How to handle bad quality source?

[Rowland]

DSLR images often suffer from calibration issues. I would suggest not using the bias frames to calibrate dark and light frames. Use the bias to calibrate your flats only. Your light subs are better calibrated with darks that have not been bias subtracted. This might require separate applications in Nebulosity.
DLSR data is not strictly linear, consequently, programs that are designed for linear CCD data tends to truncate DLSR RAW data.

[Cheman]

Well now that the master has showed his work, I will refrain from trying to do a sub-par job compared to Ivo. But Yeah, you've got a decent image there, especially for only your second try. And good suggestions to help in future pics.
Che

[admin]

I will refrain from trying to do a sub-par job compared to Ivo

It's just my reasoned interpretation - by no means the 'best', 'right' or 'only' way!

[animaal]

Thanks guys, that's food for thought. And some great example workflows that I can walk through myself and get comfortable with how things work.