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Smartphone cameras have come a long way since the early days.
Astrophotography is possible if you know a few tricks.
To overcome this, there are some software tricks that camera apps use.
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Related:How Does “Night Mode” Work on Smartphone Cameras?
That means it will take a few seconds longer to snap the photo.
It’s very important for the camera to be steady while this is happening.
Joby
A tripod is an essential piece of gear to have for astrophotography.
If you don’t want to rely on having attachment points nearby,you’ll want a taller tripod.
A smartphone tripod with flexible legs that can grip around objects.
A smartphone tripod with flexible legs that can grip around objects. Easy to travel with and can double as a short selfie stick.
Easy to travel with and can double as a short selfie stick.
Use Long Exposure or Night Mode
Let’s talk about actually taking photos.
As mentioned, the key to capturing the night sky is long exposure.
That simply means theshutter is open longer than usual.
Therefore, it can capture more light, which is critical in low-light conditions.
Your smartphone has the ability to take long-exposure photos, but it works differently on every gadget.
TheiPhoneandGoogle Pixelphones have “Night Mode” and “Night Sight.”
Samsung Galaxy devices allow you tocontrol exposure in the “Pro” mode.
Samsung’s method is the most advanced of the bunch.
Gosky
it’s possible for you to fine-tune the shutter speed very precisely.
The iPhone and Pixel approach is a lot more hands-off.
You basically switch on the mode and let the camera software do the rest.
This adapter allows you to mount your phone to a telescope or binoculars to take photos through the lens.
Pixel phones will even switch into “Astrophotography” mode if it detects the night sky.
In the case of the iPhone, “Night Mode” is automatically enabled when low-light conditions are detected.
If you prefer a manual approach, we likeNeuralCamfor the iPhone.
The variety of filters can be attached to a clip that goes over the smartphone camera. The filters can be attached to each other for doubling up.
It makes “Night Mode” something you could actually control.
The app is $4.99 and is highly rated in the App Store.
Even a city that’s 30 miles away can affect the light in your photo.
Extra Credit
Okay, you’ve got your tripod and camera app dialed in for night.
There are a few things you could use to get even better results.
Telescopes are great, but they aren’t (usually) cameras.
Asmartphone mountallows you to take photos through the telescope.
This adapter allows you to mount your phone to a telescope or binoculars to take photos through the lens.
Another camera accessory that can improve your nighttime photos is a color filter.
The variety of filters can be attached to a clip that goes over the smartphone camera.
The filters can be attached to each other for doubling up.
Will you be able to compete with a real camera?
