Capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To capture those mesmerizing auroras, you need a good camera that can capture low-light environments with precision and accuracy. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the best camera for northern lights photography. But don’t worry, we have carefully researched and compiled a list of the top 10 best cameras for northern lights photography to help you choose the perfect one that suits your needs. So, let’s explore the world of the best cameras for northern lights photography to make your Aurora chase unforgettable.
Best Choices
Last update on 2023-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Everything you Need to Know About Cameras For Northern Lights Photography
Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena that every photographer dreams of capturing. However, photographing the Northern Lights requires specialized equipment, including cameras. There are different types of cameras suitable for Northern Lights photography, and the choice depends on the photographer’s preference, budget, and level of expertise.
For beginners, point-and-shoot cameras can be a good starting point. These cameras are simple to use, compact, and affordable. Some models come with features like long exposures and high ISO settings, which are required for Northern Lights photography. Advanced photographers can opt for interchangeable lens cameras like DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. They offer more control over exposure, aperture, and ISO, and allow the use of various lenses for creative flexibility. Regardless of the type of camera, it’s essential to use a tripod and a cable release to eliminate camera shake and achieve sharp images.
Best Cameras For Northern Lights Photography – Expert Reviews
- ♕【Excellent lighting effect & feature 】with 112 *0.5 (W) LED Beads ,The Sutefoto T18 LED video light has excellent lighting brightness up to 2000 Lummens...
- ♕【IP65 Waterproof & Heat resistant】Ideal camera light for outdoor shooting. The T18 is equipped with more durable SD-I4 LED beads. It has 2 layers of...
- ♕【Support NP battery & DC Adapter Power】The NP battery (not include) can be changed during long time outdoor video shooting，Each NP-F 970/750/550...
- ♕【lightweight & Sturdy】The T18 housing is ABS hard plastic. After drop, scratch and spray test. It is protected from water and crash well. Net Weight only...
- ♕【Free accessories & Quality Assurance 】The package include a DC Adapter Charge, four-leaf barn doors（removable）,T18 surface come with a Soft...
- 81 Beads Fill Light with Softbox: The VL-81 LED video light is a upgraded version of VL49 2000mah led video light. It comes with 81 beads, CRI95 + 3200k-5600k,...
- Warm Light and White Light Adjustable: 41 white light beads + 40 warm light beads, color temperature 3200K-5600K, can be adjusted quickly according to the...
- Rechargeable Camera Led Light: 3000mAh built-in lithium battery: Charging time is 3 hours, maximum brightness output is up to 150 minutes, minimum brightness...
- 3 Cold Shoe Mount：The VL81 camera light is designed with 3 cold shoe, enable to connect multiple lights for brighter lighting; and it can be mounted a...
- Portable Light for Photograph: the VL81 camera light is very portable, super mini only 7.6*8.9*2.5cm/3*3.5*0.1in, ultra lightweight only 120g/4.2oz. And it has...
- GENTLE AND UNIFORM LIGHTING- RaLeno panel light features edge-lit technology and 4-layer diffusers that create soft, uniform lighting without glare, making it...
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY LIFE- This camera light features a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 90 minutes on full brightness, keeping you illuminated...
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL MINI STAND- Our newly upgraded video light package adds a mini stand, now you can easily use it for video conferencing as well as handheld...
- ADJUST YOUR LIGHTING WITH EASE - The brightness (0%-100%) and color temperature (3200K-5600K) of the video light can be adjusted to create different lighting...
- TAKE YOUR LIGHTING ON-THE-GO - This portable light is ideal for outdoor use, with a built-in battery and Type-C charging for easy on-the-go use. Plus, it's...
- PREMIUM LED - The LED camera light adopts 120pcs(bi-color) high quality LED beads with a high CRI of 95+ for accurate color rendering, 3200k to 5600k adjustable...
- RECHARGEABLE & POWER BANK - With a 4000mAh build-in battery, the led light panel is rechargeable via a supplied USB Type-c charging cables. At 100% brightness,...
- POCKET-SIZED - The LED panel light measures 5.2 inches long, 3 inches wide and 0.4 inches slim, weighs about 0.4lbs/180g. Because of its lightweight and compact...
- INTUITIVE LCD DISPLAY - An intelligent LCD on the rear of the light for camera displays various parameters, such as the color temperature and brightness level,...
- DURABLE & FLEXIBLE - The LED video light has an aluminum housing and a built-in frosted lens layer for diffusion. It also features a 1/4"-20 mounting thread on...
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Freeman, Michael (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 258 Pages - 07/02/2020 (Publication Date) - Ilex Press (Publisher)
- Engh, Rohn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 08/17/2016 (Publication Date) - North Light Books (Publisher)
- 【200 LED Beads】The led panel light adopts 200pcs beads, warm white 100 pcs, cold white 100 pcs. 2500-9000k, 0.5m illumination 550-750lux, to match ambient...
- 【Large-capacity battery】The camera light has a built-in 5000 mAh battery, and the continuous working time is 2h to 15h, use for your video camera as long as...
- 【Adjustable Brightness】 Brightness adjusts from 1% to 100% brightness for enhanced control. Great for video calls, photography, pictures, video, and your...
- 【Simple ball head and diffuser】 The ball head for angling your portable led light and the diffuser make the light of the lamp softer.
- 【Intelligent LCD Display】The LCD display screen on the back tells you everything you need to know, including settings, run time, and battery life!
- 【Professional RGB LED Video Lights】The new version VL49 RGB LED video light adopts 60 high color rendering led beads, illumination angle up to 120°, the...
- 【HUE & Brightness & CCT Adjustable】Hue adjustable from 0 degree -359 degree; Brightness from 0%-100% dimmable; Color temperature from 2500K(warm) to...
- 【2000mAh Large Capacity Battery】The mini led lights is built-in 2000mAh rechargeable lithium battery, charging time is about 2 hours, max brightness output...
- 【Magnetic Attraction Design】Back Side Magnet Adsorption Design, adsorb on most metals surface, set up the scene easily. Mini pocket size, lightweight,...
- 【Small Size & Standard 1/4 Screw】The pocket light size is about 66mm*80mm*30mm, easily to carry by one hand and is a must pack item for your camera bag,...
- 【All in 1 Phone Holder】The phone holder is a perfect combination of a selfie stick and a tripod. It has a fully telescopic handle and built-in foldable...
- 【60'' Telescopic Pole】The telescopic Pole is made of aluminum alloy,so the phone tripod stand is not only lightweight but also corrosion-resistant, sturdy...
- 【Reinforced Tripod Base】Very easy to use, just press the button on the bottom to unlock three legs of the tripod for iphone. The base of the newly upgraded...
- 【Chargeable Remote Shutter】The tripod for phone has a built-in rechargeable wireless remote control,supports shooting within 10m,is compatible with...
- 【Portable & Rotation】Having a compact design and can be carried around without taking up space. The phone tripod with remote can rotate the phone screen...
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- James Currie (Writer) - The Great Courses (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
Last update on 2023-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reasons for Buying Cameras For Northern Lights Photography
Capturing the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that demands high-quality gear to produce mesmerizing results. Cameras play a vital role in achieving striking photographs, and investing in a camera for Northern Lights photography is a wise decision for several reasons. Whether you are an amateur or a professional photographer, here are some essential reasons why you should consider buying a camera for Northern Lights photography.
High-quality images
Northern Lights photography is all about capturing the beauty and magnificence of the aurora borealis. To do this, you need a camera that can capture high-quality images that accurately reproduce the vivid colors and stunning details of the natural phenomenon. A camera with a high megapixel count, excellent ISO sensitivity, and a wide dynamic range allows photographers to take crisp, clear images that can be used for publications, exhibitions, or personal collections.
High-quality images are essential for professional photographers and amateurs alike. When photographing the Northern Lights in low-light conditions, you need a camera that can handle the low light and produce images that are sharp, detailed, and true to life. A good camera with a high-quality lens also enables photographers to capture the unique patterns and shapes of the aurora borealis, which are often not visible to the naked eye. With a high-quality camera, photographers can create stunning images that transport viewers to the magical world of the Northern Lights.
Different perspectives and angles
Capturing the Northern Lights from different perspectives and angles can give a unique and diverse look to the photographs. It also provides the opportunity to showcase the surrounding landscape along with the aurora borealis. A camera with interchangeable lenses can help capture a wide-angle shot to incorporate the vast sky and surroundings with the Northern Lights. Additionally, a telephoto lens can be used to zoom in on specific areas of the aurora for a close-up shot. Different perspectives and angles also create a sense of depth and dimension in the photograph, making it more visually appealing and interesting to the viewer. Therefore, having multiple cameras with different lenses or equipment becomes essential for capturing the Northern Lights from multiple angles and perspectives.
Capturing the beauty of natural phenomena
Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a spectacular natural phenomenon that occurs in the polar regions. It is caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth’s magnetic field. The result is a stunning display of colorful lights that dance across the sky, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable sight.
For photographers, capturing the Northern Lights is an opportunity to document the beauty and wonder of nature. It requires special cameras that are capable of capturing the dim and delicate lights in the dark Arctic or Antarctic environment. A high-quality camera can help capture the colors and shapes of the Aurora Borealis in stunning detail, providing a unique and breathtaking view of the natural phenomenon. Furthermore, photographing Northern Lights can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people, and capturing it through the lens is a way to preserve and share the magic of the phenomenon with others.
Guide to Choose the Best Cameras For Northern Lights Photography
Photographing the Northern Lights is a dream come true for many photographers. The natural phenomenon is spectacular and captivating, and capturing it on camera can create stunning memories. However, to do so, we need the right camera equipment. In this section, we will discuss some key factors to consider when picking a camera for Northern Lights photography.
Low light performance
When it comes to capturing stunning shots of the Northern Lights, low light performance is vital. This is because the Northern Lights only appear at night and in low-light conditions. Cameras with poor low light performance may fail to capture the vivid colors, details and textures of the aurora borealis, resulting in blurry and noisy images that are not as visually appealing as one would expect. For this reason, it’s important to choose a camera with excellent low light capabilities, such as a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, a large aperture lens, and high ISO settings that can capture the moving lights in all their vibrant glory.
Furthermore, Northern Lights photography requires long-exposure techniques that can be challenging for cameras with poor low light performance. Without the ability to capture maximum light, images can appear dull or have unnatural color tints. By selecting a camera that can handle high-ISO shots without generating much noise, it is possible to capture sharp, clear images of Northern Lights. Therefore, considering low light performance is crucial as it ensures the highest quality photos of the aurora borealis, making for striking and impactful visuals that can be admired for a lifetime.
Wide aperture lenses
Wide aperture lenses are essential for capturing clear and crisp images of the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are often visible at night, which means low light conditions that require larger apertures to let in more light. A wide aperture lens with a minimum aperture of f/2.8 or larger allows for more light to enter the lens, resulting in brighter images with less noise and less motion blur.
Additionally, a wide aperture lens offers more flexibility in choosing shutter speeds and ISO settings. This is because a wider aperture can be paired with a faster shutter speed and lower ISO, resulting in reduced noise and better image quality. Therefore, investing in a wide aperture lens should be a priority for anyone looking to capture the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights.
High ISO capabilities
When photographing the northern lights, a high ISO capability is crucial since shooting in low light conditions is necessary. High ISO means that the camera can handle low light situations well without compromising the quality of the image. Therefore, when buying a camera for northern lights photography, it is important to consider its maximum ISO range. A camera with a higher ISO range, say 6400 or above, will result in brighter and clearer images, especially when shooting in low light conditions.
Another reason why high ISO capabilities are important for northern lights photography is that they allow you to use a faster shutter speed. A faster shutter speed will help you freeze the movement of the aurora borealis, preventing blur or ghosting in your photos. A high ISO also allows for a wider aperture, which will let in more light and increase image brightness. Therefore, when selecting a camera for northern lights photography, it is vital to consider its high ISO capabilities.
Full-frame sensors
Full-frame sensors are ideal for capturing the Northern Lights due to their ability to capture more light and provide better image quality. This is because full-frame sensors have larger pixels and a larger surface area, which allows them to capture more photons and produce cleaner images with less noise. In addition, full-frame sensors also have a wider field of view, which is perfect for capturing the expansive and dynamic nature of the Northern Lights.
Moreover, full-frame sensors are better suited for low light conditions, which are prevalent during Northern Lights photography. With their greater light sensitivity, full-frame sensors can capture more detail and color in the low light conditions typical of the Northern Lights. They also provide greater control over depth of field and allow photographers to shoot at slower shutter speeds, which is important for capturing the movement and dance of the Northern Lights. All in all, if you’re looking to capture stunning images of the Northern Lights, a camera with a full-frame sensor is definitely worth considering.
Manual controls and settings
When it comes to photographing the Northern Lights, manual controls and settings play a crucial role in capturing the beauty of the auroras. Automatic modes such as “auto” or “scene” can often produce results that are flat and lacking in detail, making it difficult to capture the full range of colors and patterns that the Northern Lights display. By choosing a camera with manual controls and settings, photographers have the flexibility to adjust exposure time, aperture, and ISO to achieve the desired result.
Furthermore, Northern Lights photography often involves shooting in low-light conditions, which can be challenging for many cameras. Manual controls allow photographers to adjust the camera’s shutter speed and ISO settings to properly expose the image without introducing noise or blurring. Overall, investing in a camera with manual controls and settings provides the necessary tools to capture stunning photos of the Northern Lights.
Long exposure capabilities
Long exposure capabilities are an important factor to consider when buying cameras for Northern Lights photography. This is because Northern Lights photography requires a longer exposure time than regular photography due to the dimness of the light and the movement of the aurora. Cameras with long exposure capabilities can allow for exposures of several seconds or even minutes, which is necessary for capturing the intricate details of the Northern Lights. Without this feature, capturing the Northern Lights may prove difficult and the resulting photographs may not adequately capture the full beauty of this natural phenomenon.
Additionally, long exposure capabilities can also help reduce noise in photographs, which is especially important when shooting at high ISO levels. By allowing more light to enter the camera, longer exposures can produce cleaner images with less noise and graininess. This can help produce stunning photographs of the Northern Lights with enhanced clarity and detail. Therefore, photographers who choose cameras with long exposure capabilities can take stunning Northern Lights photographs that capture the full beauty of this natural phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera for northern lights photography?
The best camera for northern lights photography would be one that has a high ISO capability, a wide aperture lens, and a long exposure time. The ISO capability is important as it allows you to capture more light in low-light situations, such as the dancing northern lights. A wide aperture lens is also necessary as it allows more light to enter the camera, making it easier to capture the vivid colors of the aurora borealis. Finally, a long exposure time allows the camera to capture more light and detail, resulting in a better representation of the aurora borealis.
Some popular camera options for northern lights photography include the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, the Sony A7 III, and the Nikon D7500. It is also important to note that a sturdy tripod and remote shutter release are necessary accessories for this type of photography, as even the smallest movement can result in blurry images.
Will any camera work for capturing northern lights?
In theory, any camera can capture the northern lights, but the quality of the image may vary depending on the camera’s capabilities and the shooting conditions. It is recommended to use a camera that allows manual settings control, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which are essential for shooting in low light conditions. A camera with a wide-angle lens is also preferred to capture a broad view of the aurora borealis. Additionally, a tripod and remote shutter release will aid in keeping the camera stable and minimize camera shake during long exposures.
While any camera can capture the northern lights, it’s also essential to consider the location and time of year for optimal viewing. It’s best to visit areas with little light pollution and during the winter months when the nights are long and dark. With the right camera and settings, capturing the elusive and stunning northern lights can be a rewarding experience.
What features should I look for in a camera for northern lights photography?
When it comes to northern lights photography, one of the most important features to look for in a camera is its ability to handle low light conditions. This means the camera should have a high ISO range to capture the faint light of the aurora borealis without producing too much noise. Additionally, a wide aperture lens is also necessary to allow more light into the camera.
Another essential feature to consider is the camera’s ability to shoot in manual mode. This will allow you to adjust settings such as exposure time, aperture, and ISO to best capture the northern lights. A good autofocus system is also useful for quickly focusing on the aurora. Lastly, a sturdy tripod is crucial for keeping the camera steady during long exposure shots.
How do I adjust the camera settings to capture northern lights?
Firstly, set your camera to manual mode and set a high ISO (e.g. between 800-3200) to capture the low light. Use a wide-angle lens (e.g. 14-24mm) with a low aperture (e.g. f/2.8). Set the shutter speed to approximately 15-25 seconds, depending on the brightness of the aurora. Use a tripod to keep the camera stable during the long exposure. Finally, shoot in RAW format to have more control over the final image in post-processing.
The Bottom Line
After going through our top 10 best cameras for northern lights photography, we hope you have found a camera that fits your requirements and budget. These cameras are capable of capturing the breathtaking aurora borealis and providing you with a memorable experience.
Remember, while the camera is an essential part of capturing the northern lights, proper research and preparation are essential too. With the best cameras for northern lights photography at your disposal, you can successfully capture this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon and cherish it for a lifetime.
