Discover the best affordable camera for Northern Lights photography and learn how to capture stunning aurora shots without breaking the bank.
There’s just something about the way that the ghostly lights ripple across the sky like nature’s very own light show. It is simply mesmerizing, and it will make even the most seasoned travelers stop in their tracks. But, capturing those subtle greens, purples, and pinks with your smart phone can be virtually impossible.
But, you don’t need to have a $3000 camera rig when you can get an affordable camera for northern lights photography. All it takes is a little bit of know-how, and some smart gear choice, and you can capture some of the most stunning aurora photos imaginable, all on a simple budget.
Why the Camera Matters (Even If You’re on a Budget)
Yes, when you look at the aurora borealis in the cold night sky with your naked eye, the lights can seem very bright. But, cameras need to work extra hard in lowlight conditions, especially when that light is shifting, moving, and pulsing. This is why photographs of the auroras taken with smart phone cameras, turn out plan, colorless, and almost entirely black.
Your camera choice matters a lot. But, you don’t need to spend your entire vacation fund just to take a few photographs of the sky. There are a number of budget friendly affordable camera for northern lights options that can still deliver high quality images without breaking the bank.
Key Features to Look for in an Affordable Camera for Northern Lights Photography
It’s important to remember that not all cameras are created equal. So, before you start tossing cameras into your cart, take a moment to understand what really matters when it comes to nighttime photography. After all, very few cameras are perfect for photographing the northern lights.
Great Low-Light Performance
No matter how you choose to look at it, the number one feature that you need in an affordable camera for northern lights, is great lowlight performance. After all, the aurora happens at nighttime, and sometimes the lights can be so faint that it’s virtually impossible to capture them on film. So, when looking for the perfect camera for your trip to the Arctic, here are the top features to look for.
Large sensors (APS-C or full-frame are best, but some 1-inch sensors can work)
- Good ISO performance (ISO is your camera’s light sensitivity—higher ISO = more light captured)
- Cameras with minimal noise at high ISO levels
Manual Controls
All cameras come with automatic control these days, but not all of them feature fully manual control. Even with manual control, a smart phone is still automated. And, in order to capture vivid images of the ghostly lights, you will need to have complete control over the following functions:
- Shutter speed (you’ll need long exposures)
- ISO
- Aperture (even if through lens selection)
RAW Shooting Capability
Let’s take a moment to talk about RAW files. Most smart phones will automatically save your images as JPEGs. These files are compressed, and it’s hard to properly edit them once they have been saved. Instead, you need to choose an affordable camera for northern lights that allows you to save your images as RAW files which give you the most amount of flexibility when it comes to editing and bringing out the true color and detail in these lowlight shots.
Interchangeable Lenses (Optional but Nice)
Of course, we can’t forget to talk about the importance of using interchangeable lenses. Although this is an optional feature, it is very nice to have. Being able to swap out between a wide-angle lens and a fast aperture lens can be a game changer. You really want to have something that has an F/2.8 or wider aperture.
Top Affordable Camera for Northern Lights Photography
All right, so let’s start talking about the nitty-gritty. Here are some of the most affordable camera for northern lights choices available within a reasonable price tag that will allow you to take some stunning photographs of the aurora borealis.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Why it’s great:
- Good low-light performance for an APS-C sensor
- Manual controls and RAW support
- Lightweight and compact
- Interchangeable lens system (EF-M mount)
Granted, this particular Canon is not built for astrophotography, but it is an excellent choice when it comes to capturing photos of the northern lights. If you pair this up with a f/2.8 lens, you are guaranteed to take some amazing shots.
Check the Canon EOS M50 Mark II on Amazon
Nikon Z30
Why it’s great:
- Excellent image quality for the price
- APS-C sensor with strong ISO performance
- Easy to use for beginners
- Interchangeable lenses (Z-mount)
Not a Canon fan, then why not try the Nikon Z30. Sure, it’s marketed to vloggers, but don’t be fooled. This camera really shines at nighttime when you set it up just right
Sony ZV-E10
Why it’s great:
- Same sensor as the beloved Sony A6400
- Great in low light
- Compact, with full manual control
- Works with Sony E-mount lenses
Looking for a mirrorless camera, then look no further than this popular Sony option. The ZV-E10 brings a whole lot power in a small package.
Check the Sony ZV E510 on Amazon
Fujifilm X-M5
Why it’s great:
- Incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry everywhere without sacrificing image or video quality
- Interchangeable lens system gives you the flexibility to grow your photography skills over time without needing a new camera body
- Punches well above its price point, offering features you’d expect from much more expensive cameras
- Fujifilm’s famous film simulation modes deliver stunning, ready-to-publish JPEGs straight out of the camera with minimal editing needed
The Fujifilm X-M5 is the ideal entry point into serious mirrorless photography — small enough to take anywhere, powerful enough to grow with you.
Check the FujiFilm X-M5 on Amazon
Additional Equipment That Helps (And Won’t Break the Bank)
Before you head out into the field, there are still several items that you will need to pick up for your trip.
Tripod
A tripod is a non-negotiable item. Since you will be taking long exposures of 10 to 30 seconds, any hand movement will quickly ruin your shot. Look for a sturdy tripod from a reputable brand like Manfrotto, and make sure it has a hook underneath to hang your backpack as a counterweight for extra stability in windy conditions.
Check the Manfrotto MKBFRA4-BH Compact Lightweight Tripod
Remote Shutter Release or Timer Function
Even pressing the shutter button with your finger can cause enough vibration to blur a long exposure shot. A remote shutter release solves this instantly by letting you trigger the camera without touching it. Each of the cameras in this guide has its own dedicated wireless remote — simply search for your camera model plus “wireless remote” on Amazon to find the right one.
Browse Camera Remote Shutter Releases on Amazon
Wide-Angle Lens (Optional but Awesome)
If your camera supports interchangeable lenses, picking up a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture will take your northern lights shots to the next level. Look for something in the 12-16mm range with an aperture of f/2.0 or f/1.4 for the best low light results. When shopping, make sure you select the correct mount version for your specific camera — your camera’s manual will confirm which mount you have.
Browse wide-angle lenses on Amazon
Memory Card
Shooting in RAW format — which you absolutely should be doing for northern lights photography — produces large files that need a fast, reliable memory card to keep up. The SanDisk Extreme Pro is our top recommendation. It’s fast enough to handle RAW files without slowing you down, and reliable enough to trust in freezing cold conditions.
[Check the SanDisk Extreme Pro Memory Card on Amazon]
Headlamp
Adjusting your camera settings in complete darkness is one of the biggest challenges of northern lights photography. A red light headlamp like the Black Diamond Spot is the perfect solution — the red light lets you see your settings clearly without ruining your night vision or affecting your shots.
Check the Black Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp on Amazon
Spare Batteries
Cold temperatures are a battery’s worst enemy, and northern lights photography means long nights in freezing conditions. Always carry at least two spare batteries kept warm in an inside pocket close to your body, and swap them out regularly to keep your camera running all night.
Browse Spare Camera Batteries on Amazon
Hand Warmers
Standing still in sub-zero temperatures for hours at a time is no joke. HotHands hand warmers are cheap, lightweight, and genuinely essential for keeping your fingers nimble enough to operate your camera controls throughout a long cold night shoot.
Check rechargeable hand warmers on Amazon
Tips for Getting the Best Results with an Affordable Camera for Northern Lights Photography
While it’s true that you can’t take amazing shots without a good camera, it’s also true that with the right technique you can capture amazing shots with just about anything. Technique is the secret sauce to photography, and in order to help you improve your chances of capturing some of the most awe-inspiring photos of your trip, here are some down-to-earth tips to make the most of your gear.
Use Manual Mode
This is a no-brainer, you need to make use of manual mode. In order to capture lowlight images, you will need to set your shutter speed to a range between 10 and 30 seconds. You will also want to lower your aperture setting and adjust your ISO to its highest setting. Then, you simply adjust from there.
Focus Manually (and Carefully)
In the dark, autofocus is pointless. There is just simply nothing for your camera to focus on. Instead, switch both the camera and the lens to manual focus, and adjust the focal point to infinity. Sometimes you still may need to fine-tune, but generally the infinity setting is the best option.
Keep Your Battery Warm
Okay, here is an important tip. All DSLR and mirrorless cameras need batteries to operate, and cold temperatures can kill a battery. Always keep plenty of spare batteries in a pocket as close to your body as possible. This will help to keep the battery warm. Switch out the batteries often and keep them as warm as possible.
Browse Camera Spare Batteries on Amazon
Shoot in RAW and Edit Later
Postprocessing is key to bringing out the colors, reducing noise, and adjusting contrast. Never save your files in compressed formats, and instead only choose the RAW format option.
Location, Location, Location
Of course, we can’t mention tips without also pointing out the importance of location. You need to stay as far away from city lights as possible. Even the best cameras in the world cannot save you if there’s too much light pollution in the area.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Fancy Gear to Take Stunning Aurora Photos
You don’t need any fancy gear to take stunning aurora photos, so long as you know how to choose the best affordable camera for northern lights photography. Without spending a fortune, it’s completely possible to take breathtaking photos of even the faintest light shows, if you know what equipment to use and how to use it properly.
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