Photographing the Northern Lights with a Canon Rebel XSi can be of high quality if you set your camera correctly. Basically, the key to capturing the Auroras in high detail lies in knowing your camera settings.
Quick guidelines to help you achieve better results:
- ISO Settings: Start with an ISO of 800. This setting allows your camera to pick up the faint light emitted by the auroras without introducing too much noise. If the lights are particularly bright, you can adjust the ISO up to 1600, but be cautious about the potential for increased graininess.
- Aperture: Use a wide aperture to let in more light. Set your aperture to f/2.8 or lower (if available). This setting helps capture the intricate details and vibrant colors of the Northern Lights against the dark sky.
- Shutter Speed: To capture the movement and beauty of the auroras, set your shutter speed between 15 to 30 seconds. If the auroras are moving quickly, you may want to shorten this to around 5-10 seconds to prevent blurriness.
- Manual Focus: Switch to manual focus and set your focus to infinity. Autofocus may struggle in low light conditions, so adjusting the focus manually will ensure sharp images of the auroras.
- Stabilization: Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable during long exposures. A tripod is essential for reducing camera shake and ensuring clear, sharp images.
- RAW Format: If possible, shoot in RAW format. This provides greater flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to adjust exposure, color balance, and other settings without losing quality.
To view live webcams of the aurora borealis (if present), visit aurora-night.com/pages/aurora-webcams.