Canon PowerShot SD400 / IXUS 50 Digital Camera Logo
Anonymous Posted on Feb 19, 2010

I want to take pictures of The Northern Lights. What setting?

I know I shouldn't use flash

1 Answer

kakima

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  • Canon Master 102,366 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 19, 2010
kakima
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Joined: Dec 16, 2009
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Correct, you don't want the flash.

Some cameras have a fireworks mode, Unfortunately, the SD400 doesn't. As far as I can tell, the SD400 doesn't even have a landscape mode, which would have been my second choice.

I'd start by turning off the flash in Auto mode. Unfortunately, the camera is going to try to make the night sky a medium gray. You'll have to reduce the exposure using the exposure compensation feature. Review your pictures and examine the histograms to fine-tune the exposure.

My other approach would be to use the manual mode, reviewing the images and histograms.

Either way, take lots of pictures. Feel free to experiment with various exposures. Remember, there is no "magic bullet." Your sky isn't going to look the same as mine, so my settings won't necessarily do you any good.

Testimonial: "Thanks that was very good advise. Sounds though like I have the wrong camera, ha ha "

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