Camera tripod

Settings

• reset camera to factory settings.
• for Nikon go through the DSLR_Settings checklist. For other, essentially make sure the camera is recording in RAW mode, and that stuff like long exposure noise reduction or other types of corrections are OFF.
• set time as best as possible to current UTC, or better plug in GPS unit for 10 to 20 minutes.

Focusing

• put the camera and/or lens on manual focus (to avoid autofocus ruining your work)
• set the camera to live view, at fully open aperture, with high gain.
• Point towards a bright star
• Zoom in onto the star
• Adjust focus until start looks as small as possible.

Astrometric calibration

If using a fisheye: ideally once the camera is set up, take some pictures before the Moon rises, and then do not touch the camera/tripod until the fireball happens. Use a remote trigger if necessary.

For narrower lenses, avoid having the Moon in the field of view, baffle. Take a few long exposure pictures before and after the fireball without touching the setup. If recording in video for the fireball, try to change the mode to long exposure still for calibration shots without touching the camera/tripod.

Ideal exposure lengths for astrometric calibration:

• fisheye: 20 seconds
• 14mm: 13 seconds.
• 50mm: 5 seconds.
• 85mm: 4 seconds.
• 105mm: 3 seconds.