yeah but it'll turn cloudy during the night
Even im not expecting much, we've got a lot of cloud at the moment (just the fog that lifted into cloud and has stuck around all day). I doubt ill see anything - had it been say 5 hours earlier then i would have a much better chance (like last year)

__________________

itv weather said the eclipse will be over birmingham area about early hours.

In theory the Eclipse will be over everywhere at the same time
just that not many people will see it

__________________

Scotweather, i have found another digital camera around the house, much newer than my one (which is about 2 years old).


It has wide angle shooting (apparently) with a 3.6x optical zoom. Model: Panasonic Lumix, more info on these websites:

Digital Cameras: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX12S 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX12S 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver): Camera & Photo

the shutter can go at different speeds - 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 1.
You can adjust the W.Balance, Sensitivity, Aspect Ratio, Picture size, Quality, AF Mode and D Zoom (i presume it means digital zoom - i don't know much about cameras lol).
It has a Macro setting too.
I was wondering if this was any better?

__________________

Its defo better than the other one. You are still going to struggle with the size of the moon in the shots.
IF you can use a slower shutter speed you should get some decent shots. However, If you can't do a shot for say 1.5 seconds you will have problems when the moon goes into the shadow of the earth as it may be too dark for the camera to take the photo.
You will still need a tripod tho and use self timer to take the picture

__________________

Thank you All i need now is some clearer skies (currently cloudy)

__________________

yes you can do longer exposures but you are going to have to have the camera rock steady.... do you have a tripod ?

Full Specification
DMC-FX12K - Lumix Digital Cameras - Shop and Compare at Panasonic

__________________

Unfortunately not, and i might have to read a bit more about it this evening.

__________________

There will be a total eclipse of the Moon this Thursday, 21st February 2008. First contact will be at 00:36:34 UT, and the eclipse will be completed by 06:15:38 UT.
The umbral phase will start at 01:43:17 UT, greatest eclipse will be at 03:26:03 UT, and the umbral phase will complete at 05:08:46 UT.



British Astronomical Association - Total Lunar Eclipse - 2008 Feb 21

__________________

You need to find a firm surface then and angle the camera towards the moon. Put it on full zoom and then use the 10 second self-timer to take the shot. A wall, books or something similar so the camera doesn't move then prop it up at the right angle and go for it. Any movement will blur the photo. Use my Blog info to get started

__________________