Quote:
Originally Posted by irwjager
It's a combination of Deconvolution (the resolution and stellar SNR of this data is wasted otherwise!), automated scene-based global stretching (manual curves are sooo 90s  ), local histogram optimisation and equalisation, topped off with some inter-scale aware wavelet sharpening of the larger structures. Not more than 5 minutes work.
I'm not a fan of too heavy-handed local dynamic range optimisation (e.g. the infamous 'flat' PixInsight look that destroys large scale detail/depth), so your description of "a low contrast HDR effect" is spot-on! 
Happy to explain each step/algorithm in detail!
Cheers, |
Holy cow Ivo! You're a fan of sharpening though!!
Granted this is probably a quick & dirty demo, but I'd be careful deconvolving this data. The stellar profiles don't need to be reduced IMO. In fact, I'm noticing halos around stars. On top of that you've also done wavelet! Consequently it has a classic overcooked look that zooming in doesn't appear to mitigate.
I'm also noticing that you've rendered almost invisible (and maybe even clipped?) the faint extents of nebulosity that are screaming out to be revealed in this wonderful data.
All of the techniques you mention may be applicable to this image but, and notwithstanding personal taste, they need to be done in a selective and controlled way to maintain some kind of natural look.
Cheers, Marcus