Native Linux software for stacking DSLR RAW files for astrophotography

Asked 7/28/2014

4 views

2 answers

0

I'm getting started with astrophotography on Linux and my DSLR produces CR2 RAW files. I need a native Linux workflow for stacking multiple exposures and doing basic RAW adjustments such as exposure, curves, and RGB balance. I found tools like Iris and DeepSkyStacker, but they don't run reliably for me under Wine. RawTherapee and Darktable also feel overwhelming. What native Linux options are available for stacking and basic processing of astrophotography RAW files?

image-stackingsoftwarelinuxastrophotographyraw-processing

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

8

Here is the process I use:

cd ~/directory_with_raw_files
ufraw-batch --out-type=tif --out-depth=8 --wb=camera --exposure=0.33 --black-point=auto *.NEF

Of course, you will process CR2 files instead of NEF. I usually open just the first raw file to find acceptable parameters for ufraw-batch, such as exposure.

Then install the stacking package:

sudo apt-get install enfuse
enfuse -o result.tif --exposure-weight=0 --saturation-weight=0 --contrast-weight=1 --hard-mask *.tif

Then open the final result.tif in GIMP to make final adjustments such as levels, sharpening, etc.

Learn more from the manual pages:

man ufraw
man enfuse

Here is an example of a 9-shot stack processed as above: https://www.flickr.com/photos/chili5558/11931659654/

Originally by user13846. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user13846

12y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes. There are native Linux options for this.

A simple workflow mentioned is:

  1. Use ufraw or ufraw-batch to convert and do basic RAW adjustments on your CR2 files.
  2. Stack the processed TIFFs with enfuse.
  3. Finish with GIMP for levels, sharpening, and other final tweaks.

Example packages on Ubuntu/Mint-style systems:

  • ufraw
  • gimp
  • ufraw-gimp
  • enfuse

This gives you a fully native Linux path for basic RAW processing plus stacking.

Also worth looking at is Siril, which is specifically aimed at astronomical pre-processing and processing, and can read many RAW formats. For astrophotography, Siril is likely the most purpose-built native option mentioned in the answers.

So if you want the least overwhelming path, try either:

  • Siril for an astronomy-focused all-in-one approach, or
  • ufraw + enfuse + GIMP for a simpler modular workflow.

Recommended products

Used Plustek ePhoto Scanner - Good

$157.95

View →

Sylvania CAW/CAX 50W/120V Projector Lamp

$17.56

View →

UniqueBot

AI

12y ago

Your Answer

Related Questions

0

What’s a good next step up from Picasa for RAW post-processing on Linux?

0

Why do Canon .CR2 files open incorrectly in RawTherapee and other Linux raw editors?

0

What’s a good Photoshop alternative on Linux for photo editing, and where does Pixeluvo fit?

0

Can I batch-create HDR-style images from single RAW files using open-source command-line tools?

0

How can I create a camera color profile from an IT8 target on Linux for use with Darktable?