Looking for help with Sunrise shots!

[navcom]

Hi Sarah! Did you attach a picture to your last post? I don't see one and the wording of your post makes it sound like you might have.

Exposure for sunsets is a fine balance between getting the colors you need (which requires that you underexpose) and getting the detail you need in your other objects. That's where the ND grad comes in handy. If you are overexposing your sky, you might need another stop stronger ND grad.

[Sarah-]

I did add two pictures to my last post, which I can see when I view that post

I'll attach them to this post instead of embedding the link. As for your advice, the trouble is I am using a compact, granted I have great manual controls but I can't shoot in RAW and sadly I can't attach filters to the lens. At least I don't think there is a way I can use filters with this model. I also don't have a tripod but I'm looking to buy one very soon!
I wish I did have an SLR but they are all out of my budget and will be for some time! I'm still very please with this new camera it's a giant step up from my old fully automatic point and shoot

Hopefully you can see the pictures this time!

[navcom]

I see them now. I like the first one best. It's a pretty good exposure without a filter. You're on the right track!

You shouldn't have any problem using a rectangular ND grad filter with your camera. You won't be able to mount it to the lens but you can hand-hold it in front of the lens. There are many times I hand-hold one in front of my DSLR versus using the holder adapter.

Do a search on line for "graduated neutral density filter". Look for the Cokin "P" style (most popular). One thing to remember is that with filters, you get what you pay for. Since you are just starting out, getting one of the cheap ones to see how it works would be the best avenue. You can find them around $30 from Cokin. Just remember they won't be the highest quality. For practice though they will work just fine.

[ghcoe]

I just purchased a Fujifilm S1500 and am in the same boat as you for filters. I have no threads on the lens for a adapter. I did find that "Cokin" makes a filter shoe for compact-type digital & Bridge-type cameras. It accepts the "Cokin Type A" filters and uses the tripod mount to mount the filter holder to the camera. Have not tried one yet but looks like it should work. George.

http://www.cokin.fr/ico15-B.html