Newbie: How to create Star Trails

New to the D3200 here. Thanks for reading my post.

I hear you can create star trails on the D3200. In fact there are 2 ways to create the trails.

a) 1 longtime exposure using BULB mode.

b) make multiple shoots and use PhotoShop to blend them together.

I would like to work with a) first. One long exposure, so I can pick up "Noise" (Satellites, Aircraft, Meteors, Aliens...).

I have set my camera to M(anual) Mode. f/5, ISO:100, BULB mode.
Lens: Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 35mm 1:1.8G.
Sturdy Tripod is set up and ready for the cold crisp clear nights.

The D3200 informs me that: [SUBJECT IS TOO DARK], and will NOT initiate a picture capture.

Obviously I am missing something here. How can you override the camera to take a nighttime photo of the stars?

Please remember I am a NEWBIE to this camera (first DSLR), so as much detail (which directories on the camera, etc.) would be gratefully appreciated.

If there is any info that I may have neglected, I would love to assist you if you just inquire what settings your needing that I have my camera set to.


Michael

I have found a feature on the D3200 which has allowed me to shoot in low light situations. By selecting the nfo display twice, and setting the [AF-A] to [AF-M].

I am not too sure if there are other modes, functions that need to be changed, so I am open to your own experiences and suggestions.

Michael

You need to be on manual then it will let you shoot ..camera straight up at the sky lowest ISO fixed not auto and then try different aperture settings ..you will get circualar tracks from the stars and stright lines will be planes satalites .. you need go out into the country with no city glow from the city lights or you are wasting your time ....

pistnbroke said:

you need go out into the country with no city glow from the city lights or you are wasting your time ....

Click to expand...

Yes, we reside in a small Hamlet. Large Milky Way right out my front door! I forgot to mention this. In the summer, I enjoy sitting on the deck and within a few minutes, you can chase a Satellite!

I will just have to verify that my ISO (set to 100) is fixed.

Thanks for your input pistnbroke!


Michael

I did this 30 years ago so I cannot remember if it was F22 or what ..still no film to develop so no wait and see !! We certainly used 50 iso film in those days