First RGB attempt - M42

[peter_4059]

Here's my first attempt at RGB imaging with the DSI. No processing apart from the basic stretch in Envisage and RGB combine in Astroimage. All images were 50x4 sec stacked on the fly.

[Ric]

Well done Peter a very nice first RGB. you are starting to pull out the detail but you will need longer subs and more exposures though, I would start around 8-12 seconds.

Cheers

[peter_4059]

Thanks for the comments Ric. I rushed this one as I was wanting to take some images of Mars before it dissapeared behind my roof. With the uncertain weather we are having up here I also didn't bother getting the polar alignment right and the subject was drifting out of the field so I chose short exposures just to try out the new filters/wheel and RGB combining.

I'm planning to do a series of different exposures on M42 and try EasyHDR when the weather improves.

[peter_4059]

Did a bit more work on my M42 attempt today with some levels and curves on the original RGB images. Here's before and after...

[Ric]

Looking good Peter, you brought out some nice data from your original images.

Cheers

[peter_4059]

The image post processing seems like a steeper learning curve than capturing the image. I don't have PS so I'm using a combination of other tools (Gimp and AstroImage) that also makes things difficult.

[leon]

Peter when it comes to processing the final image i know exactly what you mean, although i do have the programs it is still taking me ages, even with the good advice from many.
Great effort with your pics though, keep at it.

Leon