MaxDSLR Vs MaxIm

[Carl]

Hi folks
Disregard the cost between the two choices of software, what would be best to use with a Canon 350eos, MaxDSLR_20v4 or MaxIm_20DLv4?
Is one or the other friendlier to use, easier to learn and is there much difference in the end result ? Currently I'm using DeepSkyStacker and final processing in Photoshop CS.
Thanks to all who gave me some good advise regarding my guidescope issue
Regards
Carl

[Doug]

Maxdslr has drivers for most DSlrs whereas the other doesn't. In general, if you only want to use Maxim for processing get the cheaper one; if you want to capture data with your DSLR, get the DSLR version.

[jase]

Yep, Doug is right. There are certainly cheaper alternatives to DSLR image acquisition software compared to MaxIm DSLR. Though if its image processing that you are after, MaxIm does have an impressive set of image calibration/processing tools. If Cyanogen haven't got it, there are plenty of amateur made plug-ins (just to name a couple):
http://www.rc-astro.com/resources/rc_console.html
http://winfij.homeip.net/maximdl/index.html

Its comes back to what you want. At first I felt confused and confronted by the MaxIm interface. It’s just so busy, but reading manuals <shock horror> and looking at tutorials etc. It is actually quite functional and productive. I really enjoy the scripting capabilities of the software.

Alternatives for image acquisition with a DSLR...have you tried:

http://www.dslrfocus.com/
http://delphinus.wot.pl/
http://www.cercisastro.com/
http://www.mlunsold.com/

[Gama]

The full version of Maxim DL has the camera drivers as well. The bad thing about Maxim is when it does the Color convert. It is bad. Colors are just not good, and i dont use Maxim for this reason. I use DSLR focus to obtain RAW images, then i use Maxim to stack them and clean them up.

[Carl]

Sorry folks
should have clarified. I allready have DSLRfocus which i now can use. So which can I use one of the other programs for registering stacking and processing?
Carl

[Doug]

Carl, you can use the cheapest version of Mazxim/Dl to stack, combine etc.
cheers,
Doug

[Carl]

Sorry
Does that mean MaxDSLR or MaxIm? I want to get the best images possible out of my Canon 350eos including deep sky and solar system stuff including moon and Sun.
I understand that MaxIm_20DLv4 has a bucket load more features.
Regards
Carl

[jase]

Carl, sounds like you're after the image processing version.
http://www.cyanogen.com/buy/buy_maxim.htm - US$299 (download only)

I've never used the product for solar system objects, you might find Registax v4 is best for such targets. http://www.astronomie.be/registax/

[Doug]

Carl, sorry about the typo in my last post. MaxIm DL at $299 USD as jase has said, is the image processing only version. As far as image processing is concerned it has all the features of MaxDSLR except perhaps the most important for DSLR work. It doesn't exactly say that it has the ability to read raw images from a DSLR, and it doesn't say clearly that it has a debayer routine, though it is implied by the use of the term 'color conversion'. It might, but further investigation is indicated if that is to be an issue.
Point is, you can always upgrade if that is what you want to do at a later date.
HTH
Doug