Oknoder Loc: Western North Dakota

No it processes .NEF files fine, but he just did not have access to the .SDK files needed to build the drivers to allow the program to interface with the camera. Hopefully with the next build, at least the next major upgrade this issue will be addressed.

Nikon does not have the completely open sdk file so programers can see how the firmware of the camera interfaces and reacts to outside commands. IMHO I think Nikon does this because they are also heavily invested in the the software developement angle of sales also. MaxIM was allowed access to the nikon sdk, but I feel it must have been hobbled right from the getgo because I am able to trigger the shutter through USB but the program hangs when downloading, which requires closing the program through task manager. So presently when at home I use DigiCamControl, which is freeware to control my DSLRs.

Matthew

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Interesting.....that is can process a NEF file. Personally, I believe I would just as soon fire the DSLR with Cam Ranger,Trigger Trap, or a Intervalometer anyway. As long as you can load your NEF images, subs, darks, flats and bias frames into Nebulosity - that would work fine for me. Stark has put some "wicked cool" processing tools in the software. After you have made your nebulosity edits and are ready to open in photoshop....you can select the "Save Color Components" option (I think it is last on the list when you select File from he menu) and the software will save the image into three separate fits files, a RED, BLUE and GREEN file. In photoshop you can easily work on each of the color channels independently before combining in RGB.

I have Backyard EOS for Nikon but have never used it. I have a few long lens that I use for sports, (the Nikon 200x400 F/4 is my goto lens) that I have had good intentions to use on a GEM........I set through a 1.5 hour tutorial by the creator and it looks like a good piece of software kit. I am sure some of the folks here have put it to use and know more about how well it works...or doesn't.

Oknoder Loc: Western North Dakota

I used backyardnikon while in beta testing, basically sniffing the USB port as to ascertain the command logic and assist in bughunting. The beauty of it and many of the other programs, if they would work as promised is that they integrate multiple programs or tasks so as to eliminate having to run 5-8 separate programs which raises the risk of instability within any system trying to access the same hardware at the same time.

I believe the last version I had a hand in was either G or H, so I am unsure if everything was intigrated into the production release. Going from memory it utilized the camera control along with PHD and even plate solving of some sort.

northcoast42 Loc: Puget Sound, Washington

Great shot Craig. I'd love to capture an image like this.
Hope you don't mind but I tinkered a little with the "original." This is what I came up with. Not a huge improvement by any means, brought out the star field a bit, darkened a little and made the tail slightly more visible.

Original

(Download)

Slightly "tinkered" with

(Download)

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

I love to share my toys John. That's a great job.
Now you have to share how did you bring out the tail,
without blowing out everything else???
Like I did.
Craig

northcoast42 Loc: Puget Sound, Washington

I only used PSE9. Basically I just played around with the lighting, levels and contrast (total and midtone), lightening highlights, darkening shadows etc., until I reached a point I liked. This is a very cool shot!