Problem with Deep Sky Stacker

[Crusader]

Up till now I've stacked JPG images without using dark or bias files. This morning I took photos using the RAW format in order to make use of darks/bias.

When I load the RAW image files into DSS the image shown is very dark. Nothing like the JPG or Photo Professional software shows. After stacking the resulting image is red.

I think I have some setting wrong. Can anyone give advice?

[skysurfer]

After loading images, darks, flats and before registering and stacking, check the 'Align RGB channels' mark.
When stacking is finished and the image shows up, move the three RGB curves so that they are in the same place.
Then check 'Combine RGB values' and adjust the 'highlight' and s'hadow' sliders. Click on 'Apply' and if you don't like it press on the 'arrow back' button (undo).
A bit playing around makes it work.
When saving the image check the mark 'include adjsutments' (I don't remember the exact title.

Then you can process the generated TIFF (large, 60MB !) with Photoshop or GIMP.

Success!

[naskies (Dave)]

My RAW subs look fine (except maybe a bit less contrast) when loaded into DSS. Which camera are you shooting with? I recently observed DSS struggle with importing RAWs from a Canon 600D. Have you tried converting them to TIFFs first (along with the darks/bias)?

[Crusader]

I'm shooting with a Canon 1000D. I might try converting to TIFF and see how that goes.

[jjjnettie]

Before going through the dramas of converting all those files to .tiffs.
Try Deep Sky Stacker 3.3.3 Beta 37
It's known to cure many hicups that occur with the current release.
Download from here.

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DeepSkyStacker/

[Crusader]

I figured out the reason for the red color. In the RAW settings the "Set the black point to 0" was checked.

I seriously need a step for step guide to which settings to use for RAW. Should you check "Automatic WB" or use Camera WB" or neither? Which de-bayering option would be best?

I'm still struggling to get the RGB colors aligned. Red seems to overlap the other two and I can't figure out how to fix that.

Here's a couple of images I managed so far.