Photoshop purchase

[Ouroboros]

Any thoughts on the minimum version I should get for astrophotography? I see that CS4 and CS5 versions are available ... and an extended version, whatever that does.

Also suggestions to the best suppliers would be useful. I notice the prices vary enormously.

[Tim]

Why dont you try Pixinsight first if you are just buying PS for astrophotography? Its free for 30 days and is purely designed for AP.

Much cheaper than PS too

[MikeP]

And better in my opinion.

Mike

PS I think you get 45 days

[Venus_is_my_friend]

You don't really need Photoshop, but if you were going to go down that road something as early as Photoshop 7 would be good enough.

[Ouroboros]

OK. Maybe I've asked the wrong question in a sense.

Maybe I should ask what image stacking software I should go for first?

Would I be better to go for MaxIm DL, for example? I know this software has image processing features too.

Incidentally, I've played with RegiStax for some planetary imaging and DSS for some deep sky stuff.

DSS appears to produce files that my very old copy of Photoshop 7.0 can't open either.

[Venus_is_my_friend]

I don't know anythign about DSS, but you could try any of the following:-

Exporting from DSS to change format.

File converter package.

Printscreen DSS image and paste into a photoshop window.

[Dave]

Just a tip on DSS.

Once you have processed your image, use the menu to Save Image and overwrite the Autosave file DSS has created.

You should then be able to open the image in Photoshop.

[lukebl]

Incidentally, you can get a lot of software at very reduced prices perfectly legitimately from here, if you have anyone in the houshold who is a teacher or student (e.g. if you've got any kids at school).

For instance, you can get the full version of Photoshop CS5 at a price of £162.95. Still quite expensive, but £770 less than the full price. And completely legit!