Camera settings for the aurora
Enter your camera and lens for a starting exposure. Then adjust after the first test shot.
Tripod, manual focus on a bright star, 2-second timer, RAW.
The basics
Use a sturdy tripod, manual exposure and manual focus on a bright star at infinity. Turn off image stabilisation on a tripod and use a 2-second timer.
Start with the suggested settings, take a test shot and check the histogram. If the aurora moves fast, shorten the exposure and raise the ISO to keep the curtains sharp.
Shoot RAW. A white balance around 3500–4000 K usually keeps the greens natural.
Phones
Recent phones capture aurora well in night mode. Rest the phone on something steady and turn the flash off. With a manual mode, try 3–10 seconds at ISO 800–1600.
In the cold
Batteries drain fast in the cold: keep spares in an inside pocket. When you go indoors, leave the camera in a closed bag until it warms up to avoid condensation.