Olympus OM-D EM1 MKIII Best settings for astro photography! Single / Stacked / High Res / Tracked 

One of the most valuable videos EVER for m43 shooters! Thank you very much!

Great insight into this area of photography. Learning and applying the information from Alex will improve my astro photography no end.

Thank you Alex. Great information and very helpful.

Thank you Alex for being a champion with the Olympus system! Truly appreciate all your videos and awesome tutorials.

Got to say, this is SO HELPFUL and INTERESTING!

Alex, I am new to astrophotography but your video is very helpful! I'm working with a OM1-Mii. Lots to learn, lots of fun. Thanks!

This video is extremely helpful! So good to see an Olympus shooter creating night images.

Great vlog, loved the explanation of how to get great astro shots.

Alex, this is one exceptional video about astro photography. Amazing find about using HHHR and you are so natural, informative and clear about your explanation. I am new to astro and it is my desire to try this year with my 17mm F1.2. Only astro I have done is moon shot. If I run into some challenge, I definitely would consider having a one on one session with you. Thumbs up for sure and did subscribe to your channel. I will also share it to others... Keep up the great work!

Alex, this is great and exactly what I needed. Our Michigan skies are cloudy but I'll be out in AZ in a month for a month. I've tracked stars and tried to stack them with poor results. Using a Mac I was using SSS and SLS but this looks great. I would appreciate a video on using the SLS with the Olympus (OM-1) and also comparing times for camera processing. Thanks!

Thanks for an very informative presentation. I just received my MSM tracker and looking forward to following your suggestions. Out of the 4 lenses you recommended, I only have the 7-14. Hoping to find a used 8mm fisheye.

Very nice and amazing test, Thank you .

Found your channel today...Great videos, tutorials and workflow...Thank You...! This Handheld mode is reason enough to want this camera. Going "back" to see your previous videos. Winter Solstice greetings from Denmark...!

Thanks a lot for this detailed lesson!

Thanks, really interesting. Must try the HHHR mode.

Thank you a very instructive video, thank you for sharing.

Goodness. This is inspirational. Thank you. OM-5 owner.

Thx for the nice introduction to astrophoto! Really useful information I think :)

Excellent video

Just found you here on RU-vid. Learning a lot! Thank you! ☺️

Great tips and presentation 👌👌👌

That was most interesting and a bit surprising. I have the EM 1 mk II and have not tried it yet for Astro photography. But I think I will try it now I have watched this

Another great video! So good to see quality astrophotography with the OMD EM1 v3 and hope to see more. So far I've mainly used mine for star trails. By the way, why use an external intervalometer instead of the built in one? Also, do you focus with the starry sky autofocus of the EM1 v.3? Now I'm waiting for a clear sky night...it was all clouds around the conjunction on 21st so only got to shoot it on the 17th and the 24th. I want to try the EM1 on my MSM in HHHR mode now with 17 mm f1.8 or with the 7-14mm 2.8.

Hi Alex - awesome video! Question for you - what about using HHHR for deep space objects? I intend to try it, but just wanted to get your thoughts - it should work the same right?

Thank you for the comparisons! Now I just need clear sky’s 😎

I have just started developing an interest in Astrophotography and Just brought for Christmas the 7-14mm lens to pair with my EM1 Mark 3. Birthday is a way off so will need to think of another reason to get a tracker. As I'm in Australia they recommend an Australia Pro Kit, not sure how all the bits work so will have a look at your video tutorials (you mentioned in one of the other comments). Great video will try out the HHHR tonight.

Thanks. This opened the door to doing hand held high resolution(HHHR) astrophotography. I just got my Olympus OMD E-M1 Mark III a month ago. One question: I assume that when you are using the HHHR mode that you are still shooting on a tripod. Correct?

Thank you so much Alex. I have a tracker and the M-1Miii. I'll be eager, when the clouds go away, to try the HHHR mode on the tracker! :-)

Fantastic video! What is the name of your tracker? Going to Fairbanks Alaska in December to try to capture the Northern Lights. New to Olympus and new to night photography. So happy I found your video.

Binge watching your videos ., thank you ❤

Hello, Alex! I really liked your video, I watched it three times! I also plan to shoot stars with an olympus em-1 mark 3 and a 300/4 pro lens, and I have some questions about this. If it's not difficult for you, please answer them. First , what is the exact name of the interval meter that you use? I want to buy myself the same one. Secondly , when you connect this interval meter, the camera will automatically take large series of pictures in manual high resolution? It is a pity that with the standard slow-motion shooting function, the camera can only make a series of frames of twenty megapixels. And third, have you had any experience shooting deep space objects using the Kenko Astro Lpr Type 2 77 mm filter, which is ideal for the 300/4 pro. I ordered this filter for myself, it has been coming from Japan for a very long time, and I can't wait to find out more information about it. Thank you very much!

Great video. I have the same tracker but have not used it yet.

Great information in this video, at last some astro tutorial with the OMD in mind. I'm using the Mk2 and wondering whether to go to the mk3. Do you use the star specific focus settings? Is the HHHR mode functionality the same high res mode as in the mk2? And third question if I may, somewhere in the video I saw a clip of the 300mm f4 mounted, Have you tracked with this on the SIFO tracker for a deep space image?

Great channel and excellent video. Just found your channel and love the content man. Im sure 100 people have asked you but Im wondering if you notice much if any difference between the em1 markiii and the EM1X. I really only shoot video and am debating between the two cameras. It seems like the em1x is more weather sealed which I like but it seems like all Olympus cameras are good in almost any condition. I would appreciate any insight and keep up the great work.

great video! i just want to point out that for the tripod highres mode, your stars as you may have noticed are out of focus. you can tell its not aberration or bloat caused by low FWC, because the large stars extend down all the way to the faint ones. however the focus for the HHHR mode image was much better. maybe this affected your decision? i can personally see a better SNR in the faint parts of the orion and horsehead nebula with the tripod one. maybe something to consider, but cool video!

Hi, This was very interesting and informative! Will HHHR also work with nightscape? Will the camera manage to "stack" the stars that is moving and the landscape that stay still?

Great photos! What do you think about olympus 12-100mm f4 pro lens with mark III for astro photography?

Hi Alex great video. I have a question. Do you use an external programmable exposure timer. If yes which model does fit to the mk3? I have a hard time finding one. Thx. Jaap

Great video/tutorials. I'm wondering if I should've gone for Olympus om-d before opting for Nikon fx for nightscape and macro!

Thanks for the best video I've seen on E-M1iii astrophotography. Subscribed. Two questions, first, are you using Starry Sky to get your focus, and second, why not use the built-in time lapse function rather than an intervalometer?

Thanks for the information. I am just starting with the MoveShootMove and the E-M1 MkIII. Obviously I am making mistakes because I didn't get much out if the HHHR mode. I suppose I shouldn't worry too much about going to relatively high ISO...

Hi Alex - I am thoroughly enjoying your informative videos. I have an EM1mkIII and a full array of lenses. How well do you think the 300mm F4 lens or the 40-150 F2.8 would do for deep sky? Would I need to get a higher end tracker (and auto-guide) than MSM to do it justice? Thanks!!!

Just finding your channel from MSM and so delighted to know my OMD1 MK111 can be used successfully Astrophotography ! Will be watching and learning from your other offerings. Are you still doing 1-1 Zoom sessions? Thank you so much.

I’m just brown away by this. I started out on Nikon full frame and loved astrophotography. Tried it with m43 on my first Panasonic and was disappointed. I’ve since moved on to Olympus and just assumed astrophotography was right out. Now I want to give it a try again.

Good one Alex! Actually I found the Olympus excellent for astrophotography in general.

Hi Alex, great video and the Olympus features are awesome. May I ask: Did you turn image stabilisation on or off? Many thanks

Hey, you did it! Have not seen the whole thing yet, but you got that thumb up!

Nice to see there are still some down to earth people in this world that are willing to help others. I would like to do a one on one with you

I finally got my EM1 III to try out HHHR... hopefully I will have a clear sky soon! I am not sure if the camera takes 8 images though, reading around they say 16 images which would be 16 minutes plus processing time for a 1minute MSM photo! This means pretty precise setting up polar alignment for a good result! And patience... of course. ;-) I will try it out with the lenscap on with timer for a one minute HHHR exposure, then I'll know. ...... it took close to 17 minutes + a few seconds processing! And the back of the camera got 7 degrees warmer (from 20 to 27 degrees) during that time. I will try the same with clear sky plus 60 single shots + processing at home and compare. I want to know for sure first before I am at Bortle 3 looking towards the Milky Way over the Atlantic Ocean (Bortle 1!) to get the best possible shots during my holiday (Bretagne)

Very nice video.. this high res mode is definitely spiking my internet towards Olympus.. one question - what is the format of the output file in high res mode?

I was just at Keystone a few months ago. Loveland pass is lovely.... and Frisco was a cute town as well. I wish i had gone out at night more to get images. Did you use Starry AF? I do not recall you mentioning that part. I happen to have a EM1 mk III and the move shoot move. Do not have those lenses though. I do have a Rokinon 12mm 2.0 so iahve to use MF.

Hi there, Olympus shooter here, I just placed the order for the new OM-1 can't wait to try out the HHHR May I know if I wanted to use the HHHR, can I use it on a tripod or I must use it hand held?? **I upgraded from Em1 Mark II

Hi Alex, would the 12-40mm pro lense be ok for astro (wide open, obvs)?

I have the OM-1 now and get mixed results with Starry Sky focus. How does it work for you?

Which Pixel Pro unit did you use? They all seem to be for the Mark Ii. Excellent information. Thanks!

Does anyone know why the exposure settings in manual photo mode don’t seem to be applied to video mode? I was taking photos of the moon at times shrouded in cloud ☁️ and as I saw the cloud drift by the moon pressed the movie button but the exposure was unusable.

Great video Alex. I wonder if you have either noise reduction or noise filter on in the Olympus?

Really nice vlog! Do you disable camera stabilization when using the tracker?

Alex, great vid out of the gate. As a long time astro fan and Olympus shooter, I've always shied away from shooting the Milky Way with Olympus and relied on my full frame set up for that. Can you clear something up for me on the HRHH shots you mentioned as they seem to be the way to go. Are you saying you are handholding the camera for up to 13 seconds or longer and it's able to handle it with the results you show? I'm curious how the foreground looks as well when using this method. I fully appreciate the wait time as it can be a bit taxing especially when it's cold. Living in Michigan I'm on the ice of the Greatlakes a lot. Thanks for the videos and clear presentations. They are fantastic to listen to and easily understood thanks to your delivery of the information.

Great video! And thanks for the HHHR idea... eventhough I still have the EM1 2 but on MSM it should not make a difference compared to the EM1 3 I guess? Starry Sky focus is also lacking but the Bathinov filters work great too so I hold off the Mark 3 for a while longer... :-) Just a starter though and waiting for my MSM to arrive and lucky to live 5 minutes on a bike from my town to Bortle 4!

I just ordered the new Laowa Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO..... with a light pollution filter and Bahtinov mask. I am a 'newbie' and am learning. I have had some frustrating learning experiences so far with my 150mm PRO F4 lens and 300mm F5.6 lens. Doing well enough on the nature side.... just wanting to really learn astro before I dive into a telescope. I need more light and better focus so slowly adding to the arsenal. :) Still looking for my first 'keeper' astro shot. Will keep trying! I am using an OM-D EM1 MKIII as well so will for sure be taking notes from your video. Thanks!

Questions: 1) how did you focus in Hand Held Hi-Res Mode? 2) Can you use a monopod for Hand Held Hi-Res Mode? 3)Can you use Starry Sky with Hand Held Hi-Res Mode? Hand holding while looking up at the stars for 100+ seconds seems daunting. Hope you will address this.

subbed.

As an E-M1 Mk III and MSM owner, this is exceptionally useful. Presumably you turn of IS for the tripod mounted shots?

Thank you so much for this video !!!! It’s exactly the set up I have : Olympus M1MIII + MSM tracker (I received last week). I can not wait to test it after the end of curfew in France. Just a question, I have an amazing 25 mm Nokton gear with a F 0.95. Of course no stabilisation in this gear but anyway I want to shot on a tripod. Do you think I can obtain good results ?

I'm looking for some older budget Olympus micro 4/3 gear to take with me on motorcycle tours for some landscape, nightscape and outdoor macro learning with some timelapses. What would be ideal start up for me? I'm looking obviously for lightweight, compact and if I drop the bike the gear might take a knock, hence need budget just in case

If I use tripod high res mod on the EM1 mark ii, would I get the same stacking and color accuracy?

I want to do some shots with the OM-1 and the 300-f4 lens. If I understand it correctly I should use - HHHR-Mode - on tripod - use of a tracker ( I have the Benro Polaris) - noisereduction off - stabilization off Anything else which is important?

Just saw the details re tracker

Thanks Alex but just one thing, are you saying you handheld the camera for a 13 second exposure to achieve the standard handheld hi res shot?

Quick question: Why did you use an intervalometer when you could have shot that series with the in-camera intervalometer?

I don't know how you can hold a HH a stacked picture that requires from 13 secs +. Do you use the IS or Sync IS and do you use starry focus all together with HH mode. Also, how does a tracker work while you are trying to take a 13 sec shot by hand?

you said that neewer EZa-C1 made for the Olympus but the pin out is not the same 3 pin and olympus mini mini jack?

super helpful! also you mooned us.

Hi Alex, I swear I'm not normally this annoying, but I've got one more for you. I appreciate your patience. So my standard setting for shooting the MW is/was 25 s f/2.8 @8 mm (Leica 8-18 mm) and ISO 6400, untracked and stacked (10x). This season I've got the E-M1 Mk III AND the MSM tracker. I want to go out at the weekend and try my hand at some MW panoramas. Would you recommend just tracking or tracking and HHHR? I recon I've got about an hour to an hour and a half of MW for the composition that I have in mind after taking foreground in the blue hour and want to shoot either a 6x or 12x shot panorama to catch the whole arch. Which version would you go for? (1) single shots using the tracker, probably 2 min at ISO 1600, or (2) tracker + HHHR 30 s ISO 6400? In addition to the panorama I'll probably try some individual HHHR shots like you suggest here. And yes, I've watched your updated video too and firmware is up to date. Do you do "buy me a coffee" or something like Robin Wong? I figure I owe you a few bucks for your time at this point.

I just shot the Great Conjunction a few nights ago. I'd watched your previous video about how to shoot the moon, but then COMPLETELY forgot about your advice to use HHHR (DOH!). I'm very new to astrophotography, but I'm getting better. Your videos are helping! Here's my question: So if I get a tracker, are you saying that I can use HHHR but on a tripod? You didn't make that clear, but it's logical to me that the tracker must be mounted on a tripod, right? But is it because the tracker is moving ever so slightly that the HHHR works on a tripod in this case? Also, it is difficult to align the tracker? Thx for posting these!

I didn't notice in the video but did you try to stack the hand held high res shots in post processing to see what that looked like?

When you shot in HHHR without the tracker, with about 15 sec for a normal exposure, then you need 8*15 sec for the combined HR image. But what's going on with the movement of the starts during this long time? It sounds like the image is stacked automatically only by using the HHHR mode?

Alex - one more question for you - so are you saying that it's not possible to use an external intervalomter set at more than 60 seconds with HHHR mode?

Hi Alex, I’m definitely enjoying your MSM and Olympus videos. I’m an Olympus shooter as well having switched from full frame Nikon gear about 10 years ago. I have one question. You may have covered it but I’ve not seen it mentioned in any of the videos I’ve watched. What happened to the E-M1X? Was the E-M1 Mk iii just better for your needs? Just curious if there was a specific reason, we tend to shoot many of the same subjects. Thanks!

This might be a dumb question but how do you hold a camera (still) to shoot HHHR for up to 60 seconds? How do you hand hold using the MSM tracker?

I am confused about how you get a good image by handholding a camera mounted on a tracker in handheld hi res mode. How can it track if you are holding the camera and tracker?

Hand Held Hi Res mode is leaving star trails for me. When shooting in hand held hi res the camera captures a 50mp HHR image as an .orf file and a 20mp.ori file (the first image in the series). Using the Oly 7-14, 13s, ISO 2000, @ 7mm the .ori file looks good and sharp but the .orf file shows star trails. Am I missing something?

What program do you use for stacking? I've tried sequator and it's been a pain and always overexposes and blows out my images after stacking.

Which remote shutter release or intervalometer do you use with your EM1 iii? Can you please put a link to it?

Have you tried stacking several HHHR photos?

Can't picture a hand held shot with a camera attached to a tracker. But, that aside, you also didn't mention where starry AF fits in to this.

Hi there, do you have any editing videos for astro?

I’m confused. Are you hand-holding the camera when doing the HHHR mode? Or is it on a tripod?

Question: I tried shooting full moon w HHHR, both on tripod and hand held. Both times I got error message that the composite image failed. But it did give me an image. When I shot HHHR indoors at a random object (bit different settings) it worked fine. What am I missing?

In the future when you are explaining shots and then change zoom/angles whatever, please label them so I can remember what the settings were. After covid, my short term memory is shot. So even a picture/zoom changes on your video, I can't remember what settings were on the left or right, as in hand held, tripod, iso, etc. Thanks, Dylan

Have you tested out live composite with a star tracker?

HELLO ALEX! I have checked EVERYWHERE for an/the OM-D E-M1 Mark III (3) firmware update and there are none. What am I missing?

I don't understand how you can use a tracker with hand held shooting. Isn't the tracker have to be on a tripod?

What about the 45 f1.8?

When you are gonna have track pano tutorial ? Looking forward to watching that. Cheers

Hi, I'd like to point out, the tripod high res mode (T-HR) is extremely sensitive to any movement, your examples (to me,) seem to demonstrate an issue related to the tracker, or it could be slight wind or tripod movement. The duration of the exposure means this is a demanding, extreme use case for this process. The HH-HR uses IS, so it's often better, esp. when that (required) very high quality stability is not available. To test/calibrate your expectations, perhaps a static A-B test, taken in good light will serve to demonstrate what I am referring to. HH-HR is excellent (I have the 1X), but when compared to a shot taken on a rock-solid tripod, the qualities resulting from the two very different approaches ('simple stack' of 16, vs, T-HR's pixel-level, 8 exp. shift pattern) becomes clear. Great noise reduction does come from the 16 shot, HH-HR, it's true, also a very good boost in overall clarity. I would advise using bright ( f/2, or faster) high quality lenses when possible, this keeps the 8 frame exp. time lower, which helps sharpness of all below horizon elements as well. In theory, the T-HR, when used with high precision eq tracking, could offer interesting characteristics in the field of astro, color accuracy and sharpness of smaller points could be improved, for example. I would like to see some careful tests of this nature, but thank you all the same, was useful and interesting and also a very attractive collection of starscapes!

How come you didn't use a remote?

HHHR for me so much better

How the rule of 500 works?..it doesn't.. try 250