A computer is only as good as its operator

So this new camera I've got is really amazing. It takes video with really good quality, and poor spouse is getting annoyed at my constant filming. As for pictures, they seem to be pretty good and much, much bigger than the pics my old camera took. So far, I have relied on the camera's "automatic" setting, and as I understand it, the "camera" analyzes the shot and chooses the appropriate setting. There is also a manual mode where you can adjust the aperture setting, f-stop, white balance etc. If I knew what those things were, I might play around with it. There is also a "scene" mode. This must be for the people like me, illiterate in camera speak but wanting to have some say over the camera settings. So in the "scene" mode, you can choose outdoor shot, sunset shot, twilight shot, etcetera, and the camera will adjust the settings accordingly.

Last night, Australia put on their fireworks show as part of the International Fireworks Competition here. What better time to try out the "fireworks" setting on the scene selection mode? As it turned out, Australia put on one of the most moving shows I've seen- perfectly synchronized with the music, and reflecting the mood and color of each piece. From Pinball Wizard to Aquarius the sky was transformed into a huge work of living art.

Truly, I was blown away, and I predict that they will win this year's competition. They were that good.

Naturally, I took loads of pictures using the "fireworks" setting on the camera. Unfortunately, they all came out like this:


I had no idea my hands were so palsy. (adding "tripod" to the list)