I remember the diagram in a previous search on the impact of converting color images to grayscale (Kanan and Cottrel). I am just re-listing the different processes captured in this one post. It is difficult to figure out which method is optimal for determining peaks and valleys along the arms of SP-D images to assist in modeling the collagen-like domain of this and other c-type lectins.

I dont believe that anyone has taken the “color” versions of AFM micrographs and tested to see which method of converting to grayscale is appropriate (necessary for measuring LUT values in Image2 (FIJI)). It may be that because those images are monochromatic that it doesn’t matter at al. Maybe I should test it.

Average: averages the values: (R + G + B) / 3
Gleam
Intensity
Luma
Luminance
Lightness: averages the most prominent and least prominent colors: (max(R, G, B) + min(R, G, B)) / 2
Value
Luster
Decolorize
Luminosity: weighted average 0.21 R + 0.72 G + 0.07 B