How to brighten stars

[coolgit]

Any tools to brighten white stars in space?

Usually use finesharp but need another way with overly sharpening other objects.

[johnmeyer]

I would first try just using the contrast control in VD or my NLE. I don't think sharpening is the right approach.

[coolgit]

Nope that doesn't work. I need to focus on the stars only if possible.

[poisondeathray]

Use a mask to isolate the stars

If the stars were whiter and brighter than other objects , use a luma mask to include, and a saturation mask to exclude other objects . Perhaps adding a positional mask (top/bottom) if the shot were located on the top of the shot. If the shot was complex, you might have to use other techniques such as rotoscoping

[coolgit]

I am looking for a mask that only accept white stars if surrounded by blacks only.

[poisondeathray]

I am looking for a mask that only accept white stars if surrounded by blacks only.

Use a luma mask to isolate depending on range of brightness

In avisynth, Dogway has a lumamask function in MasksPack.avsi
https://github.com/Dogway/Avisynth-Scripts/blob/master/MasksPack.avsi

In NLE's almost all have variations of this type of mask under different names

Apply your levels or brightness corrections using the mask

Another way is to use curves

If you need more help , post a sample of your source