"Deep" DSLR image of M27

[rmuhlack]

This is a project I've been working on for a little while now. Image data collected across 9 nights. I actually collected quite a bit more data than this, which in the end provided greater flexibility in selecting subs with more optimal FWHM across each night. The image shown here comprises 4min subs only, however I also collected a series of 6min subs as well. After several trial runs I decided to stick with the 4min subs only as this resulted in much tighter stars. I have now acquired another camera and am keen to move onto other targets, so i have decided to draw this project to a close for now.

In part this was an experiment to see how much of the outer outer regions I could bring out with a humble DSLR. I'm pleased to see that some of this outer extended nebulosity is starting to show, however I think the signal gains from here (with a OSC DSLR) are incremental at best.

So, the final tally:

Camera: modded Canon 1000D
Scope: Vixen VC200L with f6.4 reducer
Exposure details: 203 x 4min subs @ ISO1600

Processed with Pixinsight
hi-res here: http://www.astrobin.com/53241/

As always, comments and criticism welcomed :)

[Mighty_oz]

You've some lovely detail there Richard, who says u can't take great photo's with a DSLR :)

[RB]

What a wonderful image Richard.
I love the rich colours and lovely detail.
Well done indeed !

RB

[strongmanmike]

I really like this Richard. It's not the deepest version I have seen (hard to go deep from down here anyway)...but it all just works and has some lovely colours. For me, perhaps your best image to date :thumbsup:

Mike

[rcheshire]

Well done Richard. Very nice.

[Larryp]

Great image, Richard-love the colours

[LewisM]

C'est magnifique!

[Shiraz]

that is a very fine image in all respects Richard.

[E_ri_k]

Beautifully done Richard, I love this object :)
Erik

[naskies]

Looks great, Richard. I especially like the golden star field.

[rogerg]

203! wow, big effort!

Nice result though, very strong colour.

[IanP]

Long live DSLR :D
:thumbsup:

[Ross G]

A beautiful photo Richard.


Ross.

[astronobob]

Wow, Thats has come up a real treat Richard, Tidy, sharp, good signal & dig the colors, Top result, Congratts :thumbsup:

[gregbradley]

Thats a fine image Richard. You've retained star colour quite well which is the usual causalty of a DSLR image for some reason.

Also you're setting a good example of the benefits of long exposure.

Greg.

[cometcatcher]

Really nice. Has the looks of LRGB from an astro mono camera.

[Logieberra]

Very nice Richard.

Out of interest, are you dithering? I was watching a Pixinsight tutorial the other day and noticed that some of the stacking and noise reduction features call for it. Unfortunately it's not available to users of the SkyX, yet... Do you think it's doing big things with the inherent noise in that DSLR of yours? Looks to be working if that's the case! Grateful for your advice either way.

[Bassnut]

gee thats impressive for a cheapish DSLR, not overly deep, but the stars are pretty cool and the overall view is pleasing. Some persistance on this, and it shows.

[Octane]

You should be very proud of that effort -- and, good on you for spending the requisite hours on the one object.

H

[multiweb]

Great details and lovely colors. Not very high in the sky that one. Very good result. :thumbsup:

[rmuhlack]

Thanks for all the encouraging comments :)

There have been a number of threads here recently discussing the merits of very large data sets with lots of subs as an approach to maximise SNR. I have attempted to follow suit with my imaging projects, using sub times that deliver the maximum SNR for the given temperature (on an individual sub basis - see here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=108354) and here (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=106775) for the procedure) and then acquiring LOTS of dithered subs, before then tinkering with the integration parameters in PI to optimise FWHM of the final image. I actually acquired more than 20hours worth of subs on this one, however many were compromised by poor focus (I still don't have auto-focus setup properly yet) and poor seeing. Nonetheless having so many subs meant that I could further optimise the subs used.

I had hoped to be able to show more of the extended outer halo - the regions circled below - however as I mentioned in the original post I think (given what I have shown here with over 200 subs and dark rural skies) that the gains from additional subs to reveal more of these areas would be incremental at best given the limitations of a broadband 12bit OSC DSLR. Looking at other examples online, I suspect that a LRBG + Ha/NII + OIII would be the required approach to reveal more of these regions.

[rmuhlack]

ps I have found that adding "deep" to the thread title is a good way to bump up the thread views :D :P

[jjjnettie]

Gorgeous colours...very real and natural looking. :)