Swan

[peter_4059]

Here's the first of my 400D/ED80 images from astrofest. The first image is RAW files stacked in Deep Sky Stacker and stretched in PS. The second is JPEGS stacked and stretched in PS. Still lots to learn about processing - hints welcomed.

[Jeffkop]

I have found this object particularly difficult to get a great deep colour, so these are worthy swan contenders Peter in my opinion. I am new to all this myself so can offer little in regards to suggestions on what to do to better them, perhaps only that more data = more depth.

[leon]

Peter although you have a good result with both methods, your best is to stick with Raws and work from there, get as many subs as practical, say 10-12 at 5 to 7 minutes each, plus flats, and either ICNR, or seperate darks and just keep experimenting. ;)

You certainly are on the right track, keep at it and, keep sharing, nice work.;)

Leon :thumbsup:

[allan gould]

Peter, tracking is good and well focussed. I don't know how you do it by eye. Great shots - between the DSI and the 400D you have mastered both worlds of the dark sky. SBIG next? - need to do a lot of ironing.

[AlexN]

i like it peter! Very good tracking. from what i've seen the best way to get more color and deeper detail is more subs. It also doesn't hurt to get a few sets of subs at differing exposure levels. A few at 5 mins iso 800. Few at 7 mins at iso 400 etc. Process each set individually to its own merits, then layer them in photoshop using layer marks to bring out the best from each exposure in the final layered image. Its a lot more work but the results are usually worth it.

[peter_4059]

Thanks for the suggestions. Might have to read up on layer masking.