And AI said "The following are the recommended settings for photographing the Northern Lights with the OM-D E-M5 iii:
- Aperture: f/2.8 or wider. This will allow as much light as possible into the camera, which is essential for capturing the faint light of the aurora.
- ISO: 3200-8000. This will determine how sensitive the camera is to light. A higher ISO will allow you to use a shorter shutter speed, which will help to reduce blur.
- Shutter speed: 1-12 seconds. This will determine how long the camera's shutter is open, allowing light to hit the sensor. A longer shutter speed will allow more light in, but it will also increase the risk of blur.
- White balance: 3500K. This will ensure that the colors of the aurora are accurate.
- Focus: Manual. Autofocus will not be able to focus on the aurora, so you will need to focus manually on a distant light source.
Here are some additional tips for photographing the Northern Lights with the OM-D E-M5 iii:
- Use a tripod to keep the camera steady.
- Use a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake.
- Shoot in RAW format to give you more flexibility in post-processing.
- Experiment with different settings to see what works best for you.
With a little planning and practice, you can capture stunning images of the Northern Lights with your OM-D E-M5 iii.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- How to Photograph the Northern Lights with Your Olympus Camera: https://focus9photography.com/free-tutorials/2020/1/22/how-to-shoot-the-northern-lights-aurora-borealis-with-your-olympus-camera
- Night Lights: Photographing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis: https://learnandsupport.getolympus.com/learn-center/photography-tips/astrophotography/night-lights-photographing-the-magic-of-the-aurora
- The Northern Lights: 10 Photography Tips for Beginners: https://www.hurtigruten.com/inspiration/experiences/the-northern-lights/10-photography-tips-for-beginners/"
Just say'n
IMHO all recommendations are just a starting point. Use the settings, take a test shot, evaluate your results and adjust ONE setting.
Focus is likely the most problematic and most important settings. Use manual focus. Most Mirrorless have focus peaking adjustment. Learn it and Use it. With a DSLR use live view and, with both, zoom to a distant object and focus.
