Setting up your Camera for AstroPhotography

[Frederic]

Below you can the typical Camera Settings as preparation for Astrophotography. 

Nicely summed up by @Mikhail Lukichev and will serve as a good reminder before starting any night photography session.

• select RAW mode
• decrease brightness of the screen to minimum
• disable long exposure noise reduction
• disable high ISO noise reduction
• select manual focus mode
• turn on live-view
• zoom in the picture in the live view mode
• select manual shooting mode (M)
• disable auto ISO
• set ISO to 3200
• set shutter speed to 15sec
• set aperture to minimum (f1.8 - F3.5)
• set manual white balance to 3200-3500K

Take a shot, and then play with the ISO and Shutter speed timings to obtain the best possible result. Both have their pros and cons. If your ISO setting is too high you will start getting to much noise in your image. If your shutter speed is too long you will start having "trailing star" issues due to the movement of the earth. Hence the 3200ISO and 15seconds is a good starting point.

Equipment List

1) tripod suitable for your camera. There is no need to have an expensive tripod, however, if your camera and lens is heavy, sturdy tripod would be handy.

2) DSLR or mirrorless camera able to shoot in raw with exposure time up to 20 seconds. If you do not have one, you can try to shoot with a simple point and shoot camera or phone, but lack of settings could be an issue. If you have a camera but not sure if it is suitable or not, feel free to ask here!

3) wide angle lens. (14,24,28,35mm would be great) Actually, any kit lens should work fine. Do not bring your telephoto lens or a portrait lens this time, we will not use it. Again, if your are not sure what to bring with you, feel free to ask!

4) a bit of adhesive tape would be handy but not mandatory. This is to keep your manual zoom in place.

5) fully charged battery for your camera.

6) red light headlamp. Red light helps a lot operating your camera and not overstressing your eyes