Image Capture and Processing Software

[sharpiel]

Hi guys.

Recently we bought ourselves a new laptop, an Acer Nitro 5 for my partner to do gaming on but also so we can both get into astro-photography for solar system objects.

For this purpose we have a Lunt LS60 Solar Scope, TOA130 and a Meade 12” Classic SCT. The scopes are equatorially mounted on an AZEQ6 and a HEQ5.

We have an Imaging Source DBK 21AU04.AS bought some years ago and as yet unused. Also a Canon EOS digital camera bought 10 years ago.

My question is: What software would we need for imaging and processing to presenting the final image here on IIS?

We’d like to limit purchasing costs so where there is a free or cheap alternative we’d like to have that option.

[peter_4059]

For deep space with the EOS you could use Deep Sky Stacker (free) and GIMP (free).

[sunslayr]

I'm not that familiar with the DBK21 but I believe FireCapture supports Imaging Source cameras, you should be able to capture video of solar system objects and then stack with Autostakkart. Then if you wanted to do some sharpening you could use Registax

[peter_4059]

For image capture with the EOS you might be able to use something like APT
https://astrophotography.app/index.php

https://astrophotography.app/EOS.php

Not free but quite low cost.

[sharpiel]

Aha. Thank you. So it’s only those three pieces of software?

Isn’t there also winjupos?

[sharpiel]

Thx Peter

[Merlin66]

+1 for Firecapture/ AS3!/ Registax 6
the other freeware for image enhancement is ImPPG
https://greatattractor.github.io/imppg/


The DBK21 should work well for solar/ lunar/ planets.


With the Canon (which model?) you can start with the Canon Utilities (should have come with the camera) and a remote.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Neewer-Shutter-Release-Remote-Control/dp/B0081EC08M

[sharpiel]

Hello Ken. Thanks for the info. The canon is a 450D.

We’re downloading the above software now.

[Startrek]

Les
For a 10 year old Canon EOS Camera you can’t beat BYEOS for frame focus and capture , Ive been using it for 3 years with my 600D and simply beautiful software
I’m currently learning APT ( CCD CMOS mode ) for when my new Astro camera arrives mid August and I have to say the DSLR mode for APT is a little complicated and messy compared to BYEOS
BYEOS is so much easier to navigate and use plus the frame focus tool on BYEOS is much better

My 2 cents ....

As far as stacking software goes , play it safe and use Deep Sky Stacker, easy to use, well supported , free and does a superb job

In regard to Processing software , there’s so many out there to choose from but I started with and still use Startools

Martin

[Tulloch]

For planetary imaging with my Canon 700D, I used BackyardEOS (excellent software for both DSO and planetary). Have a look at this website for information about how to use your DSLR for planetary imaging.
https://www.astropix.com/html/i_astrop/eq_tests/canon_one_to_one_pixel_resolution.h tml

For stacking and sharpening planetary images, use AutoStakkert!3 and Registax, then Photoshop/GIMP for final touches. You may also find something like PIPP useful for reducing image size and centering on target before stacking in AS!3.

Capture videos for 3 minutes on Jupiter, 5 minutes for Saturn and Mars.

Watch these videos, you will learn a lot :)
http://planetaryimagingtutorials.com/

Andrew

[sharpiel]

Martin that's great info. Much appreciated.

[sharpiel]

Thanks Andrew. Excellent information and we'll definitely watch the videos.