HeliconFocus is a program that creates one completely focused image from several partially focused images by combining the focused areas. The program is designed for macrophotography and optical microscope image processing to cope with the shallow depth-of-field problem. Helicon Focus also aligns images as objects often change their size and position from shot to shot. This function is especially important for macrophotography.

	First plane	Last plane	Combined image
Optical microscope, 100x magnification, 15 images
Digital camera, DOF: 2cm-3m, 24 images

more samples>>

Helicon Focus Lite (basic version):

• Automatically adjusts and resizes images (important for stereomicroscopes and macrophotography)
• Uses all available processors (1.7 times faster with 2 processors, 2.3 times faster with 4 processors)
• Preserves details by using advanced interpolators for image manipulation (Lanczos, Sinc256)
• Internal workflow always uses 16 bit color depth to preserve colors
• Processes an unlimited number of images in the stack
• Supports dust map to automatically remove black points from the resulting images
• Automatically adjusts brightness of the adjacent images
• Reads RAW, 8bit and 16bit TIFFs, JPEG, JPEG 2000, BMP, etc
• Writes 8bit and 16bit TIFFs, JPEG, JPEG 2000, BMP
• Adds text and scale bar
• Provides command line interface to call it from other applications
  

Helicon Focus Pro (advanced version):

• Includes all the features of the Lite version
• Helicon Remote utility to automate focus bracketing
• Retouching brush to clone from aligned source images to the resulting image (cannot be performed with external photo editor)
• Export of 3D model to Helicon 3D Viewer (included into Helicon Focus installation)
• Batch mode to process multiple image stacks or the same stack with different parameters
• 2D micropanorama
• Export of animated stacks (see sample)

Helicon Focus X64 (premium version):

Helicon Focus Pro X64 uses Helicon Processing Server to overcome 3Gb address space limitation for 32 bit applications. Using this technique Helicon Focus is able to get additional 3Gb of the address space on 32 bit OS and all available RAM on 64 bit OS.

• Includes all the features of the Lite and Pro versions
• 32 bit OS: additional 3Gb to process big images
• 64 bit OS: higher performace + access to all available RAM

samples>>   download>>   purchase>>  forum>>

Download

Open program home page http://www.heliconsoft.com/ and follow the link to the download page

System requirements

The recommended system configuration is:

• 4 core processor or higher
• 4 Gb RAM or higher
• Resolution 1920 x 1080 or more

Minimum system requirements are:

• 2 GHz processor
• 1 Gb RAM
• Resolution 1024 x 768

Installation

Start installation program and follow instructions.

Command line mode

Helicon Focus can be called from other programs with parameters in command line

Here is the list and formats of command line parameters:

Registration

During a 30 day evaluation period all features of Helicon Focus are activated in all versions (Lite, Pro, Pro X64).
 

• To use advanced features after evaluation period without promotion text, one should purchase a license from our web site  (http://www.heliconsoft.com/).
• After that you will receive a registration key, which should be pasted into Helicon Focus menu->Help->Registration dialog. The program will check the key and will unlock your copy.
  

Files

What can I do here?
You can browse folders by selecting them in the file tree on the right.
You can select images that you want to process by setting  the mark against each image.

What do I do next?
Switch to Parameters tab to fine tune processing options.
Or press Run button to process selected images with the current parameters.

General workflow

Step 1. Creating stack of images

You are supposed to work with an optic microscope and a digital camera, or with additional macrolens on digital camera.

Method 1. (Microscopes or  camera on rails):

• Set your digital camera to manual focusing mode(!!) and set the focus to infinity.
• Manual mode (shutter speed and exposition) is also preferable to avoid fluctuation of brightness.
• Adjust the microscope to make the topmost area of the object sharp.
• Take a shot. Use the remote control (if available) to minimize  shaking of the camera.
• Using the fine adjustment controls, the shift sharp area a little down.
• Take a shot.
• Use small, roughly regular steps while adjusting the mircoscope and taking shots. It is better when sharp areas overlap.
• Take shots until you reach the lowest area of the scene.
   

Method 2. (Camera on tripod):

• Set your digital camera to manual focusing mode(!!) .
• Manual mode (shutter speed and exposition) is also preferable to avoid fluctuation of brightness.
• Focus on the nearest  part of the object.
• Take a shot. Use the remote control (if available) to minimize shaking of the camera.
• Manually move focus of the camera a bit to shoot next part of the object.
• Take a shot.
• Use small, roughly regular steps while moving the focus and taking shots. It is better when sharp areas overlap.
• Take shots until you reach the utmost area of the scene.
   

Step 2. Loading images to Helicon Focus

• Copy images from the camera to your computer
• Start Helicon Focus via menu, quick launch or desktop icon.
• Open the folder with the images in the file tree on the right. Or add files with File->Add new item(s) command. Note that multiple selection is possible the the Open File dialog. Click the first file and Shift-click the last file to select all of them.

If the file contains EXIF information, then it will be shown just below the image preview.

Helicon Focus supports JPEG, TIFF, BMP, PSD and various RAW formats with 8 and 16 bits per channel.

Step 3. Combining images

• Start calculation by pressing Run button.
• Review the resulting image, run again with new parameters if needed.

Read Parameters page to know more how to fine tune combining parameters.

Step 4. Saving the output file

• Switch to Saving tab to save the output image to disk, email or print it.
• Click on the image in the output list you want to save, then use the menu command File\Save, toolbar icon or hotkey Ctrl-S.
• In the save dialog select the file format (JPEG, BMP, TIFF, JPEG2000, PSD) and set the name of the output file.

JPEG quality control uses the Photoshop scale (7-12) and Photoshop "Save for the Web" scale (52-100%)

If the input files have 16 bit per channel, then output TIFF will also be written with 16 bit quality.

Preferences window

To open the Preference window use the menu command "View->Preferences" menu command.

Accelerator for dragging the image - makes navigation in the main window more efficient by moving the image faster than the mouse. Help hints appearance - lets you choose where additional information is show when you position mouse cursor over the interface control (slider, button). Use 64/32 bit processing server  option allows to process images in separate 32 bit or 64 bit server process. This gives the program additional address space and allows to process larger images (100Mpixel and more). Moreover, on 64 bit OS the program runs even faster. This option is available if you have X64 license of the Helicon Focus. Show intermediate results during calculation  option enables screen updating during the processing. Please note, that this takes additional 30% of total processing time! Automatically adjust order in the stack during calculation option tells the program to detect the order of the images when no artifacts on the edges are visible. I.e. the nearest image is processed first. Play sound for events  option lets you choose if you want to hear beep after long operations. Ignoring the EXIF information option can be useful if you do not want to include EXIF in the output image.

Autoadjustment tab of the Preferences The controls on this tab defines how adjacent images in the stack should be adjusted. Vertical position  defines maximum vertical shift between two images in % of their width. Horizontal position  defines maximum horizontal shift between two images in % of their width. Rotation  defines maximum angle between two images in degrees. For microscope shots this is usually not needed. Magnification  defines maximum difference in size between two images in % of their width. Brightness  checkbox defines whether brightness of the adjacent images should be normalized. Interpolation method lets you choose the algorithm for resampling the image during alignment process. Slower methods process more neighboring pixels and better preserve details. The difference between bicubic and more advanced methods is marginal. Depth map feathering defines the degree of smoothing of the depth map. Method B searches for the focused areas in the source images. If these areas are combined without smoothing their edges, you may see seams on the resulting image between focused areas from different source images. So low values may result in noticable seams, higher values may give blurry areas where two focused areas are mixed together.

RAW tab: The Raw format select contains all RAW formats supported by the program. You can set parameters for each RAW format individually. Please select the RAW format to see which parameters are available. The Method  select contains the list of RAW converters. Helicon Focus includes three RAW converters: embedded, DCRAW and Adobe RAW/DNG converter. They use different algorithms and you should try which one provides best output for your camera. DCRAW and Adobe DNG converters can be updated manually. Please read more about here. The Convert to DNG first (with Adobe DNG Converter)  checkbox forces the program to convert RAW file to DNG using Adobe DNG converter as the first step. This is useful if embedded converter or DCRAW do not support RAW format but provide better interpolation methods (AHD). Parameters for RAW development without manufacturer's SDK: The Demosaic method select lets you choose between linear, medium quality (VNG) and highest quality (AHD) methods of interpolation. AHD will sometimes result in fewer color artifacts around sharp image edges, but it can be applied only to some RAW formats. The Adjust contrast  checkbox  tells the program to clip shadows and highlights to increase overall image contrast. Some minor details in shadows and highlights may be lost. The Use camera white balance  checkbox lets the program use information about white balance which is available in the RAW file. Otherwise no color correction is performed. The Use CIECAM02  checkbox controls a type of color algorithms used during digital camera raw processing. CIECAM02 is a color appearance model that describes the transformations between colorspaces where the overall characteristics of the scene are taken into account.  If not checked a more precise method is used that offers less scene characteristic adjustment than CIECAM02 does, but frequently provides better image characteristics in dimly lit portions of a high dynamic range image. The Set white balance as on the thumbnail checkbox makes the program use a thumbnail as a source of white balance and contrast information.  Camera manufacturers often hide and encrypt white balance information. Thumbnail is generated by a camera and often it is more adequate than the converted raw file. Please note that this operation is performed on the final stage of RAW development so all previous options may be completely overridden. Canon RAW parameters: The Method  select contains the list of RAW converters. Helicon Focus includes three RAW converters: embedded, DCRAW and Adobe RAW/DNG converter. They use different algorithms and you should try which one provides best output for your camera. DCRAW and Adobe DNG converters can be updated manually. Please read more about here. The Convert to DNG first (with Adobe DNG Converter)  checkbox forces the program to convert RAW file to DNG using Adobe DNG converter as the first step. This is useful if embedded converter or DCRAW do not support RAW format but provide better interpolation methods (AHD). The Use camera defaults  checkbox defines if the Canon SDK’s default processing is used and other options  are ignored. The Contrast select controls the image contrast. The Color depth select controls the image color depth. The Enhancement select controls the performed enhancement of the image. The Light source select controls the lighting source assumption made during image processing. Kodak RAW parameters: The Light source select controls the lighting source assumption made during image processing. The Exposure bias select defines the exposure gain to use for the image being opened. You  may try to use negative values to save overexposed highlights. The Color reproduction select controls a color accuracy during the development process. The Final processing select defines a saturation of the image. Portrait mode produces less saturated look when capturing images of people. Nikon RAW parameters: The Use Nikon SDK checkbox defines if Nikon libraries should be used to open a RAW file.

Cache tab of the Preferences The controls on this tab defines how adjacent images in the stack should be adjusted. Enable cache for raw images  checkbox allows the program to store temporary TIFF files to increase speed of opening  RAW files.

Navigation Panel

The Navigation panel shows the thumbnails of the images in the current folder. You can activate the navigation panel using View->Navigation panel menu command. You can perform the following operations in the navigation panel by right clicking the image or by pressing on the menu icon (): Select all command marks all images in the folder. Unselect all command clears all marks, none of the images become selected. Invert selected command changes the state of image to the opposite (selected->unselected, unselected->selected).  Add selected to queue command adds marked images to the queue with the current settings. Rename selected command  let you rename one or group of files using template. For example, you can rename all your files this way: "2005.06.25-The Beach (13)", so that your files are always shown sorted by date. Copy selected command copies the marked files to the selected folder. Move selected command moves the marked files to the selected folder. Delete selected command moves the marked files to the trash-bin. Lossless rotate commands rotate the image and save it with the original date and time. The operation is lossless so JPEG quality does not deteriorates. RAW files cannot be rotated by this function. Auto rotate (lossless) command analyzes the image and tries to define its orientation. The command  assumes that the upper part of the image should be brighter than the bottom part. The program checks only images in original "landscape" orientation and ignores already rotated images. Refresh list command updates the thumbnails and can be useful if you manually delete or rename files outside of the program. Recent folders  command (available from the navigation panel toolbar ) remembers the list of last folders from which the image was open. Folder tree  command (available from the navigation panel toolbar ) opens the list with the folder tree so you can see where you are located now and choose another folder.

Parameters

What can I do here?
You can fine tune Radius and  Smoothing parameters to get the best output image. More>>
You can exclude some images from processing by removing  the red mark against the image in the upper list.
Click on output  listing to view all available output images in the lower list to choose the best one. 

What do I do next?
Press Run button to merge selected images with the current parameters and get resulting image.
Press Add to queue button to process selected images later in batch mode.  More >>
Switch to Retouching tab to manually fix defects of automatic processing.
Switch to Saving tab  to save the output image to disk, email or print it.

Options:

Method defines which algorithm is used to merge images.

Method A computes weight for each pixel based on its contrast. Then all pixels from all source images are averaged using their weights.

Method B finds the source image where the sharpest pixel is located and creates "depth map" from this information. This method requires that images are shot in consecutive order from front to back or vice versa.

If you plan to create 3D model from your stack, make sure you are making roughly equal steps between shots.

Method B usually creates less noticable halo effect around contrast edges. There is no stict rule which method is better. It depends on the image and we recommend to try both of them.

Radius is the most important parameter for processing. It defines the size of area around each point which is used to define if the point is focused or not.

If your image has fine details, most probably low level of radius (3-6)  would give the best results.

If the image consists mostly of the coarse lines, then you should try higher values (10-15).

The Smoothing slider defines how the focused parts are combined. Low level produces sharper image, but transition areas may have some artifacts. High level of smoothing will result in a bit blurry image without visible transition areas.

Add dust map command let's you select and import file with the dust map. Use as a dust map command lets the program interpret the selected image as a dust map.

Retouching

What can I do here?
You can copy focused areas from the manually selected source images to the resulting image.
You can clone any areas on resulting image from one place to another.

What do I do next?
Switch to Saving tab  to save the output image to disk, email or print it.

How to use retouching brushes to remove artifacts?

Sometimes the program creates artifacts on the final image. Usually it is halo around bright edges on the smooth background.

Source image with well focused object	Final image with artifacts	Partially fixed final images

To fix such kind of problem use Copy source brush . Select the source image where the object is focused and copy pixels to the resulting image to delete artifacts.
Undo: keep Shift pressed to paint with Erase changes brush.

In many cases the program does not have enough information to construct the perfect image: object on the foreground masks objects behind it (see leftmost image below).

The object on the background  is focused	The object on the foreground  is focused	Resulting image with small artifact  (pointed by green arrow)	Cloning applied to fix the problem

In this case the only solution is to apply Clone brush to reconstruct missing details. Undo: keep Shift pressed to paint with Erase changes brush.

Shortcuts:

Use Right mouse button to switch to the source image and to drag the image.

+ Use Left mouse button and Shift key to erase changes.

Use Mouse wheel to change brush size.

Common parameters:

Brush size slider defines the size of the brush

Brush hardness  slider defines the form of the brush edge

Edge sensitivity slider makes the brush smarter: the effect is applied to circle only if the color is similar to those in the center. On the following image  the left point was made with this option, the right one without edge detection.

Brushes:

  +  Use   Ctrl+Left click  to set the new source area. This can also be done by pressing Clone new area button.

Copy source brush

This brush lets you copy the same area from one of the source images to the resulting image.

If you see artifact on the resulting image, you can choose the source image where this area is well focused and copy the area to the output. 

Erase changes brush

This brush is designed to selectively erase the effect of the previous brushes.  You can restore the pixels to the state they were before retouching.

If you are painting with other brushes and want to remove only some strokes, keep Shift pressed to paint with Erase changes brush.

To show or  hide Help panel of Helicon Focus use button from the toolbar or View->Help panel command in the main menu.

Text/Scale

What can I do here?
You can add scale bar and several text lines to the resulting image.

What do I do next?
Switch to Saving tab  to save the output image to disk, email or print it.

Controls to add scale bar

The Add scale check box shows if the selected scale bar is visible or not. The Invert color check box lets you choose in which color the scale bar should be drawn (black or white). The Select scale button opens the dialog with the list of all scale bars available. If you need some other type of the scale bar you can send us your request or you can add it yourself. If you want to create your own scale bar, please follow these rules: 1. Use PNG format to store the image with scale bar. 2. The size of the image should be about 1000-2000 pixels wide. 3. Do not use smoothing (antialiasing). The edges of the lines and text should be sharp. Otherwise the scale bar will have thin outline. 4. Place your file to "\images\Helicon Focus Scales"  subfolder.

To show or  hide Help panel of Helicon Focus use button from the toolbar or View->Help panel command in the main menu.

Saving

What can I do here?
You can  save the output image to disk, email or print it.
You can create web animation for presentation purposes.
 

What do I do next??
Switch back to Files tab so select other images to process.
Or switch to Parameters tab to fine tune processing options.

  Save to disk action

The File name edit box contains the name of the file to be saved on the disk. By default the result name is formed by source image name and suffix (HF) to not accidentally overwrite the original image.

The File type select box lets you choose among JPEG, TIFF and other file types.

The Quality  select defines the quality level for JPEG and JPEG2000 file types ("lossy" formats).  Please note, that TIFF, BMP provide lossless storage of the information. If you plan further processing of the image, it is recommended to store it in lossless format (TIFF) or at least in 100% JPEG. If you plan to print the image, 10 (80%) quality is usually sufficient.

The Calculate size  button shows the size of the file for the selected file type and quality level. If the file is too large, try to lower JPEG quality. If this does not help, switch to Resize filter and downsize the image to lower resolution. If you plan to email this image, it is recommended to keep the file size at 50-200KB and downsize it to 800-1280 pixels on greater side.

Send by email action

Choose this action to send the result image by email. The program will try to use your default mail client to send this email.

The Change image size select box lets you change the resolution of the image to reduce its size. To check new file size use "Calculate file size" button.

To show or  hide Help panel of Helicon Focus use button from the toolbar or View->Help panel command in the main menu.

Dust map

"Dust map" is a special function to remove black points from the images caused by dust on the sensor or dust in the optical system of the microscope.  The dust points often leave a dark "tracks" on the resulting image. Please have a look at the 100% crop of the sample image (provided by Phil McCollum):

"Dust map" function is OFF	"Dust map" function is ON

To use this function follow these steps:

1. Prepare "white frame".  After (or before) you shot all other images, make unfocused (!) shot of the white surface, so that dust on the sensor can be easily identified.
2. Start Helicon Focus, add stack of images.
3. Add  dust map using "File->Add dust map" menu command.
4. Run combining process.

Please note, that dust map should have the same dimensions as all the other images in the stack.

Here is an example of the "white frame" or dust map (provided by Phil McCollum):

And here is the dust map processed by Helicon Focus to reveal small dust points:

Micro panorama

What can I do here?
You can stitch several images into micro panorama.

What do I do next?
Press Run button to stitch images with the current parameters and get resulting image.

Workflow:

• Set your digital camera to manual exposure mode (shutter speed, aperture, ISO). Otherwise images may have different brightness.
• Position the object of your interest to shoot the upper left part of it.
• Take a shot. Use the remote control (if available) to minimize camera shaking.
• Move the object to the left so that adjacent shots overlap by 20-30%.
• Take a shot.
• Move the specimen horizontally, then down to start the next row.
• Take shots until you cover all the object.

Tips:

Please note that panorama is available only in Pro and X64 versions. 

Micro panorama function is designed to stitch images made through the microscope. It may fail to stitch images that are made by camera rotation on the tripod.

You can shoot each row always from the left to the right or you can shoot odd rows (1,3,5,...) from the left to the right and even rows (2,4,6,...) in reverse direction.

The program aligns images based on the parameters set in  Autoadjustment settings. The program only shifts images to align them, no magnification or rotation is applied.

Options:

The Rows  control lets you choose how many rows your panorama will have.

The Columns  control lets you choose how many columns your panorama will have.

The Overlapping for rows slider defines how adjacent rows overlap.

The Overlapping for columns slider defines how adjacent columns overlap.

The Crop margins checkbox defines if the resulting panorama should be cropped to leave only filled with pixels rectangle.

The Reset position of images button lets you restore position of the images after you dragged them with the mouse.

The Sequence: normal button should be selected you if you shot every row of images from the left to the right.

The Sequence: zigzag button should be selected if you shot odd rows from the left to the right, even rows - from the right to the left.

The Smooth seams slider defines the width of seams with gradient transparency.

Batch processing

The  Pro version of Helicon Focus offers you a powerful feature of processing many image stacks in batch mode.

On the Parameters tab you can either process the images at once ( ) or you can queue the task and process several task later ( ).

Editing queue and starting batch processing

You can check which tasks were added to the queue. Press F7 or call the menu command File\Queue... to see the list of tasks to be processed.

In the Queue dialog you can remove one or all tasks and start batch processing with Start button.

Setting queue options

Before starting the batch processing please check the parameters on the Options tab in the Queue dialog.

Here you can select the output file format, the output directory and the output name.

By default the output images are saved in the subdirectory of source directory with the name "Focused".

The output name is created based on date, time and processing parameters.

Starting the batch processing

Press the Start button in the Queue dialog.

You will see a progress bar for the current task and for the whole queue.
You will also see a preview of the first image in the current task. In the report window, the list of processed images is shown.

Completed tasks are removed from the queue.

You can stop processing and close the program at any time. The queue contents will be saved and you will be able to continue processing later.

Please note, that resulting images are also saved in the output list on the Parameters  tab. You can select one of the resulting images there and retouch it. You will not be able to do this after you exit the program!

Creating animations

Helicon Focus is able to generate web pages with animated image stack.

On the Saving tab press Create animation button to open window with additional parameters.

In this window you can define resolution of the images, folder to place animation, title on the web page with animation and comments.

 Align images check box defines if images are aligned or shown without modifications.

 Static resulting image check box defines if resulting image is shown as a static image on the web page or it is included into animation.

 Calculate file size button helps to estimate how much space the animation will take.

About Helicon 3D Viewer

Helicon 3D Viewer is a standalone and free utility which is included into Helicon Focus installation.
The program is designed to visualize 3D models generated by Helicon Focus application.

Only Pro version of Helicon Focus can produce 3D models. Lite version produces demo 3D models with promotional text.

Parameters tab

Surface approximation select lets you choose the resolution of the mesh used to visualize surface of the model. Highest resolution is 512x512, high resolution is 256x256 and so on. Normally 'normal quality' selection gives the best combination of performance and image quality.

Object navigator - this set of controls is designed to rotate the object and obtain the projection from any angle. Click on the icon resets all angles to predefined values.
Shortcuts: Shift+Up, Shift+Down, Shift+Right, Shift+Left, Shift+Home, Shift+End.
If control panel is hidden you can also use the same keys without Shift.

Light navigator lets you move light source aroung the object. Use these controls to create shadows stressing 3D relief of the surface.

Zoom slider changes the distance from the object.
Shortcuts: Shift+Page Up, Shift+Page Down.

Rotation speed defines how fast the object moves. Rotation speed is reset to zero if you manually move the object.

Rotation angle defines the tilt of the object during automatic rotation. Set this value to zero to rotate object around vertical axis.

Invert surface checkbox makes concave surface convex and vice versa.

Relief amplifier defines factor for z-values of the surface. Zero value makes the surface completely flat.

Smoothing slider controls degree of relief smoothing.

Texture checkbox can be used to hide texture and view color-coded relief. Red means high zones and blue means low zones.

Draw bounding box is used to stress 3D relief and give more visual information about thickness of the object.

Background button lets you choose color for background. It is recommended to select the background similar to background of the image.

Discard changes button reset all parameters to values stored in h3d file.

Reset button sets parameters to default values.

Files tab

Load model button lets you find and open *.h3d file previously saved from Helicon 3D Viewer.

Save model button opens window to save current model as a *.h3d file.

Compact (view only) checkbox can be used to save simplified model. Compact model is recommended for viewing and presentation. It is not possible to change relief and lighting of the model saved with this option.

Save snap shot writes current model view as a JPEG, PNG or TIFF image with a given resolution.

Save stereo offers saving to many image formats described below.

Angle defines the difference between left and right views. Higher values give stronger 3D effect but may cause ghosting and difficulties to human visual system.

Stereo Type select defines how left and right views are represented  on the image. Please note that it is recommended to save anaglyphs as lossless png files. Jpeg images may cause ghosting effects due to compression artifacts.

Save web animation button lets you save a web page with an embedden java script. This is the simplest way to present moving 3D object on the web.

Save video button lets you export model rotation into video file. Several video formats are available but some of them requre codec to be installed (see http://www.heliconsoft.com/codecs.html). Free XviD codec gives very high compression rate. 

Frames per second slider defines quality of the video.  Higher values will result in smoother movement and larger file size.

Using Helicon Remote for shooting stacks

About Helicon Remote

Shooting a stack using Helicon Remote

Setting camera parameters

Setting focus bracketing parameters

Using the depth-of-field (DOF) calculator

Finding the right correction factor

Setting exposure bracketing parameters

Using Helicon Remote to drive a StackShot macro rail

Using Helicon Remote to control a Trinamic motor

Using Helicon Remote for time-lapse shooting

Shooting in mirror lock-up (MLU) mode

Using auto focus

Shooting with flash

Using the "Take a picture" function

Reading a histogram

Preview and fast preview

Preferences

Interface parameters

Shooting parameters

Reporting a bug

Camera compatibility

Licensing

Installation and upgrade

Hardware and software requirements

FAQ

About Helicon Remote

Helicon Remote is a software program for tethered shooting. Its main purpose is to automate the process of shooting stacks of partially focused images, which can later be blended into one completely focused image using Helicon Focus. Helicon Remote automates much of the process of shooting such stacks: once you set the parameters, the program does the shooting. It also helps you set the correct parameters, i.e., it helps you calculate the necessary number of shots and the number of focusing steps between them.

Helicon Remote allows combined focus and exposure bracketing. For exposure bracketing you can specify the necessary number of shots and the size of exposure compensation steps between shots (fx, 1 Ev, 1/2 Ev, or 1/3 Ev). This means you are not limited to the -2Ev - +2Ev range offered by most cameras.

Helicon Remote also automates time-lapse shooting in combination with focus and exposure bracketing. You can set up your camera to shoot either stacks or just one shot at regular time intervals (which you can specify).

Helicon Remote can control Trinamic stepper motors and move StackShot macro rails. Both of these are external devices that can adjust the camera's position with tiny steps of up to 0.01 mm, allowing you to take pictures of tiny objects.

Helicon Remote is available for Windows and Mac OS. An Android version is in development.

Helicon Remote is a solution for home, studio, and also the outdoors. It can be installed on any recent-model tablet PC or netbook and thus easily taken into the field.

Shooting a stack using Helicon Remote

1. Connect your camera to a computer via a USB cable. Then switch the camera on and run Helicon Remote—or vice versa.* Set your lens to Auto Focus mode. This will enable Helicon Remote to control the lens. Helicon Remote will automatically take control of the camera and you will see the Live View image on the screen.

   If this doesn't happen, try reading our FAQs for a possible solution.

2. Set the exposure parameters: aperture, exposure time, ISO, etc. Read more about camera parameters here.

3. Set the nearest and farthest focusing points. Focus on the front of the object and click on button to save the nearest point; next focus on the back of the object and click on button to save the farthest point.

   After you have had the software remember one focusing point, don't rotate the focusing ring. Instead, use Helicon Remote's arrow keys to move to the other focusing point; otherwise the remembered point will be reset.

   Read more about setting A and B points, using the DOF calculator, and other focus bracketing parameters here.

4. Press the Start shooting button.
5. After shooting is finished, Helicon Remote will ask if it can open the stack in Helicon Focus. There you can process the stack and view the resulting image with extended depth of field. Read about Helicon Focus here.

*In Windows XP first switch the camera on, close the AutoPlay menu and then run Helicon Remote. For all other operating systems, the order of these two steps makes no difference.

Setting camera parameters

Helicon Remote allows you to change the following parameters (see Camera Setting controls):

• Exposure mode: P (program), S (shutter speed priority), A (aperture priority), M (manual), etc.

  Note: For Nikon cameras you can change this parameter with Helicon Remote; for Canon cameras you can only set this with the camera.

We recommend setting the camera to "Manual" mode; this will allow you to change other exposure parameters with Helicon Remote.
• Time (shutter speed)
• Aperture
We recommend setting the aperture to your lens' sweet spot (the lens' sharpest aperture). In most cases, your lens’ sweet spot is two stops above its widest aperture. For example, if your lens' widest aperture is f/2.8, then its sweet spot is f/5.6; if the widest aperture is f/4 then the sweet spot is f/8. You can find more information about lenses' sweet spots on various review sites for lenses, such as www.DPReview.com, or else you can conduct your own tests.
• ISO As usual, a lower ISO means less noise.
• Exposure compensation (Ev) Exposure compensation is not available if the camera is set to "Manual" mode.
• Quality, for setting resolution and format.

Before shooting a stack, check that the exposure parameters are correct. To do this, take a trial shot using the preview or fast preview function. Or just take a look at the histogram.

Helicon Remote can also control other camera settings (see the Advanced Settings controls): Flash compensation, Flash mode, White balance, Color temperature, etc. The list of advanced settings may vary for different camera models.

• Flash compensation: can be set for built-in flash only.
• Flash mode: can be set for built-in flash only.
• White balance
• Color temperature: can be changed only after you set the White balance to "Color temperature."

  Manual setting of color temperature is not supported by some cameras, in which case you will NOT see "Color temperature" among the available white balance values.

Setting focus bracketing parameters

The most important parameters for focus stacking are and points, i.e., the nearest and farthest focusing points. As soon as the program "knows" these two endpoints, the current aperture and focal length of the lens, it can calculate the number of shots needed. If the Auto checkbox is selected, the program will calculate this automatically.

The simplest workflow is as follows:

1. Focus on the front of the object and click the button to save the nearest focusing point (CTRL+ALT+N).
2. Use the arrow keys (oror ) to move the focus to the back of the object and click the button to save the farthest focusing point (CTRL+ALT+R).

   You can also do the reverse, saving the farthest point first and then moving to the nearest point. It makes no difference.

3. Press the Start shooting button

It is also possible to specify a starting point (either A or B - it doesn't matter), the number of steps, and the interval. This will be enough to start shooting, as the program will also calculate the endpoint. For this situation, deselect the Auto checkbox.

Don't rotate the focusing ring and don't use the Auto focus function after you have saved focusing points, as the focusing points will be reset, because the lens cannot "report" the number of focusing steps between the two endpoints to Helicon Remote if you rotate the ring or use the lens' auto focusing mechanism. Helicon Remote can only calculate the number of focusing steps between two endpoints if you move from one focusing point to another with Helicon Remote's arrow keys.

The Shots parameter shows how many shots will be taken. If you change this parameter and both endpoints are defined, the program will recalculate the interval between shots.

The Direction parameter determines whether the focus plane will move towards the camera or infinity. If both endpoints are set, this option is not important, but you should check it if you have only set one of the focusing points.

The Interval parameter defines the movement of the lens between two adjacent shots. The distance is measured in steps of the lens' motor (focusing steps) and is roughly equivalent to the rotation of the focusing ring by a specific angle. Please note that both this parameter and the depth of field (measured in millimeters) are a nonlinear functions. As a result, the distance between shots is roughly the same for all of the lens' focus distances.

We advise you to use an interval smaller than the depth of field (DOF). Our DOF calculator will help you calculate the depth of field based on the selected aperture. If the interval is smaller than the DOF, then the images in your stack will overlap each other slightly, which, when combined, will produce a completely sharp image.

Use the keys to move the lens a single focusing step, thekeys to move the lens by 5 focusing steps and the keys to move by 25 focusing steps. These are the default values, although you can change them in Preferences. You can also choose different sizes of focusing steps in Preferences for Canon and Nikon cameras, StackShot rails and Trinamic motors.

The keys allow quick navigation between the nearest and the farthest points. You can use them to make sure that the focusing points have been saved correctly before shooting a stack.

The DOF preview checkbox controls the aperture. If it is not selected, the camera will prepare the Live View image using the widest aperture, even if you have set a smaller aperture value in the camera settings. The DOF preview only works for Canon cameras and also if Live View is NOT in Exposure Simulation mode.

The Highlight focused areas tool helps you see which areas are in focus at the moment. You can change the sensitivity of focus highlighting in Preferences.

Using the depth-of-field (DOF) calculator

The DOF Calculator helps set the correct interval between shots, which should not exceed the depth of field estimated by the calculator. Both the interval between shots and the DOF values provided by the calculator are measured in focusing steps (lens motor steps, lens rotation). This DOF is different from the optical DOF as measured in mm. DOF in lens steps rarely depends on focusing distance.

The DOF calculation is based on the current aperture, focal length and lens correction factor.

The program fills in the aperture and focal length if this information is available. You can adjust these parameters if you prefer or if you plan to use other camera settings.

The correction factor varies for different types of lenses. You can work with a default value of "1," but there is a chance that you will take too many or too few shots. Ideally, you should find the right correction factor for each type of lens. You can read how to do this in the next section.

Finding the right correction factor

Different types of lenses have different internal mechanics, so we recommend that you find the correction factor for each of your lenses.

If the correction factor is too big, then the estimated interval between steps will be larger than the real DOF. When you merge the stack, the resulting image will not be completely in focus. If the correction factor is too small, then the resulting image will be completely in focus but the program will have taken more shots than necessary.

To check if default correction factor is optimal for your lens, follow these steps:

1. Set camera to manual mode and then set aperture wide open (f/2.0-4.0).
2. Focus on some point in the image that has a lot of detail, such as a roughly textured fabric, or a page of text in a book.
3. Unselect Auto checkbox in the Focus bracketing panel of Helicon Remote.
4. Open the DOF Calculator and check that the correction factor is set to its default value of "1.00."
5. Enter the number of shots (10) and define the direction (to infinity). Now you are ready to start shooting, as the initial focusing point, number of shots, interval between shots and direction have all been defined.
6. Shoot the images and then process the stack with Helicon Focus once you're done. As you can see (above), every part of the image is sharp. This means that the focused areas of the source images overlap and that the DOF calculator suggested the correct value for the interval between the images.


7. Now set the correction factor to 2.0 and shoot another stack with a larger interval between the images. After processing the stack with Helicon Focus, you will notice that the result contains areas (stripes) that are out of focus.

This test proves that increasing the correction factor—and therefore the interval between shots—results in a partially soft image, which happens because the DOF is smaller than the interval between shots. Thus the focused areas do not overlap when all the shots are stacked together.

As a general rule, the correct value should produce a completely focused image and double that value should give a regular pattern of focused and unfocused areas.

To find the right correction factor:

1) Create and process a stack. If you see a regular pattern of focused and unfocused areas, you need to lower the value of the correction factor. Decrease its value until you get a completely focused resulting image.

2) Double the correction factor. Then create and process a stack. If you do not see a regular pattern of focused and unfocused areas, you need to increase the value of the correction factor. Do so until you see this pattern. After completing this procedure, divide the value by two.

Setting the exposure bracketing parameters

You can use automatic or manual exposure bracketing modes with Helicon Remote.

Automatic exposure bracketing

1. Set the camera to Manual mode.
2. Define the number of shots (Shots, Exposure bracketing controls).
3. Define the exposure shift between shots (1/2, 1/3, etc.) (Step, Exposure bracketing controls).

Manual exposure bracketing

1. Set the camera to Manual mode.
2. Define the number of shots (Shots, Exposure bracketing controls).
3. Click the Manual mode button. The Manual mode dialogue will appear. Here you can set the exposure shift, shutter speed, ISO, and aperture for each shot.

   To increase/ decrease the values of one column by the same value, use the "plus" and "minus" buttons. To change one value, click on the cell and select a value from the drop-down list.

We recommend that you not change the aperture, as the backgrounds will blur differently (because of the different apertures) and this may spoil the results of the focus stacking.

Using Helicon Remote to drive a StackShot macro rail

StackShot is an electronically controlled macro rail. (See a complete description at: http://www.cognisys-inc.com.) The USB version of StackShot costs $525.00 (price as of Nov. 7, 2011). This includes the StackShot controller with USB cable, stepper motor-enabled macro rail, AC adapter (US, EU, AUS, or UK), and a 2m motor cable.

1. Attach your camera to the StackShot macro rail.
2. Connect the camera to your computer via the USB cable.
3. Connect the StackShot to the computer via the USB cable.
4. Run Helicon Remote.
5. Press the arrow keys to see how Helicon Remote is controlling the StackShot.

Using Helicon Remote to control a Trinamic motor

We developed and tested Helicon Remote with a Trinamic PANDrive PD3-110-42-232. This is a compact and strong stepper motor with a maximum torque of 0.49N-m and stall protection. See the technical data sheet for more details.

In all likelihood, other Trinamic motors are also compatible with the program, as they have the same programming interface.

The Trinamic PANDrive PD3-110-42-232 currently costs $200-250 and can be purchased from the following online stores.

You will also need a USB-RS232 converter ($30-40) to connect the motor to a computer.

You may find similar converters in computer shops. Make sure the converter uses an FTDI chip so that the program can find it.

You will also need a power supply with 12-28V DC voltage and a maximum current of at least 1.5 amps. Almost any laptop power supply will conform to these specifications.

The image below shows how to wire the USB converter and Trinamic motor.

Using Helicon Remote for time-lapse shooting

Time-lapse shooting is when you leave your camera to take shots automatically every few seconds, minutes, or hours.

Why would you do this? If your object is changing over time you may want to capture its different stages and then combine the shots into a movie. For example, you could capture a flower bud opening, a piece of fruit as it ripens, traffic on a busy street during the period of a day, or whatever suits your fancy.

With Helicon Remote, you can combine time-lapse shooting with focus stacking and focus bracketing.

The main limitation with time-lapse shooting is the life of the camera battery. In order to increase this, switch off Live View during shooting if you're using a Canon camera: File → Preferences → Shooting → Canon → Disable LiveView mode during shooting: yes. Nikon cameras do not have this option.

Using Mirror Lock-Up (MLU) or Mirror Pre-Fire

Helicon Remote supports MLU mode for Canon cameras only. Nikon doesn't have this.

In order to use MLU, simply find and activate the MLU mode (or mirror pre-fire) in your camera settings. In Helicon Remote's preferences you can set the delay for MLU mode: File → Preferences → Shooting → Canon → Delay for MLU mode. This delay allows the camera to become still after raising the mirror. The less the camera vibrates, the sharper the image will be.

Helicon Remote should detect when you activate MLU in your camera settings. You can check for MLU activation on the left side of the status bar, which is along the bottom of the program window. (It will read "MLU: on" or "MLU: off.")

Using the Auto focus function

You can use this function to focus on the nearest or farthest part of an object. Click on the area on which you wish to focus and the camera lens will focus automatically.

The typical workflow is:

1. Auto focus on the nearest point and save it.
2. Using Helicon Remote's arrow keys move the focus to the farthest point and save it.

Note: after using the Auto focus function, all previously saved focusing points will be reset, because the lens cannot "report" the number of focusing steps between the two endpoints to Helicon Remote if you use auto focusing. Helicon Remote can only get the number of focusing steps between two endpoints if you move from one focusing point to another with the arrow keys.

Helicon Remote waits for a specific number of seconds for the lens to focus; the default is five seconds. For Canon cameras, you can change this in preferences in the main menu: File → Preferences → Shooting → Canon → Auto Focus time.

Shooting with flash

If you are using a Canon camera with a non-Canon flash you have to switch Live View off during shooting. You can set this in preferences by going to the main menu and choosing: File → Preferences → Shooting → Canon → Disable Live View mode during shooting: yes.

Using the "Take a picture" function

This function allows you to shoot stacks manually: focus on one spot, take a shot, focus again, take another shot, etc.

Reading a histogram

A histogram can help determine whether or not the exposure settings are correct.

The horizontal axis represents the range over which the brightness of pixels can vary (from 0 to 255). This is the dynamic range of a digital image. The vertical axis represents the number of pixels with a given brightness. Dark pixels are on the left side of the histogram and bright pixels are on the right.

Therefore, if there are "hills" on the left side and nothing on the right, this can mean that your image is underexposed, and vice versa.

Please note that a histogram is based on the Live View image, but often the Live View image does not use the same exposure settings that are used to take shots. We recommend that you take some trial shots by using the Fast preview or Preview function, in order to check the exposure settings.

Preview and Fast preview

Use these functions to evaluate the exposure settings before shooting a stack.

The difference between Preview and Fast preview is in the resolution of the image.

Fast preview shoots a small, normal JPEG and opens it in Helicon Remote for several seconds. (You can set the preview time in preferences: File → Preferences → Interface preferences → Fast preview time.) Fast preview doesn't allow you to zoom in, but it does let you to evaluate the exposure.

Preview shoots an image at the same quality level as are in the camera settings and opens it in the default image viewer. This allows you to zoom in and check all the details of an image.

Preferences

Interface preferences

Shooting preferences

Folder for images	Chooses the folder where the images will be saved. Inside this folder Helicon Remote will create subfolders for new stacks.
File naming	Determines automatic file naming; typically it will include date, time, and counter.
Folder naming	Determines automatic naming for the folders that Helicon Remote creates for new stacks.
Pause for flash recharge	The pause occurs after a shot to allow enough time for the flash to recharge before the next shot.
Create new folder for new stacks	If set to "yes," a new folder will be created for every new stack. If set to "no," a new folder is created after the program starts and all the stacks are created.
Big step, Medium step, Small step	Determines the number of focusing steps the lens will take when you press the , , and keys. The size of one focusing step (or lens motor step) can also be defined in preferences and is defined separately for Canon, Nikon, StackShot and Trinamic.

Nikon

Size of focusing steps

You can set the size of focusing steps in abstract units. Set the number of focusing steps made when choosing the , , and keys here.

Canon

Size of focusing steps	You can choose between "big" and "small" focusing steps. Set the number of focusing steps made when choosing the , , and keys here.
Pause between focusing steps	If the pause between focusing steps is too short, certain lenses may skip some steps.
Auto focus time	This setting affects the Auto focus function. It defines how long Helicon Remote waits for a lens to auto focus. If the amount of time is too short, the camera may not have enough time to auto focus.
Download images after shooting	For Canon cameras, you can choose what you will do with images after shooting: move to computer (delete from camera), copy to computer, or leave in camera.
Disable Live View mode during shooting	You can choose to disable Live View during shooting, in order to increase the life of the camera battery. Also, if you are using a Canon camera with a non-Canon flash you may need to disable Live View.
Delay for MLU mode	You can set the length of the delay between the moment the mirror goes up and the time the shot is taken. This delay enables the camera to grow still before taking a shot, increasing sharpness.

StackShot

Size of focusing steps	You can set the size of the focusing steps in micro steps, millimeters or inches. Set the number of focusing steps made with the , , and keys here.
Pause after movement	A pause may be required after the StackShot moves, so that the camera becomes still before taking a shot.
Invert direction	This may be useful for correlating the physical and logical movements of the StackShot. For example, if you click (move to the right) in Helicon Remote and the camera actually moves to the left, you will probably need to invert the direction.
Allow use without camera	In some cases you may need to control the StackShot only without connecting a camera to Helicon Remote. Select this checkbox in this situation so that Helicon Remote will function properly.

Trinamic

Size of focusing steps	You can set the size of focusing steps in micro steps and degrees and then you can set how many focusing steps are made when choosing the , , and keys here.
Pause after movement	A pause may be necessary after the motor moves to allow the camera to become still before the next shot.
Maximum acceleration	You can limit the maximum acceleration for more smooth movements.
Maximum torque	You can limit the maximum torque to avoid damaging the motor.
Invert direction	This can be useful for correlating the physical and logical movements of the motor. For example, if you click (move to the right) in Helicon Remote and the camera actually moves to the left, you probably need to invert the direction.

Reporting a bug

If you have any trouble using Helicon Remote or notice any strange behavior in the program, please let us know the details so that we can help you ASAP. You can give us whatever details we need by using the Report a bug function, which you can find in the main menu: Help → Report a bug.

If Helicon Remote behaves strangely, but doesn't crash, just go to the main menu and select: Help → Report a bug.

If Helicon Remote crashes, restart the program. When it reopens, select: Help → Report a bug.

In the Report a bug dialogue, you can enter your email address and type in comments. If you give us your email address, we can send you a link to a new version of the program with the bug corrected.

You can select the checkbox Show the data to be sent to see that no private data is being sent. You can also copy the data from the Report a bug dialogue, and post it to our forum: http://heliconsoft.com/forum/, along with a description of the problem.

Camera compatibility

Helicon Remote works with Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras that support Live View mode.

The following is a list of compatible cameras:

Canon: EOS 550D, EOS 7D, EOS-1D Mark IV, 1Ds Mark III, 50D, 5D Mark II, REBELXsi/450D/Kiss X2, EOS Kiss X3/EOS REBEL T1i /EOS 500D, REBEL XS/1000D and later model cameras.
Nikon: D3, D3X, D300, D5000, D90, D700, D7000 and later model cameras. Nikon D3000 and D3100 are not supported.

Licensing

Helicon Remote comes with Pro or x64 Helicon Focus licenses. If used for evaluation purposes, the program is limited to shooting in low resolution jpegs.

Installation and upgrade

Windows OS

Helicon Remote is installed/uninstalled using the same installer as Helicon Focus, which can be downloaded from the Helicon Focus download page. During installation you can select/unselect "Helicon Remote" among the components to be installed.

To upgrade Helicon Remote, you need to run the upgrade for Helicon Focus: open Helicon Focus and run the main menu command: Help → Check for updates. Helicon Remote is upgraded using the same installer as Helicon Focus.

Mac OS

A beta version of Helicon Remote is available for Mac computers. It is installed/upgraded with a separate installer, which can be downloaded from the Helicon Focus download page.

Hardware and software requirements

The minimum recommended resolution is 1280x800, although the program will probably still work at a lower resolution.

Helicon Remote requires Windows XP, Vista, 7. Mac OS X 10.5 or later.

FAQ

Although my camera is connected and Helicon Remote starts, nothing works: there is no Live View and all the controls are greyed out. What is the problem?

Your camera is probably not supported. See the list of supported cameras here. If your camera is on the list of supported cameras but you still can't see Live View, please report a bug and contact our support team (either create a new topic in the forum or write directly to support@heliconsoft.com). When you contact us, specify your camera and describe the problem. We will try to help you ASAP.

Why is my camera not supported?

Helicon Remote only supports Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras.

Helicon Remote can only work with cameras that support remote Live View and remote focus control . Canon cameras before 50D and Nikon cameras before D90 do not support these features. Helicon Remote also doesn't support the Nikon D3000 line of cameras.

My camera is on the list of supported cameras. Why is it not being recognized?

Probably something has gone wrong. You can report a bug to us and contact our support team (create a new topic in the forum or write directly to support@heliconsoft.com). Please specify your camera and describe the problem, and we will try to help ASAP.

Sample images:

Click to see the original files and download the samples.

Support

We support users via email (support@heliconsoft.com) and in the forum (http://www.heliconsoft.com/forum/).

Contacts

Web:

• http://www.heliconsoft.com/

Email:

• support@heliconsoft.com

Post address:

Helicon Soft Ltd.
ul. Barnaulskaya, 27
61013 Kharkov
Ukraine

Phone:

Tel: +380-67-579-52-44

Copyright

Authors: Danylo Kozub, Vitaly Khmelik, Jury Shapoval, Vitaly Chentsov, Stanislav Yatsenko, Bogdan Litovchenko, Vladimir Starikh.

Helicon Soft Ltd. (c) 2000-2011
All rights reserved.