PixInsight Trial.

[TheDecepticon]

Howdy.

Been a while between images, so I decided to see what all this fuss is about with PixInsight.

Well, thanks to some great pointers from Houghy, I now know and am addicted. Looks like Photoshop may be having a considerable sleep from now!

I have reprocessed about 2.5 hours of M42 in LRGB, QHY9M and Megrez 110 from November last year. I realize that it still isn't perfect and my processing skills are still developing, but I have to say that I am happy with where this one has landed.

I have given a comparison of PixInsight to Photoshop, so tell me what you think. Please be honest, I won't care if you make me cry with strong criticism, otherwise I wont get any where.

PixInsight with DBE, curves, masking for colour, etc.

http://tinyurl.com/2ck5s8k

Photoshop with the usual curves, histogram, colour masks, etc.

http://tinyurl.com/26hptjt

Thanks for looking and commenting, have a great day!

[irwjager (Ivo)]

I'd say they're both very good! Actually not much in it at all in terms of difference to my eye. You seem to have your processing down and you're pretty consistent with your results, even when using a totally different program - that's a good sign.

The DBE did a nice job of equalizing the background a bit, which the PS one lacks. The PI image seems to suffer from a tiny bit more noise, but that's barely noticeable.

Nice image and a job well done!

[Hagar (Doug)]

Looking at both and even blinking them backwards and forwards I don't really see much in it Gray. Both images are so close to being identical my tired old eyes can't pick the difference.
To be honest and having used both I think it's a matter of what you feel confident with and know how to use. Each program has it's own little pluses and minuses.

The biggest problem I have is keeping up with the lisencing procedure required if you change computer of have a failure requiring a rebuild etc. The system is quite neurotic requiring special files, special user codes or access to a server which only lets you log in once before it has to be reset. And people say Microsoft are paranoid.
Maybe a good program but with problems in computers I maintain Photoshop works just as well and is a breeze to install and maintain. I don't have it installed because of these problems with install. To me a waste of my hard earned. Wish I had never bought it but now I have a file, a registration detail and a lisence key I can't use without trying to contact someone somewhere. Just pathetic.

[TheDecepticon]

Thanks guys!

I have already experienced a couple of problems in that area, Hagar. Thanks for the comments.

[Martin Pugh]

Yes, the PI version is much more striking. Well done, its a fine image.

cheers
Martin

[Jeffkop (Jeff)]

I like the PI version more than just a little more .. I was really considering purchasing it .. but Doug, you've just saved me $222 .. I aint jumpin thru the hoops either ... biggest thing that I cant get my head around with this online activation type software is .. what if they go broke ??? You've gone down with them .. And Ive read the blurb on their site, I cant remember it mentioning this was the case.
Anyway .. sorry this isnt about that .. for me .. and sadly given the case .. I think the PI one wins hands down .. its a great image of M42

Edit: Just went to the PI site again .. you only have to activate it once .. from then on as long as you've backed up the license file you dont need any sort of online activation

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

The PI version has better star colour and overall neb colouring and the trap looks better but it has a dotty sandpaper effect showing all over the image..fix this and it will be perfect

Mike

[gregbradley]

I like the PI version better although as Mike and others have pointed out you seem to have picked up some grain in the background from that workflow.

The PI has given you nicer yellow to the PS's white stars and gotten some nice shades of yellow and brown in the neb cloud the PS hasn't.

That said, you probably could also achieve that with PS with the right approach or tools. Its whatever gets you there most easily I suppose.
Some tools make it easier to arrive.

Interesting thread as I was also about to check out PI as it seems to be an up and coming program and is quite popular with some.


Greg.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by Hagar

Looking at both and even blinking them backwards and forwards I don't really see much in it Gray. Both images are so close to being identical my tired old eyes can't pick the difference.
To be honest and having used both I think it's a matter of what you feel confident with and know how to use. Each program has it's own little pluses and minuses.

The biggest problem I have is keeping up with the lisencing procedure required if you change computer of have a failure requiring a rebuild etc. The system is quite neurotic requiring special files, special user codes or access to a server which only lets you log in once before it has to be reset. And people say Microsoft are paranoid.
Maybe a good program but with problems in computers I maintain Photoshop works just as well and is a breeze to install and maintain. I don't have it installed because of these problems with install. To me a waste of my hard earned. Wish I had never bought it but now I have a file, a registration detail and a lisence key I can't use without trying to contact someone somewhere. Just pathetic.

Doug i have no idea why you dislike this programme so much. I have just purchased the sky6 and CCDINSPECTOR as well as a few other astro programmes with convoluted and specialised logins and passwords and codes just to get on and logged into activate and gain access to updates. PI covers multiplatforms - the others dont. That said - i have not had an issue with pixinsight on any of the computers and sytems that i have it installed on. The new version of PI as automatic updates now - its brilliant.

Since ytou have already wasted your hard earned then why not download the latest version and use it. A lot has changed in the software.

i have only scratched the surface of the programme, but i know one thing - it convinced me that it was totally worth every cent.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by TheDecepticon

Howdy.

Been a while between images, so I decided to see what all this fuss is about with PixInsight.

Well, thanks to some great pointers from Houghy, I now know and am addicted. Looks like Photoshop may be having a considerable sleep from now!

I have reprocessed about 2.5 hours of M42 in LRGB, QHY9M and Megrez 110 from November last year. I realize that it still isn't perfect and my processing skills are still developing, but I have to say that I am happy with where this one has landed.

I have given a comparison of PixInsight to Photoshop, so tell me what you think. Please be honest, I won't care if you make me cry with strong criticism, otherwise I wont get any where.

PixInsight with DBE, curves, masking for colour, etc.

http://tinyurl.com/2ck5s8k

Photoshop with the usual curves, histogram, colour masks, etc.

http://tinyurl.com/26hptjt

Thanks for looking and commenting, have a great day!

looks like you used unsharp masking? - use ACDNR - watch the video that ws done by Harry - i use 2.3 and 3.2 on mine

you have done pretty well

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by Jeffkop

I like the PI version more than just a little more .. I was really considering purchasing it .. but Doug, you've just saved me $222 .. I aint jumpin thru the hoops either ... biggest thing that I cant get my head around with this online activation type software is .. what if they go broke ??? You've gone down with them .. And Ive read the blurb on their site, I cant remember it mentioning this was the case.
Anyway .. sorry this isnt about that .. for me .. and sadly given the case .. I think the PI one wins hands down .. its a great image of M42

Edit: Just went to the PI site again .. you only have to activate it once .. from then on as long as you've backed up the license file you dont need any sort of online activation

Jeff, get the trial use it for 45days, process some of your older images wit hit after watching all of harrys videos, and then you start to get a bit of a feeel fo rr the programme. As for the software folding - dont think so unless the guy happens to meet his maker quicker than you or me. It is a personal passion that keep them goinig on this software.

[Hagar (Doug)]

Originally Posted by h0ughy

Doug i have no idea why you dislike this programme so much. I have just purchased the sky6 and CCDINSPECTOR as well as a few other astro programmes with convoluted and specialised logins and passwords and codes just to get on and logged into activate and gain access to updates. PI covers multiplatforms - the others dont. That said - i have not had an issue with pixinsight on any of the computers and sytems that i have it installed on. The new version of PI as automatic updates now - its brilliant.

Since ytou have already wasted your hard earned then why not download the latest version and use it. A lot has changed in the software.

i have only scratched the surface of the programme, but i know one thing - it convinced me that it was totally worth every cent.

David I think you missunderstand my ramblings. I don't hate the program persay. I just hate the convoluted method of having to try and find the licence file which was stored very safely on a separate partion on my hard drive. This was ruined when the HD went up in smoke. Fortunately I had also put a copy back on another portable hard disk as well. Just found it. I also just realised I need a separate username and Password to be able to download the program and even it's updates. I own the full CCDWare suite and The Sky six and in no way are either of these programs as convoluted to get even an update from or the original serial no for if it is lost.
I agree the program is very good at what it is designed for but it's use is also quite a different process from say Photoshop or Paintshop. I don't see that it adds terribly much in functionality to the likes of photoshop.
Until reasantly there was not a true set of instruction files or documentation for the program just a bunch of video tutorials which to be honest just scratched the surface of what was available or possible with this software but there was no other way to work out what things did.

If this is the way good software is presented then Microsoft just jumped to industry leaders.
Sorry if you dont like my comments David but thats how I feel about this software and yes I still feel I wasted my money, but it's not the first time and it probably won't be the last.
Don't take it personally David, its not directed at you, it is just my thoughts on this software and it's convoluted methods.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by Hagar

David I think you missunderstand my ramblings. I don't hate the program persay. I just hate the convoluted method of having to try and find the licence file which was stored very safely on a separate partion on my hard drive. This was ruined when the HD went up in smoke. Fortunately I had also put a copy back on another portable hard disk as well. Just found it. I also just realised I need a separate username and Password to be able to download the program and even it's updates. I own the full CCDWare suite and The Sky six and in no way are either of these programs as convoluted to get even an update from or the original serial no for if it is lost.
I agree the program is very good at what it is designed for but it's use is also quite a different process from say Photoshop or Paintshop. I don't see that it adds terribly much in functionality to the likes of photoshop.
Until reasantly there was not a true set of instruction files or documentation for the program just a bunch of video tutorials which to be honest just scratched the surface of what was available or possible with this software but there was no other way to work out what things did.

If this is the way good software is presented then Microsoft just jumped to industry leaders.
Sorry if you dont like my comments David but thats how I feel about this software and yes I still feel I wasted my money, but it's not the first time and it probably won't be the last.
Don't take it personally David, its not directed at you, it is just my thoughts on this software and it's convoluted methods.

np

[RobF (Rob)]

Most recent version of PI now includes auto-update. Prompts when you start up if you want to update or load new documentation etc that may be available. Makes life a bit easier. You may still need to enter ID/PW if prompted.

It really is horses for courses - its just a tool in the end that works best in capable hands that have experience. Plenty of experts with PS produce benchmark images. Rogelio (RBA on most forums) has deservedly bagged many APODs now using just PI. Certainly a very dedicated and helpful user base.

[Ephemeral (John)]

I've used certain parts of PixInsight LE for a while and it has some good points this was a free version (no longer available) however I just like the simplicity of PS and don't see the need to buy another processing tool.

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by Ephemeral

I've used certain parts of PixInsight LE for a while and it has some good points this was a free version (no longer available) however I just like the simplicity of PS and don't see the need to buy another processing tool.

By no means should you consider Pixinsight LE - it has been left behind, way behind. The new PI is no reflection of PI LE version. For example DBE is so much more intuitive......

[irwjager (Ivo)]

My AUD 0.02; having studied both, it's clear to me that PI should theoretically win hands down in a blow-for-blow comparison, if all you do is astrophotography.

The reason for that is simple; PI contains algorithms and features that are not available in PS. They are specific to astrophotography, low light situations and teasing out very faint signals.

It's true that most (but certainly not all) PI features can be accomplished in PS through means of combining multiple operations in actions (or buying add-on plug-ins, which strictly speaking, aren't really part of PhotoShop anymore).

PhotoShop is a tank; expensive, but it will help you traverse most types of terrain you will ever encounter.
PI is a Holden Commodore; cheaper, yet much more capable than a tank, if its main use is strictly city driving and the occasional highway.

Ivo's law: if a program allows you to change every individual pixel to any value within the image's dynamic range, then per definition any result can be achieved.

Both PI and PS satisfy Ivo's law

[TheDecepticon]

Thanks for the comments guys! I will see what I can do with some new data if I can manage to get some decent long nights.

Cheers and clears,

Gray.