Seeing
the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience, especially in the vast dark
skies of Canada. But capturing that dancing green glow with a camera can be
tricky. Fortunately, if you own an Olympus (OM System) camera, you have some of
the most powerful tools in the industry for night photography.
Whether
you are looking to buy an Olympus mirrorless camera in Canada for your
first Arctic expedition or you’re a seasoned pro, these settings will ensure
you bring home sharp, vibrant images of the Aurora Borealis.
1. The Essential "Golden" Settings
Before
the lights start dancing, switch your camera to Manual (M) Mode. The
camera’s auto-exposure will struggle in the pitch black, so you need to take
control.
- Aperture: Set this to the widest
possible (the lowest f-number). Ideally f/1.8 or f/2.8. This lets
in the maximum amount of light.
- ISO: Start at ISO 1600. If
the aurora is faint, bump it to 3200. On modern bodies like the OM-1
Mark II, you can comfortably go higher without excessive noise.
- Shutter Speed: This depends on the speed
of the aurora:
- Fast, dancing lights: 2 to 5 seconds (to keep
the "curtain" detail).
- Slow, faint glow: 10 to 20 seconds.
- White Balance: Set it manually to 3800K
to 4000K. This keeps the sky looking naturally blue-black rather than
a muddy brown.
2. The Olympus Secret Weapon: Starry Sky AF
Focusing
in the dark is the hardest part of night photography. While other photographers
are squinting at their screens trying to manually focus on a star, Olympus
users have Starry Sky AF.
Available
on models like the OM-1, OM-5, and E-M1 Mark III, this feature uses a
specialized algorithm to lock focus on stars perfectly.
- How to use it: Go to your AF settings,
select "Starry Sky AF," and press the AEL/AFL button. The camera
will beep when it’s locked—guaranteeing tack-sharp stars every time.
3. Use "Live Time" to Nail the Exposure
One of
the most stressful parts of shooting the aurora is waiting for a 15-second
exposure to finish, only to realize it's way too bright or too dark.
With Live
Time, you can watch the image "build" on the back of your LCD
screen in real-time. Once the aurora looks perfect, just press the shutter
again to stop the exposure. No more guesswork!
4. Computational Magic: Live Composite
If the
Northern Lights are steady and you want to capture them over a long period
alongside star trails, use Live Composite.
- This mode only records new
light. It will keep your foreground and the aurora perfectly exposed while
allowing the stars to rotate into beautiful circles behind the green glow.
5. Pro Tips for the Canadian Cold
When
you’re out in the Yukon or Northern Ontario, the cold is your biggest enemy.
- Keep Spare Batteries Warm: Keep your extra batteries
in an inside pocket close to your body heat. Cold drains Micro Four Thirds
batteries faster than usual.
- Long Exposure Noise
Reduction:
Turn this ON. The camera will take a "dark frame" after
your shot to subtract sensor noise, which is vital for clean night shots.
- Lens Choice: If you’re looking to buy
an Olympus mirrorless camera in Canada, pair it with a "Pro"
wide-angle lens like the M.Zuiko 12mm f/2.0 or the 7-14mm f/2.8
PRO for the best results.
Ready for the Aurora?
The OM
System is uniquely suited for the rugged Canadian wilderness thanks to its
class-leading weather sealing and compact size. If you’re ready to upgrade your
night photography game, check out our latest Olympus and OM System bodies
at York Lenses. We offer fast shipping across Canada and expert advice to help
you capture the shot of a lifetime!
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