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DeepSkyStacker VS PixInsight

Compare DeepSkyStacker VS PixInsight and see what are their differences

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  2. » Videos
  3. » Reviews
  4. » Alternatives

DeepSkyStacker logo DeepSkyStacker

DeepSkyStacker is a freeware for astrophotographers that simplifies all the pre-processing steps of...

PixInsight logo PixInsight

A powerful deep sky stacking application for astrophotography.
Not present
  • PixInsight Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-07-28

DeepSkyStacker features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    DeepSkyStacker provides an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible even for beginners in astrophotography.
  • Free Software
    The software is completely free to use, which is a significant advantage for amateur astronomers and hobbyists on a budget.
  • Automated Processes
    It automates many processes involved in stacking images, such as registering and calibrating, which simplifies the workflow.
  • Supports Various Formats
    DeepSkyStacker supports a wide range of image formats, including RAW files from many camera models, providing flexibility in image processing.
  • High-Quality Output
    The software is known for producing excellent stacking results, enhancing the final image quality by reducing noise and improving detail.

Possible disadvantages of DeepSkyStacker

  • Windows-Only
    DeepSkyStacker is only available for Windows, which limits its accessibility for users operating on other systems like macOS or Linux.
  • Limited Post-Processing Tools
    The software primarily focuses on stacking and offers limited post-processing tools, requiring users to use additional software for advanced editing.
  • No Batch Processing
    DeepSkyStacker does not support batch processing, which can be a disadvantage for users looking to process multiple image sets efficiently.
  • Occasional Performance Issues
    Some users report that the software can encounter performance issues and may run slowly with very large datasets or on older hardware.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic operations are straightforward, mastering advanced features and settings can require time and experimentation.

PixInsight features and specs

  • Advanced Image Processing
    PixInsight offers advanced tools and algorithms specifically designed for astrophotography, allowing users to achieve high-quality processing results.
  • Customizable Workspace
    The software provides a flexible and customizable user interface, enabling users to organize and optimize their workflow according to personal preferences.
  • Modular Architecture
    PixInsight is highly modular, allowing users to add or remove functionalities via scripts and modules, adapting the software to specific needs or updates.
  • Extensive Documentation and Tutorials
    Users have access to comprehensive documentation and a wide range of tutorials, helping both beginners and advanced users to understand and utilize the software effectively.
  • Community Support
    PixInsight has a strong community of users and professionals who offer support, share techniques, and contribute to continuous development and improvement.

Possible disadvantages of PixInsight

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The software's advanced capabilities and specialized focus can make it challenging for beginners to learn and use effectively.
  • High Cost
    PixInsight can be expensive compared to other image processing software, which might be a barrier for hobbyists or those with tight budgets.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software requires significant computing power and resources to function optimally, which might necessitate hardware upgrades for some users.
  • Complex Interface
    Despite its customizability, the interface can appear complex and overwhelming, particularly for users who are new to astrophotography image processing.
  • Limited Non-Astrophotography Use
    Since PixInsight is specialized for astrophotography, it lacks the broader functionality found in more general image editing software, limiting its use for other photo editing tasks.

DeepSkyStacker videos

+ Add

How to Stack Astrophotography Images | DeepSkyStacker Tutorial

More videos:

  • Tutorial - DeepSkyStacker Astrophotography Tutorial | Stacking FITS frames
  • Tutorial - DeepSkyStacker Tutorial

PixInsight videos

+ Add

Stacking Shootout - Pixinsight vs DSS vs Nebulosity. Also Cybertruck.

More videos:

  • Review - Explaining PixInsight #1 | OSC Workflow | Pre-Processing
  • Review - DeepSkyStacker vs. PixInsight Stacking

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight)

DeepSkyStacker

PixInsight

Time Tracking
47 47%
Time Tracking
53% 53
Invoicing
45 45%
Invoicing
55% 55
Accounting
47 47%
Accounting
53% 53
Photos & Graphics
42 42%
Photos & Graphics
58% 58

User comments

Share your experience with using DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, PixInsight should be more popular than DeepSkyStacker. It has been mentiond 8 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

DeepSkyStacker mentions (1)

  • Perseid Meteor
    So, according to deep sky stacker darks and bias frames remove different kinds of noise. It says nothing of them working against each other. Source: over 3 years ago

PixInsight mentions (8)

  • When it comes to software what do you use and can you go a little bit into detail on how to use it
    PixInsight - Stacking and image processing. It's pricey but really the best processing software out there for deep sky pics imo (DeepSkyStacker / Siril / GIMP are commonly used free alternatives). Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Asahi Ubuntu: does it support PixInSight and Gimp?
    Dear friends of Asahi, I was planning to get a laptop mainly for astrophotography postproduction while traveling, and other normal tasks. Apps required for astrophoto elaboration are just 2: PixInSight and Gimp. An M1 cored MacBook seem a very good machine but I really dislike macOS. I was wondering before spending time and money looking for suitable offer from refurbished market if Asahi Linux should run both... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • The Horsehead Nebula from my front yard
    Subs were calibrated and integrated for each filter using SiriL. In PixInsight I started by cropping the three stacked images, used automatic background extraction, and then combined the three into a colour image. BlurXTerminator on the combined image and StarNet v2 to separate the stars.. Separate multi scale linear transform on starless and luminance, more aggressive on the starless image. Unsharpmask applied to... Source: about 2 years ago
  • Files for the NGC 3132 Nebula
    PixInsight (costs money and I haven't tried a free trial). Source: almost 3 years ago
  • North America Nebula, NGC 7000
    PixInsight; stacking, calibration, noise reduction. Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing DeepSkyStacker and PixInsight, you can also consider the following products

Siril - Siril is an astronomical image processing tool, able to convert, pre-process images, help aligning...

RegiStax - Photography, Astronomy, Image, and Astrophotography

APT (Astro Photography Tool) - APT stands for "AstroPhotography Tool" and it is like Swiss army knife for your astro imaging sessions.

N.I.N.A. - NINA is a night time imaging and astronomy software.

Star Tools - Star Tools is one of the most advanced image processing tools that you can use for astrophotography.

Nebulosity - Nebulosity is designed to be a powerful, but simple to use capture and processing application for Windows and Mac.

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