Reprocessed DSO's (NGC253, LMC, NGC55)

iceman (Mike) · #1 23-10-2007, 12:48 PM

Hi all

After making a bit of a breakthrough with my DSO image processing (in ImagesPlus) with my M42 image yesterday, I went back and re-processed my first few DSO's, including NGC253, LMC and NGC55.

The difference is incredible on the ED80 images (NGC253/NGC55), not so obvious on the LMC but I still think it's an overall better image.

I'm really pleased with how these have come out, especially NGC253.

You can check the old threads for the details of the capture and to see the old image to compare.
Old NGC253
Old LMC
Old NGC55

New versions below.

Thanks for looking.

Lee · #2 23-10-2007, 02:32 PM

Very nice.... What is the main thing you have done differently Mike??

iceman (Mike) · #3 23-10-2007, 04:18 PM

Thanks Lee.

2 things:

1) Proper calibration with dark frames (no flats yet). But this required me to convert everything to TIF's first. Maybe it's not necessary but for the moment it gave me the best result.
I convert all my CR2's to TIF's, average my darks into a master dark, and then use "Calibrate Files" to calibrate all the lights with the master dark.
I then use those files as input to the normal TSR and Combine.

2) DDP in IP. I start with "Auto" but then use the Histogram to tweak the values/sliders and avoid clipping.

I save it as a TIF and bring it into Photoshop for noise reduction, gradient removal, curves, saturation and levels.

Ric · #4 23-10-2007, 04:37 PM

They have definitely come up very nicely indeed.

Dennis · #5 23-10-2007, 04:48 PM

An excellent portfolio Mike – well done, you’ve really taken some long strides in DSO imaging; where do you find the time and energy?

I really like the semi-transparent overlay/text banner – very cool!

Cheers

Dennis

Phil · #6 23-10-2007, 05:23 PM

nice work iceman look foward to yoour nexts shot.
Phil

Tamtarn · #7 24-10-2007, 10:15 AM

Thanks for giving us the links to your previous images Mike. There's a marked difference.....particularly in the LMC. Very good detail and Tarantula is nicely defined ..... beautiful

iceman (Mike) · #8 24-10-2007, 01:35 PM

Thanks for the feedback.. I'm looking forward to some dark, clear skies again to give some more and varied objects a go.