M42 with EasyHDR new method

[avandonk]

I found a better method for using ImagesPlus, RegiStar and EasyHDR for doing HDR images and getting the full dynamic range of the target object.
Here is the first image. It is from only HA and O3 narrowband data taken with the Skywatcher 150mm F5. I will explain the method later.

Large image 2.25 MB
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~fmlee/M42_L.jpg

Bert

[sheeny]

Looks pretty damn good on my pretty dark dingy work monitor...

I'll have to have a good look at home!

Top stuff, Bert!

Al.

[h0ughy]

I love the structures but where did all the horizontal lines come from?

[sheeny]

Now there's a sign of how good my work monitor is... what lines????:shrug:

The puzzle deepens... I'm going to have to have a look at home!!!:lol:

Al.

[ballaratdragons]

I don't see any lines either on my good monitor :shrug:

Very nice work Bert! All the whispy nebula can be seen waaayyyy out the the edges of the frame. :thumbsup:

[avandonk]

THe horizontal lines are what is called banding pattern and it is inherent in all sensors and is only visible if you stretch very dim images to the limit. I only had one of each 16 min exposure so the banding pattern is not averaged out.

Here is an image done the same way from earlier data. Thread here
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=18641

Image 3.0MB
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~trlee8/LT_L.jpg

I think this is a vast improvement.

Bert

[[1ponders]]

So what's your method then Bert? You can't just leave us hanging like this.:)

[avandonk]

In the past I tried digital development and adjusting levels before putting a set of images into EasyHDR and niether was really satisfactory.

The answer was obvious in hindsight as it was simple. Just put the corrected (for flats etc) linear images from ImagesPlus straight into EasyHDR. Select raw rather than JPG. Of course these images have to be made identical in size and region using RegiStar first. This is done so there is no alignment necessary in easyhdr.
I only adjusted the compression variable in EasyHDR and then only had to adjust levels in PS from the resultant LDR image. No curves!

I am still trying a few more data sets.

Bert

[[1ponders]]

Cheers, thanks for the heads up.

[avandonk]

Here is another and it really shows this method is superior.

Large image 3.8MB
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~cheekyfish/CORA_L.jpg

Bert

[tornado33]

excellent work Bert. I love the subtle changes in reddish hues, grading to the faint interstellar cloud aroud the m42 complex.

Yes I sometimes see banding in my images, sometimes more then others obviously depending in the amount of stretching done.
Scott

[sheeny]

Wow! I just had look on a good monitor! I love it!

Al.