I've just recently started reading up on the various types of calibration frames and how to properly use them but I have a few questions. I've seen a lot of images on here that list say 15 darks/flats/bias etc but one of the books I was reading mentioned using a master frame that was a stack of all of your individual frames. Is there any benefit to one way or the other? And if you stack say all 15 frames into one master via DSS, I'm guessing there is no post-processing done to that stacked image correct?
New to calibration frames
Engaging
These can be done in a number of ways. The most important thing is - do them. So, simple recommendation.
Do them every time. Then just include them in the DSS stacking.
Doing masters can save some work. But it gets tricky. Bias is simple, and
stays pretty constant. Flats need to be done every time anyway, minor
changes in the optical train will mess up flats. Dust comes and goes.
Darks need to be well matched for temperature, some people do a "dark
library". But keep it simple at first. When you feel using masters
could be helpful, then is the time to dive deep into how. DSS should
actually put a master in your stacking directory, once you do some, you
can look.
I didn't really start using masters until I started using PixInsight. They flow naturally there.
Do them every time. Then just include them in the DSS stacking.
Doing masters can save some work. But it gets tricky. Bias is simple, and
stays pretty constant. Flats need to be done every time anyway, minor
changes in the optical train will mess up flats. Dust comes and goes.
Darks need to be well matched for temperature, some people do a "dark
library". But keep it simple at first. When you feel using masters
could be helpful, then is the time to dive deep into how. DSS should
actually put a master in your stacking directory, once you do some, you
can look.
I didn't really start using masters until I started using PixInsight. They flow naturally there.
Helpful Supportive
These can be done in a number of ways. The most important thing is - do them. So, simple recommendation.Do them every time. Then just include them in the DSS stacking.
Doing masters can save some work. But it gets tricky. Bias is simple, and
stays pretty constant. Flats need to be done every time anyway, minor
changes in the optical train will mess up flats. Dust comes and goes.
Darks need to be well matched for temperature, some people do a "dark
library". But keep it simple at first. When you feel using masters
could be helpful, then is the time to dive deep into how. DSS should
actually put a master in your stacking directory, once you do some, you
can look.
I didn't really start using masters until I started using PixInsight. They flow naturally there.
Thanks!