Beginners Guide To Sharp Cap, Pipp, & RegiStax

In this video I will go through the basic starting stages of the 3 programs you
will need to use with a astro camera for getting great photos of the moon.
Thank you for watching don't forget to subscribe as I do regular uploads for the
new astronomer. Clear skies all :)
Software you will need (it's all free)
www.sharpcap.c...
www.astronomie...
sites.google.c...
Small Optics Facebook group: www.facebook.c...
SvBony 105 Astro Camera: SVbony SV105 camera:www.ebay.co.uk...
U.S : www.ebay.com/i...
Australia : www.ebay.com.a...
Germany: www.ebay.de/it...

[@Astrolavista]

Well done Jason! Hopefully this will give people the confidence to play with Lunar/planetary imaging as it really is just pressing some buttons. I think you did a good job, the only thing I'll point out is a missed button press in PIPP. The role of PIPP is to crop each frame to reduce demand on your PC, and to align each frame so the Moon for example doesn't appear to drift. This is very handy if you don't have a tracking mount because you can take a short AVI movie of say a planet as it drifts past on the camera sensor, and you can use PIPP to crop around each frame by the same amount and when you play it back the planet appears both zoomed in and tracked. Perfect for loading into Registax as it reduces the chance of it throwing a wobbly with the 'lollipop' movement. The only thing you missed is selecting Full Disc at the bottom of the PIPP screen. Great that you touched on the RGB tabs as these can make a big difference. I also find them good for correcting atmospheric dispersion. Nice one Jason : )

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Chris, Thanks buddy. You know I thought I was missing something in Pipp I obviously did a bit of research before uploading and when I was filming it I kept saying to myself I'm sure I've missed something out, now I know what it was... Damn! I always manage to forget something.. Lol. Thanks for pointing this out Chris.

[@Astrolavista]

@@smalloptics753 lol Well you still got a good stacked image Jason! and you've shown people that my have dismissed imaging as over complicated that you can simply down load the software, have a play, and get something to be proud of at the end : )

[@smalloptics753]

@@Astrolavista Thanks Chris, that's what I was hoping for Just to get people started, because I've got to be honest I was a bit dubious at first, but it's not that scary is it? But like you say you've got to plug in and just have a play with things, best way of learning I suppose.

[@luminousfractal420]

May be of use to some people but irfanview has some great batch processing options (cropping etc) and its free and fast. Moon alignment i dont think it will do, but it will be pixel perfect in its batch processing.

[@leodellapietra]

@@smalloptics753Lollipops represent how big and in which direction move features across different acquired frames, in this case it's mainly the moon drifting across the camera frame, plus a random movement between frame and frame due to seeing, Centering & cropping the moon as suggested by @AstroLaVista removes the drift due to earth rotation, and instead of a lollypop you will see just how much each point moves around its central position due to seeing

[@smalloptics753]

Hello guy's Sorry for the picture and sound quality in this video... I'm still sorting a few things out with equipment, things will improve I promise.. Clear skies all.... Get shooting some awesome footage of the moon :)

[@mickymaggots]

Oh! Jason thank goodness for someone prepared to start at rock bottom, poor ol' man like me can't keep up with some of the experienced astonomers on Y tube, they all seem to think we know what they're talking about, we need more people like you to explain basic things like this to encourage more people into this wonderful hobby, after all we all have to start somewhere, I just wish I had found it earlier in life. Please keep these videos for idiots ( meant in the nicest way) coming like this one which I found more helpful than anything I have read. Great job I really appreciate your efforts as I am sure others do.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello IceRabbit 29. Thank you for you kind words my friend, your more than welcome.

[@kerk1v]

Really great! This is the kind of "in a nutshell" video people like me who are short on time and patience need. Learn the basics in 20 minutes, there is always time to dig into the subject later. Bonus points for getting started with a camera that costs 50 quid, and I threw in an old laptop I had essentially gathering dust, so low cost! Subscribing your channel.

[@fromtagtotag2541]

Hello astroteacher! So far I've watched many of your videos, and I'll do many more. I completely delighted in every single one. Easy talk, easy learning. You have a fantastic humour and huge knowledge. I'm always expecting something to drop! You make me laugh and learn all together. Thank you so much for teaching this easy, and I'm sure you are approaching many newbies in this fantastic hobby.

[@cindyh3137]

The way you explain things is fantastic! Lollipops on sticks is exactly what those things are. I've been putting off learning about processing images because it all seemed so overwhelming. You made it make sense to me, so thank you very much Jason 😊

[@txdave2]

Thanks so much for this easy to understand tutorial. Most videos on this process are way too complicated.

[@snumusic9173]

Hi Jason thank you so much for your very informative video on how to get started with sharpcap, i have looked everywhere on you tube and although helpful, nothing compares to the way that you take us through step by step, within minutes i began to understand and know what to do (yay), your smile and sense of humour underlines your knowledge of astronomy which i think is great. And when you took us through the post processing with PIPP and Registax that was the icing on the cake. i now feel confident to go forward and experiment on imaging the moon and planets. Keep up this great work for folks like me that need people like you help us on our way.

[@johnhorner769]

Thanks Jason you've given me the confidence to invest in a camera. All those sliders can be intimidating.

[@KevinMurphy0403]

Fantastic tutorial in plain language. Just discovered your channel and its brilliant. Keep up the great work Jason

[@asmxh]

Thank you so much for this video. I have just put a setup together. I haven't even taken the lens cap off or looked through the scope. I'm about to fire up the rig and for the first time make it appear on my computer, and I credit the moment to Jason and this video. Hurry up and make some more entry level videos, there are a lot of us out there than need simple stuff like this to learn off of. Thanx

[@robertdepaulis5188]

Hi from Australia, you have been a god send Jason . Love the way you make it easy to understand for a numty like me

[@mashcury]

The trains passing are lovely! Tx for the content!

[@gareths4818]

Thanks for the brief introduction to SharpCap. Like you say, there not many YT videos to help get started. It's good to hear a British accent downunder. Keep up with the humour.

[@driveclacton4522]

Love your videos Jason. I'm learning so much from you. Thank you. Question.... Has anybody else had issues with ZWO. I bought a 120MC which has never worked since new. ZWO will not replace this cheapest camera in their range & 18 months in to the 2 year warranty, they just ignore my emails. So, I bought a SVBONY camera and it's brilliant. Looking forward to your next vids. Thanks Jason.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Our friend fumbling through these programs is quite funny. I truly enjoyed this video and actually learned some things. Thumbs up! 👍

[@AmatureAstronomer]

I like to watch this content creator even when he is not sure of what he is doing. No, especially so. He laughs and that makes me laugh. Good job! Thumbs up!

[@naturewatcher7596]

Great for the newbie who just want to get the first moon/planet pictures without deeply studying the manuals of each necessary program which could be done later, if I want to improve my pictures. Thank you for sharing. Will try it as soon as the sky clears up.

[@smalloptics753]

Your more than welcome my friend :)

[@TrottersAirways-rc]

Nicely done Jason. Time to have a go myself.

[@damianbutterworth2434]

I finally understand how to do it. Just upgraded from a SVBony 105 to 205. Can not wait to try this out. Cheers Jason.

[@scottmurphy650]

Your best bet with focusing is to focus with a Bahtiov mask. Find a bright star like Sirius, Betelgeuse, Rigel, etc and get a sharp focus.

[@kubaduch1]

Thank you Jason 👍👍

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Mariusz. Hope your well buddy, your welcome my friend.

[@curiosity2314]

Excellent video on this topic for the beginner. Can't wait to get started as soon as the telescope arrives.

[@Cornz38]

Excellent video. Just what i needed, a dive into basics. Now, how about a video on dark frames and light frames and all that malarkey i'm trying to grasp...

[@davidgoodwin8480]

Thanks Jason. This video has helped me understand the planetary imaging process better.

[@icingdeath]

I like how casually you narrated this and having fun fooling around it. Very informative nonetheless, thanks for the share.

[@smalloptics753]

Your more than welcome my friend :)

[@pb9839]

Thankyou for spending the time to show other numties😂 Looking forward to getting my first processed photo👍

[@BautistaVids]

Thanks for this video. You made getting started very simple.

[@icingdeath]

I had fun watching this. We’re both having fun and learning 😂

[@benroutledge6126]

As a beginner excitingly waiting fir his first telescope and accessories, videos like this are perfect! I'm really looking forward to playing around with all this hopefully next week as long as the skies are clear

[@smalloptics753]

Have fun my friend 😃

[@xl447]

Thank you for the vid, been struggling with the workflow post capture. Top man

[@Deanxm1]

I have just started with this, I have a reflector scope and a tinymos Nano1 camera. Started with Autostakkert but found it confusing, downloaded registax6 and processed a 30sec 4K. Video, didn’t mess with the wavelet options but think I will play with that next, in the middle of processing another moon video now😁

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Deanxm1. Yes have a play with the wavelet option, it really brings out the detail, but like I say in the video don't over do it as it can make things noisy. Have fun, clear skies :)

[@Deanxm1]

@@smalloptics753 I did try that last night but adjusting any of the top three just made the image really grainy. I did change settings in Pipp to select the best 300 images of the 1100 I started with when converting and that seems to speed the whole process up. It’s all a learning curve anyway and good fun.

[@macblaze92]

Thank you Jason!! Shot my first proper image of the moon with the svbony 205 after months of struggling with a dslr. Keep them coming, excited to learn more - clear skies

[@smalloptics753]

Your welcome Mr. Muyambo. Take care, clear skies friend :)

[@jchawthorn]

Thank you so much for this. Before buying a camera, I wanted to know how to improve images. I knew it was possible, and now I know how. Thank tou again.

[@smalloptics753]

Your more than welcome John :)

[@tomjones2121]

Your video has become such a great refence for me , my 63 year old brain is so slow now , I'm glad I have this .. I've watched it 5 or 6 times already ..LOL

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Tom, Great to hear buddy, it can be a bit daunting at first but it's not too difficult is it?

[@tomjones2121]

@@smalloptics753 don't know ..... still waiting for a clear night LOL

[@tinacampbell2610]

This video made me a subscriber to your channel. I just love this simple video, and you did an awesome job explaining how to use these programs for a new astronomer like me (Celestron Next Star 127 SLT telescope 10/22). I own a SVBONY SV205 (I seen your video on the SV105 and bought my SV205 because of it), and I have a new computer on its way this week, to use for these programs (seeing the programs run on this video was great as well) since I currently own a MacBook Pro and I can’t see/use these programs for processing images. I was so confused and frustrated about how I was going to use all these things and how to do all of this. I was looking to watch videos (I've watched a lot of YT beginner astronomy & astrophotography videos since 10/2022). I was so confused about how to take and edit pictures with my telescope (and how to put all these pieces together) until I viewed this video. Again, I can’t thank you enough for making this video. There are so many people who make YT videos about astrophotography and talk over the beginners head, but you helped me make a simple smart start... All I need now is a video on how all your astrophotography equipment is assembled to get the images... *hint *hint 🤭... I look forward to viewing more content on your channel... Clear Sky’s to you from Kentucky, USA

[@louboom5711]

Thanks again for helping me get this process started Jason! YOU ROCK 🎸

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Lou. Thank you, your more than welcome, have fun, clear skies :)

[@willissutherland8516]

I appreciate your step by step approach...That approach makes following you so much easier...You did a wonderful presentation...I do believe I wrote down every word from your presentation Jason...With Gratitude...Willis Sutherland..Astrophotography Newbie...

[@Katzenrads]

Thanks Jason, this was helpful. I also enjoyed watching this video.

[@smalloptics753]

Your more than friend. Great to hear you liked the video...Clear skies 🙂

[@richardrojas6306]

I just used Sharp Cap first time. I had a good presentation of Moon in my telescope. I selected my ZWo camera and I started a live capture. But I didnt see the Moon image on my computer.

[@Mrpaulgs]

Great video, really helped me get started on a very basic level. One tip for others - Registax will crash if it reads your cpu threads as cores and sets the wrong number up top "CPUs: #"

[@jeffkoke2666]

Jason. Absolutely Brilliant. This is exactly what I needed to get started. Thanks!

[@stepheny6321]

Absolutely brilliant video. Thanks for describing the process so simply

[@dankelly6906]

Thanks for the documentation! You're right, there's not much out there. I'm a newbie too, and really appreciate this video.

[@TheStevecas9860]

Jason Thank you for giving us a first step into this! I love they way you bumble and admit you don't know! but the rest of your knowledge is sound thank you! let us all learn to gether

[@jackieellis3117]

Really helpful video. Thanks.😊

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Jackie. Your more than welcome... Haha we have the same name and initials, I'm a Ellis to :D

[@TheCuriousBunny]

Nice to meet you mate. I'm in North Yorkshire 🙂

[@smalloptics753]

And you friend, not far away then I'm in Chesterfield :)

[@bobmarleystoe]

just about to start this side of things so a very helpfull video jason cheers

[@smalloptics753]

Your more than welcome my friend

[@tomjones2121]

Thanxs so much , I had such fears of trying this , you sort of eased those for me , can't wait to get on with it ,

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Tom. Your more than welcome friend... Happy snapping :)

[@tomjones2121]

@@smalloptics753 thanx , still waiting for a clear night , been a month now ..

[@markmccabe9688]

Cheers for info, I fancy trying some astrophotography but me and computers don't get on so I'll have to get the wife to learn all this😂👍

[@smalloptics753]

Hey Mark. Your welcome buddy. Hahaha It's not that difficult honest. I'm in the same boat as you, I'm not very computer savvy, but once you get started on it you will soon see it's not that complicated. Have fun, Clear skies :)

[@markmccabe9688]

@@smalloptics753 thank you, your channel is perfect for learning and I like the presentations, very real, keep up the good work 👍

[@colinbacon1738]

i so like your every day honest approach in how you present your videos, I'm subscribed to a good few astronomy channels but i always look forward to your new content. thank you

[@ssadams]

I might try this soon. I need a cheap motor drive and a camera. 😊🌗

[@edgardogonzalez7675]

Nice video explaining the basics of these pieces of software. Your video was the most info in a 25 minutes I came accross. I'll look in your channel to see what other related video you may have. New subscriber here. Thanks so much!

[@Herbybandit]

Great! Apart from being mirrored left to right 😮 you've got Copernicus crater on the wrong side

[@joonassarapuu5569]

Thank you so much for that guide Jason. Now the only thing needed is a camera, but the link to download registax doesnt let me download it.(I click to download the latest version but nothing happens). Only good Jason :).

[@pstanyer1]

Nice simple video. Does the job exactly.

[@homerofeijo]

Thank you!

[@peters4040]

Lollipops on sticks. < I believe these are to show how far the alignment mark has moved from its starting position to the end of the AVI file. This is a good way to know if your tracking is ok.

[@tomgreenwald6487]

Great teaching job learned alot ,thank you

[@tedinohio3981]

I like the mosquito at 7:39 near the bottom of the frame!

[@firefighter1588]

Thanks so much, yet another great video

[@CV_CA]

9:20 Since you are over the folder with the mouse you can just double click it.

[@johndoiron9615]

Good stuff! As someone who just got a ZWO planetary camera for Christmas in the mail today, this is very helpful. Although I do see a kind of bias toward refractor telescopes. I have a Dobsonian reflector so the focusing might be more of a challenge.

[@jackg7225]

I’m deleting my original post. I’m new to this stuff but after thinking about my post, I figured out the answer so I nixed the question. It was between the Svbony 105 vs 305 camera views.

[@jimlothridge8356]

Jason, thank you for this great video. I just bought a sv305 camera and this tutorial will be a fantastic source to get me started, I need all the help I can get. Please keep doing these tutorials (?? a SV305 video would be nice). Thanks again.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Jim, Your more than welcome my friend, I will be doing more on these cameras in the future so stay tuned. :)

[@edbcunningham]

Great information! Thankyou!

[@IndianKnowledgeWorld]

Amazing my friend

[@smalloptics753]

Thank you very much my friend :)

[@adamstuart1964]

Nice tutorial. I appreciate this video.

[@michaelsandell1622]

Love this video, sir, & all your astronomy vids. Quick question- any reason I cannot use Sharpcap on a Windows tablet? Trying to keep my field equipment compact. Please advise. Thanks!

[@yankeeownz9980]

@Small Optics Good video. I enjoyed watching your video. I was looking for SharpCap information and your video gave information on all 3 programs. I'm going to test out the SVBONY SV205 when my new scope comes. I was undecided between the SV105 that's 2mp vs SV205 that's 8mp. Thanks for the great video.

[@gautambiswas7338]

Nice and clear explanation as is the case with your other videos. Thank you. However, as I am an Mac user, can you suggest equivalent software to run on an Apple Mac.

[@AllenKeithKochovski]

Hi I get a white glow on the moon with my sharpcap you just on the right side to focus I thought it was the dial nob to adjust focus.

[@bennybooboobear3940]

man i can really see you growing, Jason!! Awesome video yet again!

[@smalloptics753]

Thank you Benny appreciate it my friend 😀👍

[@Peter-lm3we]

Nice Jason! I haven't come further than to put my phone on the eye piece!

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Peter. Yes that was me too a few months ago. If you get the chance have a go at this method, it's fun and you can get some great results... Btw you can use Registax and Pipp with phone footage too. you don't have to use a special astro camera, that's how I learned the basics of Registax and Pipp.

[@Peter-lm3we]

@@smalloptics753 Thanks for the reply! That is actually a good idea! I am going to try it out with my phone. I think I already know where this will end... with buying the camera through your link (hope you get a commission) :)

[@petset77]

Have you tried taking short (one or two second) shapshots and stacking for deep space objects (planets, or moon), without using mechanized tracking on the scope/mount? I was wondering about using my 8" Dobsonian for some snapshot type photos, or even live viewing (since the 8" aperture sees so much better than the human eye can). I would think if a short exposure would negate star streaking from a fixed scope, a few stacked photos might bring out some color in nebulas and other DSOs. ...I've seen others' initial one second exposures fixed. They're easily as good as a glance through the eyepiece. ....AND, I've seen some tutorials where it appears a "stack frames" option can align close shots for clear computer screen image. No one has been able to clarify, if I'm misunderstanding. I'm new, and since it's winter and bitter cold in the Rocky Mountains, I'm doing research and asking questions. At this point, I'm interested in live viewing, so I'm not buying an equatorial platform at more cost than the scope, nor am I interested in a separate tracking telescope at this point. ...I get that I'm not going to get "Astrophotography" quality images to market or whatever, but would like to see the best quality images I can, while perhaps recording a bit of the process. Any input will be appreciated.

[@raueugen9047]

Why start capture button (start footage) ? As long one who you addres is a beginner and not obtain good images from the beginning. He will learn button's functions and apply different settings in order to see image changings and improvements..

[@michaelsandell1622]

Sir, REALLY like your channel!! Got a problem, though- PIPP no longer seems to be available. Do you have a suggestion on where to get it, or else a different program? Please advise. Thanks!

[@alexandredemenezes7114]

Very useful video! Does anyone have a suggestion for a good telescope for cloudy places? I live in an area with bortle 4 skies, but only get occasional clear skies, so I am hoping to find a telescope that can be set up relatively quickly before the clouds come back! I am a beginner and mainly interested in visual astronomy, and maybe EAA.

[@glynevans-hughes2617]

Great to see a video that I can understand! Thanks. Been looking at getting Sharpcap and the Svbony sv105 so this is invaluable. Quick question though. Doesn't Sharpcap do 'stacking' itself rather than having all the extra programs?

[@iandawson6311]

Hy fella could you put up the links for the programs i need for processing my photos, as the ones you've put up don't seem to show up in any apps with thanks

[@misuszatek341]

OK, lets start first photo..🌜

[@sumner246]

Great tutorial, I followed along with it tonight. The only problem I had was I couldn't get the full moon in frame, it was really close up and I could only get maybe a third of it at any one time. I was using the svbony105 and I think my telescope has a focal length of 700mm, any help greatly appreciated.

[@Manchester6969]

i got the same SVBONY SV105 1.25 as you but it seam like its not working can someone help if possible

[@andywhatcha3265]

Another great video explained in a way that a total newbie like me can understand and learn quickly, I have just got my first telescope, an 8" Dobsonion, can I take pictures the way you have in this video without a motor mount?

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Andy, no you don't need a motor mount for the Moon and planets just manually hand tracking them will be fine with this method..Happy snapping 🙂

[@janetwillson3502]

Very helpful!

[@festebanept]

Hi, your videos are excellent, I've learned a lot, and I'm still researching for more. I have a more updated version of sharpcap, when I connect the camera to see the moon it looks huge and I don't know how to adjust the zoom, could you help me with that, I'm starting now in this wonderful world. greetings from Chile.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Fabian, Thank you for your kind words my friend.. Astrophotography is not really my thing but here's some little knowledge I do know about your issue.. A lot depends on what telescope you are using because that will determine the amount of "zoom" you are getting. The longer the focal length of the telescope the more "zoom" you will get that's why shorter focal length (fast) telescopes are preferred for photography.. I get a very large Moon in my 130/900 reflector but when I swap to my short tube refractor I can see all of the Moon in the F.O.V...That's the only way to deal with the zoom issue there is no other way that I am aware of to alter the zoom in sharp cap, it's a case of using the correct focal length telescope... Hope this makes sense and helps you out a little.. Clear skies friend.

[@festebanept]

@@smalloptics753 thanks for your prompt response. this will definitely help me. Greetings from Chile and in the world of motorcycles here we say good winds, but I will also add to that, clear skies for you too.

[@oddessy357]

brilliant im at the stage your at and this has helped me thanks pal

[@smalloptics753]

Your more than welcome buddy :)

[@oddessy357]

@@smalloptics753 i will be watching more as i have just got a licence for sharp cap with the altair hypercam 183

[@xenify_]

Whenever I capture something windows doesnt let me view it. is this normal??

[@Ericrbo]

Hello everyone. I can't access stop imaging or live view? And the cameras initial start up is taking video. Svbony205

[@alanyarwood5369]

Hi, just found you. Im a total beginners. Can i use the sharp cap on my nikon d7500 with a sigma 150-600mm lens or do i need a telescope. Sorry for my ignorance. I have a skytracker. Many thanks Alan

[@jurgen77emmen]

Great video, funny too 😂

[@barjasmohd4134]

Thank you so much

[@briangray8924]

thanks for the tutorial.can i ask were you tracking the moon as its stationery in the video

[@smalloptics753]

Hello Brian, Your more than welcome. Yes, I was using a EQ2 mount with a motor drive on it, it's not the best but works just fine for what I want it for.

[@alanrobinson2229]

I bought the sv 205,doesn't look any different,I could only get a quarter of screen on laptop with sharp cap( first time I tried the other night). Didn't know about pipp etc. Thank for sharing knowledge,it's an eye-opener to a newbie. I will rewatch this again before I give it ago. What refractor did you use?

[@nickt9522]

Do you have any basic start up settings. I just got a 305 and can’t get a picture at all. It is working as it detects if I put my hand over it. But out of the box even out of the scope I just can’t get any picture cheers. Great work.

[@ABetterName22]

Every time I try this with PIPP I get an error saying my data is corrupted but the file works everywhere else, photoshop, Lightroom, photo viewer, etc. and doesn’t seem to actually be corrupted. Do you have any idea about this issue.

[@sylvia9292]

hi can i film the landscape too like a few miles away here on earth as well as the planets and will it be sharper? u see i want to livestream mine to youtube my binoculars dont have usb conection. cheers

[@PelukaUSA]

Wich software are u using? Nice video, hello from Florida,USAo

[@book3100]

Awesome! Great information here. Thanks :)

[@smalloptics753]

Thank you, your more than welcome Steve :)

[@hondaxl250k0]

I picked up the sv305. I’m having issues learning to use it with Sharpcap.

[@smalloptics753]

Hello there, Stay tuned, I will be doing more on this subject.. Don't worry, your not on your own :)

[@hondaxl250k0]

@@smalloptics753 thanks. Can you also cover using it with registax6 And deep sky stacker. I’m trying to learn all this at once and I’m failing miserably