to use it but I digress.

And when taking stills, the 12mp is just that, correct? No 2.7k, comes into play for stills, am I correct?