DJI Pocket 2: Capturing the stars // 4K astrophotography timelapse + Freewell Light Pollution Filter

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of capturing stunning astrophotography images and 4K timelapses using the DJI Pocket 2. We will also review the Freewell Light Pollution Filter, which can enhance your star photography by reducing light pollution. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, these steps will help you make the most of your gear.

Step 1: Prepare for Your Astrophotography Session

Before heading out, make sure to check the following:

• Location: Choose a dark area away from city lights for optimal star visibility.
• Weather Conditions: Check the forecast for clear skies.
• Equipment: Ensure your DJI Pocket 2 is fully charged, and bring a sturdy tripod for stability.
• Memory Card: Use a high-capacity MicroSD card (128GB recommended) for storing high-resolution images and videos.

Step 2: Set Up the DJI Pocket 2

Once you arrive at your chosen location, set up your camera:

1. Mount the Camera: Secure the DJI Pocket 2 onto the tripod.
2. Power On: Turn on the device and wait for it to initialize.
3. Connect to Mobile Device: Optionally, connect it to your smartphone for easier control and viewing.

Step 3: Adjust Camera Settings for Astrophotography

To capture sharp images of stars, configure the following settings:

• Mode: Switch to Photo mode.
• ISO: Set to a high value (800 to 3200) to increase sensitivity to light.
• Shutter Speed: Use a slow shutter speed (10-30 seconds) to gather more light.
• White Balance: Adjust to a cooler temperature (around 4000K) for better star color representation.
• Focus: Manually set focus to infinity to ensure stars appear sharp.

Step 4: Capture Your Astrophotography Images

1. Compose Your Shot: Frame your desired view of the night sky, ensuring no obstructions.
2. Take Photos: Use the timer function to avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter.
3. Review Photos: Check the images to ensure they meet your expectations in terms of clarity and brightness.

Step 5: Edit Your Photos in Lightroom

Editing can enhance the final output. Follow these steps:

1. Import Photos: Load your astrophotography images into Lightroom.
2. Adjust Exposure: Increase exposure to brighten the image.
3. Enhance Contrast: Boost contrast to make stars pop against the dark sky.
4. Fine-tune Colors: Adjust the vibrance and saturation for a more vivid appearance.
5. Export: Save your edited images in the desired format (JPEG recommended).

Step 6: Capture 4K Timelapses

To create a timelapse of the stars:

1. Switch to Timelapse Mode: Change the mode on your DJI Pocket 2.
2. Set Interval: Choose an interval for capturing frames (e.g., every 5 seconds).
3. Duration: Plan the duration for how long you want the timelapse to run (e.g., 30 minutes).
4. Start Recording: Press record and let the camera capture the night sky.

Step 7: Review Your Timelapses

After capturing, review your timelapse footage:

• Playback: Watch the timelapse to ensure the stars appear as expected.
• Edit: Use video editing software to cut down the footage and add music if desired.

Step 8: Test the Freewell Light Pollution Filter

To see how the filter performs:

1. Attach the Filter: Secure the Freewell Light Pollution Filter onto your DJI Pocket 2 lens.
2. Repeat Steps 3 to 6: Take astrophotography images and timelapses with the filter.
3. Compare Results: Assess if the images show brighter stars and less light pollution.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively capture stunning astrophotography images and timelapses using the DJI Pocket 2. Experiment with different settings and editing techniques to enhance your results. Don’t forget to analyze your photos with and without the Freewell Light Pollution Filter to see the difference it makes. Happy shooting!