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Enhancing HDR with Color Corrected HDRMT
In this tutorial, Warren Keller, Co-Founder of Masters of PixInsight, demonstrates the powerful Color Corrected HDRMT script by Russell Croman of RC Astro. This script serves as a refined alternative to PixInsight’s HDRMT, preserving color saturation while enhancing detail. Key highlights include:
Understanding HDRMT and Masking:
Learn how to use an internal lightness mask and apply the HDRMT process to reveal hidden details in bright areas, such as the core of M42 (Orion Nebula).
Introducing Color Corrected HDRMT:
Explore how this script integrates the HSI color space to retain vivid color while compressing the brightness range, preventing the usual desaturation seen with traditional HDRMT.
Optimal Settings for Best Results:
Warren shares tips on finding the right opacity (or “amount”) for the script to balance detail and color, ensuring a harmonious result.
This tutorial provides a practical guide for using the Color Corrected HDRMT script to bring out both vibrant color and intricate details in your images.
Quick Stretching with Statistical Stretch Script in PixInsight
In this tutorial, Ron Brecher, Co-Founder of Masters of PixInsight, introduces the Statistical Stretch Script as an alternative to the traditional histogram transformation in PixInsight. Designed for quick and efficient stretching of linear images, this script offers a fast preview of your results without the need for extensive adjustments. Key points covered include:
Installing the Statistical Stretch Script:
- Learn how to add the repository for the SETI Astro scripts and install the Statistical Stretch Script in PixInsight.
Using the Statistical Stretch Script:
- Explore how to apply the script with minimal settings, adjusting the target median and utilizing automatic convergence for optimal results.
- Compare the performance of Statistical Stretch with traditional histogram transformation, noting its efficiency and ease of use.
This script is ideal for astrophotographers who want a fast and effective way to preview image stretching without complex adjustments
[Free] Maximizing Image Quality: File Formats for Astrophotography
In this free tutorial, Alexander Curry, Co-Founder of Telescope Live, explores the importance of choosing the right file formats for saving and sharing astrophotography images. He discusses the differences between common formats like FITS, TIFF, PNG, and JPEG, and how they impact image quality and usability. Key points covered include:
XISF to TIFF Conversion:
-Learn how to convert XSIF files to TIFF using PixInsight’s batch processing tool, preserving resolution and detail across software.
TIFF for Post-Processing:
-Understand why TIFF is the go-to format for retaining high-quality data during post-processing and adjustments.
PNG vs JPEG for Sharing:
-Compare PNG and JPEG formats, noting the loss of detail with JPEG due to compression, and how each format is suited for different platforms, such as social media or personal sharing.
This guide ensures you make the most of your astrophotography data, from editing to sharing your final image.
Exploring Pixinsight Narrowband Normalization Techniques
In this tutorial, Warren Keller, Co-Founder of Masters of PixInsight, dives into various methods of narrowband normalization to balance the brightness levels of SII, Ha and OIII in the Hubble Palette (SHO). Warren walks you through three key techniques for achieving great color balance in your narrowband images:
Method 1: Warren Keller’s Simple Approach
Learn how to unlink channels in PixInsight’s Screen Transfer Function (STF) for better color balance, reducing the dominant green hue from Hydrogen Alpha.
Method 2: Linear Fit
Explore the Linear Fit process to normalize channels, using O3 as the reference image to achieve balanced colors across S2, HA, and O3.
Method 3: Bill Blanshan’s Pixel Math Method
Discover Bill Blanshan’s pixel math expression for narrowband normalization, using offset scaling to match O3 and S2 to the HA signal.
Each method offers a different approach to achieving more balanced colors in your narrowband astrophotography, providing flexibility based on your workflow and desired outcome.