Photomatix is a program for mapping intensity data from a series of vastly differing exposures to an image of far lower dynamic range to give a representation of the original intensity information.
Previous thread here. Thanks to 74tuc.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=17582
Details. Canon 5DH, Canon 300mm F2.8L, Hutech LPR filter.
Exposure details 30, 60, 120, 240, 480, 960 seconds, at an ISO of 200.
Large image here 2.2MB
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~avandonk2/CAR_HDI01.jpg
I am sure I could do better as it is early days yet. I did not correct for flats or use any other program apart from PhotoShop to adjust levels and GradientXterminator, to sort of fix up lack of flat correction.
If one took a series of these exposure sets each time slightly moving the mount a better signal to noise would result. I had to adjust the mount polar alignment until it was perfect so alignment of the different time exposures was not a problem for Photomatix.
The most interesting thing is all the stars are much smaller as they are not 'overexposed'. The star colours are also 'preserved' for the same reason.
This won't take the place of more traditional programs but would be a good adjunct as for example you could average two images, one produced with ImagesPlus say and Photomatix. Or any other mix.
Bert