Capturing the Northern Lights in 360˚: A Low-Light Photography Adventure with Insta360

Hi there, Dave Williams here! As an avid photographer and aurora expert, I'm always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gear to help me capture stunning images of the world around us. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out the Insta360 One R 1-Inch 360 Edition camera, and I have to say, I was blown away by its capabilities, particularly when it comes to low-light conditions. In the photo above you’ll also notice my Vallerret markhof Pro V3 winter photography gloves.

One of the most impressive shoots I had with this camera was capturing the Northern Lights in all their glory. As any photographer will tell you, taking photos of the Aurora Borealis is a unique challenge. You're often working in near pitch-black conditions, and the lights themselves are constantly moving and changing in intensity. But with the Insta360 One RS 1-inch, I found myself able to capture images I never thought possible.

So, what makes this camera so good in low-light conditions? First and foremost, it features a 1-inch sensor, which is significantly larger than most other action cameras on the market. This means it can capture more light, which translates to better image quality in darker environments.

In addition to its sensor, the Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 edition also has a wide aperture of f/2.2, which further helps it capture more light. Plus, its advanced image processing algorithms are designed to reduce noise and produce sharp, vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Another standout feature of the Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 edition is its 360-degree capabilities. With the ability to shoot in all directions simultaneously, you can capture the Northern Lights in their full, awe-inspiring glory. Plus, you can use the camera's app to adjust the angle and field of view after the fact, so you can experiment with different perspectives and find the perfect shot.

Taking a long exposure photo of the Northern Lights can be a great way to capture the movement and intensity of this incredible natural phenomenon. To do so, you'll need a tripod to keep your camera steady, as well as a remote shutter release or timer function to prevent camera shake. Set your camera to manual mode and adjust your aperture to a wide setting, such as f/2.8 or f/3.2, to allow as much light as possible to reach the sensor. Set your ISO to a high value, such as 1600 or 3200, and adjust your shutter speed to anywhere from 5 to 30 seconds, depending on the intensity of the lights and the desired effect. Take a test shot, and adjust your settings as needed until you achieve the desired exposure. With the Insta360 One RS 1-inch 360 edition, you can use its advanced night mode to automatically adjust settings for you, or experiment with its manual controls to fine-tune your shot. The aperture is fixed at f/2.2, so I adjusted the ISO and shutter speed to balance my exposure, trying to stay at just a few seconds each time to minimise any motion blur and using the exceptional sensor to raise the ISO to match.

Overall, I highly recommend the Insta360 One RS 1-Inch 360 Edition for any photographer looking to capture stunning images in low-light conditions. Its advanced sensor, wide aperture, and 360-degree capabilities make it an incredibly versatile camera that can handle just about any shooting scenario you throw its way. So why not take it out to capture your own Northern Lights experience, and see what kind of magic you can create?

Much love
Dave