Any inexpensive P&S w/ bulb mode?

Hi everybody. I have been using a Canon A510 for years now (it has all the options I typically need, even at just 3MP), but I am looking to upgrade for my passion which is fireworks photography. The A510 has no bulb mode and it is really becoming a hassle to switch exposure times for "anticipated" bursts.

Are there any less expensive P&S digicams that offer bulb mode?

Thanks so much to anyone who can help!

[EDIT] I see this got moved, sorry I didn't mean to post in the wrong section!

What do you mean by inexpensive? It's easier if you just give us a price range.

I checked a couple of high-end compact cameras - the Canon PowerShot G10 and Nikon P6000 - and neither one appears to have a bulb mode. Actually, you don't even get bulb mode on Canon DSLRs unless you buy an accessory shutter release. So finding a compact camera with a bulb mode could be really difficult. Have you thought about moving up to a digital SLR? Maybe it's time to make the move.

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Originally Posted by xero27

Hi everybody. I have been using a Canon A510 for years now (it has all the options I typically need, even at just 3MP), but I am looking to upgrade for my passion which is fireworks photography. The A510 has no bulb mode and it is really becoming a hassle to switch exposure times for "anticipated" bursts.

Are there any less expensive P&S digicams that offer bulb mode?

Thanks so much to anyone who can help!

[EDIT] I see this got moved, sorry I didn't mean to post in the wrong section!

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You can try using a Canon Powershot with aftermarket CHDK software. It can give you up to a 64 second exposure. It won't allow you to hold down a button and keep the shutter open, but what you can do is set your camera for a number of seconds you think the burst will last for, then use a motion detection script to trigger the camera for the first flash in the burst. (Trouble there is a 'rouge' flash would start the exposure).

Another problem- there is no CHDK for the A510. For cameras supported, and to see what CHDK can do, check out the FAQ

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ

Though it says there's a bulb mode, I think it only allows for remote shutter triggering. One of the problems with CHDK is it's open source, and though powerful, doesn't have the greatest documentation.

It might actually be easier for you to tripod mount, click off a series of shots during a burst with the camera you've got, then use photo stacking software to combine them into a single image with the whole burst.