Thanks Marc / Deception. I used a bur mask for the core in three stages. I will use this technique again for sure. Also, I took Bassnut (Fred's) advice n 2 x resample prior to processing and then resampling back down after processing. I think it definately helps to smooth out the image.
Nicely done, excellent processing. I have had the pleasure of tinkering around with a DSI III lately, and they are a surprisingly good camera. Have you had thoughts on having your DSI III modified for cooling?
Thanks Micahel. Yes, I am happy with the DSI III Pro. I don't think I will cool it anytime soon because I am not sure if the trouble would be worth it. I have seen some side by side comparisons with cooled and uncooled and there is a difference, but I'm not sure if the difference is enough for me to worry about (post processing the noise out is what I do sometimes).
The camera itself has lowish noise anyway. For the price (Under $1000 OS, or about $1200 Aus) the following specs are impressive in my mind:
Dark current is low at 0.02e/sec (10°C).
Read noise is low (12e/sec).
Full well capacity is 27000e.
Peak QE of about 65% near 500nm.
6.4 Micron Pixel size
10.2 x 8.3mm Chip size
16-bit A/D conversion
Chip size is 1360 x 1024 pixels
High Snsitvty Mono Sony Exview HAD™ CCD Sensor
Sensor Model ICX285AL
1.4 MP
I cannot disagree there, very handy specs for $1200 AUD. I'm not entirely sure of how much the cooling mod will reduce the CCD temp by, is it around 10 - 15 degrees C, or possibly more?
At least 15 deg c less for sure from what I have seen on the net (sorry cant find links now).
I use a fan attached to the heat sink. I get 2 to 3 deg less just by running it on top (battery operated from Bintel). I use it on very hot nights.
