IP Software?

[DaveS]

Trying to decide on the most cost-effective image-processing software. I'll be using APT / PHD / EQMOD for guiding and capture, but beyond that I'm not sure.

I'll be moving to a CCD camera / filter wheel set up rather than DSLR.

So far I've considered:

PixInsight

MaximDL IP version

Astroart

Star Tools

I guess that I'll get as many different opinions as replies (Assuming anyone replies, but hopefully a consensus will emerge. I dont want to buy several different programs, and don't have any CCD data to test a trial version with, all I have on disk are some poor quality DSLR raw and TIFF files.

[Merlin66]

My money is on AstroArt V5.

It will control all your cameras for acquisition and guiding, do all the normal pre-processing and post processing you'll ever need.

Bang per buck - a good solution.

[DaveS]

Yeah, AstroArt is near the top of my list, but as I already have guiding / acquisition and goto software I would be duplicating functions.

Star Tools perhaps?

[Merlin66]

APT will handle your DSLR needs, but when you go down the CCD route, you'll need different software...

AA5 does both.

[DaveS]

Oh, I thought the latest APT had CCD capture settings, at least I saw them in the menus.

[Merlin66]

Hmmmm

I stand corrected.

The APT webpage says:

•Support for four generations of Canon EOS Models. Check the models matrix page for details

•Support for ASCOM compatible CCD cameras - QHYCCD, Starlight Xpress, Atik, Orion, Moravian and more

•Native support for QSI cameras

[DaveS]

So I think Star tools may be my best bet.

I'll be running the processing software on my big workstation, while the capture / guiding / goto side is on my laptop by the 'scope, and I don't want to be paying for stuff I won't use.

[Merlin66]

I understand.

I run AA5 on the observatory laptop and link via TeamViewer to the office machine, which also runs AA5 for the processing.

That way, for me anyway, I only need to "learn" the one package, whether all the features are used or not.

[DaveS]

I think that, when (If more like) I build and equip an obsy with a warm / computer room then AA5 might be my best bet, but as my workstation is indoors, and the laptop by the 'scope, I'll keep the software separate for the time being.

[ashworthacca]

Can I throw ImagesPlus into the ring.....only just got it but I can see it being my go to for image processing. Much easier to learn than Pixinsight which I also have.<br />

<br />

<br />

[DaveS]

Hadn't thought of ImagePlus, I'll have a look.

[Yoddha]

Just for the archives SBIG support in APT is ready and will be available in a week or two...

[ashworthacca]

Just for the archives SBIG support in APT is ready and will be available in a week or two...

APT will always be my capture software, superb software.

Photoshop and ImagesPlus with a little Pixinsight for processing.

[Yoddha]

Thank you Martin!

[DaveS]

Yes, I'll be staying with APT for all my capture, guiding (With PHD) side.

Now, I thought ST did stacking but I'm not sure now can't find any mention of it or controls on the trial version.

I'm using DSS, but not too enamoured with it, so what would be a better bet?

[Merlin66]

AstroArtV5. ;-)

It stacks etc. as well...

[DaveS]

All right, all right, I'll have a look at it!

If it does stacking as well then it may be worth the outlay, even if I won't be using the guiding / capture functions.

[DaveS]

Well, I bit the bullet and ordered a copy of AA5 from FLO. Fingers crossed.

[Merlin66]

What I also find about AstroArt is the great support and assistance from Fabio and the team.

They have made some significant enhancements to the program to assist as poor guys working in spectroscopy...I'm not sure MAXIM would be as responsive.

The AstroArt forum is the place to visit-

http://www.astroartforum.net/forum/forum.php

[russellhq]

Fitswork4 and iris are both free IP software that will stack as well. But they're not exactly what you call user friendly.

I use dss for all my stacking and get on quite well with it. I then use photoshop for processing. Any reason you missed PS from your list?

[Merlin66]

Russell,

Photoshop here in Australia was over $1,000!!

Now I believe you have to take out an annual licence........

[GuillermoBarrancos]

Russell,

Photoshop here in Australia was over $1,000!!

Now I believe you have to take out an annual licence........

And now they even have an offer for just $9,99 a month!

I immediately jumped on it, as I found the initial $19,99/month too high. Adobe seem to have gotten the Message, as now it´s actually attractive.

Just to make a comparison. Before you paid $800 to $1000 upfront for Photoshop, now With $9,99/month it will take me 8 years at least before I reach that amount of Money.

Not even taking into account the $300-$400 bi-anual Upgrade prices to the latest Version, which is now included in the $9,99/month as well.

In all honesty (and I am sure I am not alone in this) I could never afford a "legal" fullblown version of Photoshop before and now I can for just $9,99/month.