Can I photograph the aurora with a Lumix GM1 and 12-32mm kit lens?
Asked 12/13/2014
5 views
2 answers
0
Is the Panasonic Lumix GM1 with the 12-32mm kit lens suitable for night photography, including the aurora? I haven't had much success so far and the manual doesn't give much guidance. What general camera settings should I use for aurora and other night scenes?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
0
Is it possible?
It should be. The GM1 is a m4/3 and while that's not large it's a lot better than what's in a compact or a phone.
A quick search om Flickr turned up this one. The settings say F3.2, 30sec and ISO 800. You should be able to match that.
The standard recipe would be:
- use a tripod
- enable saving as RAW
- use manual focus
- use manual exposure settings (full opening and max shutter time)
- set the ISO manually. Maybe 1 or 2 steps below maximum.
- set it off with the self-timer
The exposure time usually has a maximum of 30 or 60 seconds. When the picture is too bright, use a shorter time.
Do take a lot of pictures with longer/shorter times and higher/lower ISO.
Originally by user5566. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user5566
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — the GM1 and 12-32mm lens can be used for aurora and night photography. It’s a Micro Four Thirds camera, so while it won’t match larger-sensor cameras, it is still capable with the right setup.
Good starting points:
- use a tripod
- shoot RAW
- switch to manual focus
- use manual exposure mode
- open the lens as wide as possible
- start with the longest shutter speed available (often up to 30s)
- set ISO manually, around moderate-to-high values rather than leaving it on auto
- use the self-timer to avoid camera shake
One example shared was about f/3.2, 30 seconds, ISO 800. That won’t fit every scene, but it’s a useful baseline.
If the image is too bright, shorten the shutter time. If it’s too dark, raise ISO or use the maximum aperture. Because aurora brightness changes, take multiple shots at different shutter speeds and ISO settings to find what works best in the conditions.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI11y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I fix Darktable not recognizing a Panasonic 12-32mm lens because of a Lensfun name mismatch?
Can a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 photograph the Aurora Borealis?
Which wide-angle lens should I get for a Panasonic GX1 for interior real estate photos?
Can I adapt M42 and Minolta/Sony A-mount lenses to a Micro Four Thirds or APS-C mirrorless camera?
When should I use a circular polarizing filter?