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SOLAR ECLIPSE EXPOSURE CALCULATOR

Fred Espenak (MrEclipse) created the original Solar Eclipse Exposure Guide that I used as a basis for my personal calculator. You can find the original on his webpage at: https://www.mreclipse.com/SEphoto/SEphoto.html. However, being the data nerd that I am, I transferred the information from the image over into Excel and began calculating alternative exposures using a calculator I added below the original table. It is set up to show how modifying the values of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO correspond with the estimated brightness (Q) of each phenomena. This makes it easier to use intermediate exposure values that are not included on this table, that might better approximate the target brightness exponent.

However, for most people the table will suffice and it is easy to navigate. Start by picking the ISO on the top left, follow the row to the right until you reach the effective aperture of your photography rig (including reductions from teleconverters), and then move down the column to the list of shutter speeds for each phenomena. I recommend modifying ISO and/or aperture to stay in columns 3 - 5 as their exposures are optimal for most photographers. Columns 1 - 2 require shutter speeds that are only achievable by the fastest cameras with the newest stacked and global sensors, and 6 - 9 have long exposures for the dimmer Corona and Earthshine that use up too much of the ephemeral time in totality to be viable (values shown in grey).

 

I have added some information to the table to correspond with newer cameras that have faster shutter speeds, and new rows specifically for the Diamond Ring and Earthshine. However, all this information is relative since environmental conditions, the capability of the camera's hardware, and details of the camera's firmware will have a notable effect on the final image even with the same exposure settings. I recommend testing the exposures that you can (such as the partial phases) prior to the eclipse and otherwise bracketing (3 frame, 0.5EV) around the listed exposures to increase your likelihood of success.

If you find the modifications made to this table and/or the spreadsheet helpful for your eclipse preparation, please consider supporting my work by purchasing something from my Store​, or by donating to my Paypal account using the button below or @ShaunCTPhoto

 

Solar Eclipse Exposure Calculator
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