AIP4Win Features?

I recently purchased a SXV-H9 with guide camera. I am currently comparing the cost/value of AIP4Win to that of AstroArt and MaximDL/CCD. If I go with AIP4Win (because it's priced right) what features will I get and not get compared with the other two?
Thanks
Steven Jindra

Steven,

I have not used AstroArt extensively and have no experience with MaximDL/CCD but have used AIP4Win, Paint shop Pro and Adobe Photoshop. AIP4Win (the book) is, in my opinion, the best reference work available for ccd imaging. Every detail of ccd operation is covered in the context of producing the highest quality image. There is coverage for all major ccd endeavors; planetary imaging, photometry, astrometry, RGB imaging etc. The software provided performs all these basic functions at some level. However, the program is a little difficult to use for everday use. Its like the jack-of-all-trades, it does everything but it doesn't do any one thing really well. It really just gives you enough functionality to learn the techniques. For example, it has the capability to stack planetary images but it is very time consuming so I use Registax for that. It can be used for adjusting the final brightness and contrast but I find it so frustrating that I'll use Paint Shop Pro for that. In summary, buy the book for the wealth of knowledge it provides but don't count on the software much beyond the tutorials.

Steven,

I agree with Joe on AIP4WIN being the best reference available. The software included with it will help you with many processing tasks and the book will provide you with the theory behind it in very understandable terms. It is a must-have IMHO.

Astroart, which I have also begun to implement, also has some of the same processing capabilities as AIP4WIN but without the reference material to help you understand the theory. In addition, there is extensibility through plugins to help automate many of the tasks. For example, with a plugin available on the website for the SXV-H9 camera, it essentially eliminates the need to use the SXV-H9 acquisition software and allows you to script the acquisition steps. Take a look at the website for more details.

hi steve - aip does not have a camera control feature. it is a straight image processing/compiling program. i agree with the other posts that it is a phenominal reference and excellent program but for camera control use astroart or maximdl/ccd or the native sx software.

i have all three of the programs and use astroart for imaging and a plugin from astroart to split my mX7c images and process in maxim. each has their strengths so i can't really say one is better than the other for those of us starting out. maxim is the more intuitive but you would expect that for the price.