Professional drone settings for night shots and urban landscapes
Night photography with drones requires special settings to handle low light and high-contrast light sources. This guide helps you capture sharp cityscapes, light trails, and atmospheric night scenes without noise and motion blur.
Compact drones for night photography (max 2s exposure)
Sensor
1/1.3"
Aperture
f/1.7
Max Shutter
2s
Mode: Photo → PRO
Format: RAW · 12 MP
Shutter: 1–2s
ISO: 800–1600
WB: 3500–4500K
Focus: ∞
Limitation: Max 2s shutter
PRESET
2s – ISO 800 – WB 4000K
Sensor
1/1.3"
Aperture
f/1.7
Max Shutter
2s
Mode: Photo → PRO
Format: RAW · 48 MP
Shutter: 1–2s
ISO: 400–1600
WB: 3500–4500K
Focus: ∞
Limitation: Max 2s shutter
PRESET
2s – ISO 400 – WB 4000K
Sensor
1/1.3"
Aperture
f/1.7
Max Shutter
2s
Mode: Photo → Night Mode / PRO
Format: RAW · 48 MP
Shutter: 1–2s
ISO: 400–1600
WB: 3500–4500K
Focus: AFC or ∞
Tip: Night Mode for auto-stacking
PRESET
2s – ISO 400 – WB 4000K
Sensor
1/1.3"+
Aperture
f/1.7
Max Shutter
2s
Mode: Photo → Night Mode / PRO
Format: RAW · 50 MP
Shutter: 1–2s
ISO: 400–1600
WB: 3500–4500K
Focus: AFC
Tip: Night Mode for auto-stacking
PRESET
2s – ISO 400 – WB 4000K
Versatile drones for night photography
Sensor
1"
Aperture
f/2.8
Max Shutter
8s
Mode: Photo → PRO
Format: RAW · 20 MP
Shutter: 4–8s
ISO: 400–1600
WB: 3500–4500K
Focus: ∞
Advantage: 8s exposure possible
PRESET
5s – ISO 400 – WB 4000K
Sensor
Dual 1/1.3"
Aperture
f/1.7
Max Shutter
2s
Lens: Wide (f/1.7)
Format: RAW · 48 MP
Shutter: 1–2s
ISO: 800–3200
WB: 3500–4500K
Focus: AFC
Limitation: Max 2s shutter
PRESET
2s – ISO 800 – WB 4000K
Sensor
1" Wide
Aperture
f/1.8
Max Shutter
2.5s
Mode: Photo → Night Mode / PRO
Format: RAW · 50 MP
Shutter: 1–2.5s
ISO: 400–1600
WB: 3500–4500K
Focus: AFC or ∞
Advantage: Night Mode stacking
PRESET
2s – ISO 400 – WB 4000K
Professional drones with long exposure for night
Sensor
MFT
Aperture
f/2.8–11
Max Shutter
8s
Mode: Photo → Manual
Format: RAW · 20 MP
Aperture: f/2.8 (wide open)
Shutter: 4–8s
ISO: 400–1600
WB: 3500–4500K
Advantage: MFT gives low noise
PRESET
f/2.8 – 6s – ISO 400 – WB 4000K
Sensor
MFT (Wide)
Aperture
f/2.8–11
Max Shutter
8s
Lens: Hasselblad Wide
Format: RAW · 20 MP
Aperture: f/2.8 (wide open)
Shutter: 4–8s
ISO: 400–1600
WB: 3500–4500K
Advantage: Hasselblad colour accuracy
PRESET
f/2.8 – 6s – ISO 400 – WB 4000K
Sensor
New Gen Pro
Aperture
Variable
Max Shutter
8s+
Mode: Photo → Manual
Format: RAW · Max resolution
Aperture: Wide open
Shutter: 4–8s
ISO: 200–800
WB: 3500–4500K
Advantage: Improved noise handling
PRESET
f/2.8 – 6s – ISO 200 – WB 4000K
Common recommendations for all models
Shoot 20-40 min after sunset for balance between sky and city lights
Under 3 m/s for long exposures - drone must be completely stable
Take multiple shots and stack them in post for reduced noise
4-8s exposure to capture car light streaks on roads
Keep drone in sight - use navigation lights and check local regulations
Look for water surfaces for dramatic city light reflections
This guide is also available in Danish