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iPhones pass the fireworks test: best of the reader-submitted 4th photos

Shooting photographs of fireworks can be a real challenge. The good shots happen quickly, cameras don't always get the focus right, and there is a lot of movement that can make for blurry pictures. The iPhone is not the best camera in the world for demanding photo jobs -- that's true for all cell phone cams, with the possible exception of digital cameras that happen to include phones as a bonus feature.

Nevertheless, we asked our readers around the U.S. to send us their fireworks images, and that they did. Actually, the iPhone acquitted itself pretty well, both with still images and in movies done with the new 3G (plus one movie done with a jailbroken 2G and Cycorder).

Look below for a gallery of some of my favorite stills. Many were sent anonymously, so we can't always credit the photographer. Some were uploaded directly from their phones to MobileMe and YouTube.

Thanks to all who participated and made our 4th of July sparking and colorful. Visit this link to see the full collection of entries, check out comments in our request for pictures article yesterday for more YouTube links, and view the gallery below for our selection of some great images from around the country.



Shooting photographs of fireworks can be a real challenge. The good shots happen quickly, cameras don't always get the focus right, and...
 

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owenmhv

correct link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TViHUTSYB5o

July 06 2009 at 10:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
owenmhv

this is a very brief video i shot at shawnee fireworks display in Pa with iphone 3GS, no edits.
Shot the video, uploaded to youtube before i made it back to the car. I love the direct youtube upload.

http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=TViHUTSYB5o

July 06 2009 at 10:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steven

I took a fireworks picture on New Year's Eve with my iPhone 3G.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/trooster/3155007206/

July 06 2009 at 10:49 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
NetworkShadow

I shot a video of the whole 15 minute long local fireworks display: http://www.vimeo.com/5460948

July 06 2009 at 8:43 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
binaires4me

This is a good firework video from the iPhone 3GS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6Sp-_MIEnQ
The sound is amazing

July 06 2009 at 3:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
iarehawaiian

heres one of one exploding over the island thing.

http://tinyurl.com/oouqk2

July 06 2009 at 1:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cheezorg

Here's one of my neighbors setting them off in the street. Shot, trimmed and upoaded with a 3GS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp7HWJuRXFE

July 05 2009 at 11:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ron

The 10th one was mine. Thanks for making me sorta famous tuaw!

July 05 2009 at 8:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ryan.Whitney

Interesting. Better quality from an iPhone than I see from most consumer digital cameras taken by hand.

July 05 2009 at 6:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tjp

these are mostly iPhone photos too i take: http://picfog.com/search/fireworks

July 05 2009 at 5:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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