This video was shot using my Canon zr500 at the 13th Street Beach in Cocoa, FL.  I left the autofocus on, unfortunately, which caused some issues when camera flashes by oblivious bystanders (the flash will illuminate the ocean!  Not the shuttle!) confused the camera’s night mode.  I was able to switch to fireworks mode in time for booster separation, which ameliorated the autofocus issues.  Unfortunately, even with my SteadiCam, the image was quite shaky at that time due to the fact that I was zoomed as far as possible, and it was about 45°, so I was actually shivering.

Even so, it’s an impressive video.  Even more impressive in person.  The way the shuttle lights up the night sky like a sunrise is breathtaking.  When the final cut to the zoomed in booster separation occurs, you can actually hear the liftoff over the ocean.  Enjoy!