Instructions on how i took my first constellation pictures with My Fuji X-E1 and Tripod.
You will need a tripod or something similar to keep your camera steady.
First thing you want to do is set your iso, I've read some tutorials saying use your highest iso possible. i strongly disagree with this. Yes your sensor will be more sensitive to light with a high iso but it will also create 'noise' (this used to be called 'grainy' in analogue photography)
Lower iso gives a finer quality image but obviously its a trade off to losing light.
I used 200 iso but think i would have been ok with 400 or 800 (I will try next time)
Use your largest aperture (lowest f number) or thereabouts. The larger the aperture the more light you can collect.
I used f/2.8 and f/3.2
Turn your autofocus off and manually set your focus to infinite .
Experiment with exposure times, try 10sec, 20 sec, 30sec by using your 'b' ('bulb') setting or 'T' (time) setting.
Ideally you want a cable release but dont worry if you haven't got 1, you can still try it out and get good results with a steady hand or use your timer setting. If you want to carry on with astrophotography you can invest in a cable release later.
Also if possible, lock your mirror up to reduce tremmors.
Remember though, the earth is turning while your shutter is open so there is a trade off, if you leave your shutter open too long you will start to get blurred stars, with even longer exposures you will get trails. This in itself can be good a good effect in its own right.
Orion Nebula and 7 sisters
Iso 200, aperture f/2.8 28sec exposure
Orion Nebula
Iso 200. aperture f/3.2 10sec exposure
Orion Nebula
Iso 200. aperture f/3.2 10sec exposure
The Plough (Big Dipper)
Iso 200. aperture f/3.2 10sec exposure
The Plough (Big Dipper)
Iso 200. aperture f/3.2 17sec exposure