Tone Mapping

[Russ.Carpenter]

I almost hesitate to post a feature request because I'm so impressed with StarTool's evolution. Among many recent innovations, I admire the color module's ability to do narrowband tone mapping in the "matrix" function.

Would it be possible to add a "custom" feature to tone mapping? As an example of what I mean, I've attached screen captures of a tool I've used in PixInsight to map two channel and three channel narrowband images. Although PixInsight is often needlessly obtuse and complex, in this case the PixelMath approach is simple and effective.

If this is a bad idea, please don't hesitate to say so!

Russ

[admin]

Definitely not a bad idea!
For now though, are there any blends/combinations you are missing?

[Russ.Carpenter]

Hi Ivo,

The matrix does include a sizable variety of tone mapping blends, and so far I've been able to choose the blend that's closest to my target and then to tweak the RGB bias sliders. The custom feature would be handy for repeatable results.

One small thought. There are a lot of targets that have good Ha and OIII signals, but nothing, or almost nothing, in SII. For those targets, it makes sense to image only Ha and OIII. Therefore, it might be useful to include some additional bicolor tone mapping options in the matrix.

One other small thought. One of the best aspects of narrowband imaging is that there is such a wide variety of palettes with which to experiment. Yet, most imagers are stuck on the Hubble palette, or small variations of HOO. Maybe your matrix will help imagers get out of the rut.

Thanks!

Russ

[admin]

Do let me know if you come across any popular or useful mappings for either SHO or HOO not currently implemented!