Celestron Nightscape 8300 CCD Camera AstroFX Imaging Software Manual - Page 11

(Figure 8 - SHARPEN Screen) SHARPEN The fifth tab from the left (Figure 8) is a metaphor for edge enhancement. Using a sharpening filter to create stronger contrast between dark and light tones, causes edges of objects to stand out from one another - creating the illusion of increased sharpness and finer detail. High-Pass filtering is one way of accomplishing this and is used by AstroFX to enhance detail in astronomical objects. Try to reach a point where the image "pops" but is not harsh or unnatural looking. Sharpening can be easily accomplished by allowing AFX to automatically determine which brightness levels to enhance. Midtones will be sharpened while stars will be more gently enhanced. Background sky and dimmest areas will be left unsharpened. Use the Auto setting for both Mid level selection and High level selection at right. Select how much sharpening to apply by using the corresponding sliders at left. Choose less or more for both midtones and highlights. For more control, choose Mouse for either or both levels. The pop-up balloons will instruct you on how to set them. Drag the green marker line to the location on the histogram where you wish sharpening to begin. Levels of brightness below the green line will not be sharpened. Drag the red marker line to the area on the graph where you would like diminished sharpening to begin. All levels between the red and green marker lines will be sharpened at the Mid level slider setting. All levels above the red marker line will be sharpened at the High level slider setting. Again, this will be milder than the sharpening of midtones. Alternatively, you can double-click in the histogram to set the levels. Apply applies the filter. If you are not satisfied, simply click Undo to try again. When content, you can consider saving this version before moving ahead to the next tab. 10 www.celestron.com