All the settings that cicopo mentioned are available in the Manual Modes (M, Av, Tv) of the camera. It sounds like you may not be comfortable with manual modes, so I would use the special scene modes and try the Fireworks scene. This choice will use a fairly long shutter speed, so you will need to use a tripod for best results. If the photo is too dark, press the +/- button and adjust the setting to a higher + number. If it's too light, press the +/- button and adjust the setting to a lower - number. This is called exposure compensation, and goes a long way to getting more from the camera than Auto Modes. Please don't expect the kind of results that a much higher end camera will get as the sensors are very small in the SX170, and the lens is not very fast. I can get fairly decent shots with mine, but the best results are in better lighting condtions. These are very capable cameras for the price, and with practice you should be able to get some really nice shots. Have fun on your trip.
Steve M.
