davidp wrote:
I have a Sony RX10 IV. In looking up the best settings for taking an extended pictures of the sky at night trying to get the stars moving I get a little confused. If I want to have the lens open for 15 or more minutes what should the camera be set at? I did 5 minutes and the trails were small and at 35 minutes the picture was almost all white. Thanks ahead for any advice.
Dave
Here is what I use, I do not know if the RX10 has the controls that a fully featured DSLR does, but that being said, these settings work every time:
Set camera up pointing to North with a compass. If you use your Smartphone's compass app, take it out of the case. I've seen metal in cases effect compass readings. Do this before sunset, as it is a lot easier in daylight. It helps to have something in the foreground of the shot, to give sense of proportion.
Camera on sturdy tripod, leveled, fresh batteries.
Set camera up pointing to North with a compass. If you use your Smartphone's compass app, take it out of the case. I've seen metal in cases effect compass readings. Do this before sunset, as it is a lot easier in daylight.
Set camera into manual focus, focus to infinity. If the RX10's lens creeps, a bit of gaffer tape will hold it in place.
Set ISO to 400
Set shutter to Bulb and connect your intervalometer. I recommend the Vello ShutterBoss.
Set aperture to full open, you want to Hoover in as much light as possible.
Set Custom White Balance to: No Moon 4000k, Partial Moon 4500k, Full Moon 5200K.
Turn off an long exposure, High ISO processing, Image preview, back screen.
VR, if enabled, to OFF.
Once sky is dark, find Polaris (North Star) and center in viewfinder.
Once focus to infinity is set, cover viewfinder with gaffer tape or close shutter if available.
Minimum shooting time is 90 minutes, or until camera battery runs out.
Intervalometer settings, based on Velo ShutterBoss:
Delay 0.00.00
Long: 0.04.00 - 4 minute exposure
Interval: 0.00.01 - 1 second between shots
N: 0 = no finite limit.
I hang a glow stick from my tripod to be able to find it in the dark. No headlights after shoot starts, will bleed into image.
Do a test shot with the Intervalometer to make sure you get a 4 minute exposure.
Hit the button on the ShutterBoss (refer to manual) and let 'er rip.
I sit in a camp chair and stare at the stars for 90 minutes. You will have about 360 images in the can. After 90 minutes, turn off Intervalometer to stop process. I usually do 2 star trail sequences per night.