Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DeepSkyStacker VS SharpCap

Compare DeepSkyStacker VS SharpCap and see what are their differences

DeepSkyStacker logo DeepSkyStacker

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

SharpCap logo SharpCap

SharpCap is an easy-to-use and powerful astronomy camera capture tool. It can be used with dedicated astronomy cameras, webcams and USB frame grabbers.
Not present
  • SharpCap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-08-11

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.

SharpCap features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    SharpCap offers a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners while still providing advanced features for experienced users.
  • Real-Time Stacking
    The software allows for real-time stacking of images, which helps improve the signal-to-noise ratio for astrophotography, enhancing image quality significantly.
  • Polar Alignment Tool
    SharpCap includes a polar alignment tool that assists in aligning the telescope polar axis accurately, which is crucial for long-exposure astrophotography.
  • Compatibility
    It supports a wide range of cameras, including major brands and models, making it versatile for users with different equipment setups.
  • Live View and Recording
    The software provides live view and recording capabilities, enabling users to capture detailed astronomical events in real time.

Possible disadvantages of SharpCap

  • Windows Only
    SharpCap is only compatible with the Windows operating system, limiting users who prefer or use macOS or Linux systems.
  • Learning Curve
    While the interface is user-friendly, mastering all the advanced features and settings can take some time and experimentation for beginners.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version of SharpCap has limited features compared to the Pro version, which requires a paid upgrade to access its full capabilities.
  • Resource Intensive
    The software can be resource-intensive during processing, requiring a relatively powerful computer to run smoothly, especially when handling large datasets.
  • Need for Additional Equipment
    For optimal use, SharpCap often requires additional equipment, such as guide cameras and mounts, which can add to the overall cost.

DeepSkyStacker videos

How to Stack Astrophotography Images | DeepSkyStacker Tutorial

More videos:

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

SharpCap videos

SharpCap Sensor Analysis - How to!

More videos:

  • Review - Using SharpCap to Capture the Planets
  • Review - Jupiter Captured with ZWO ASI224MC Camera and SharpCap (Tutorial)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DeepSkyStacker and SharpCap)
Time Tracking
63 63%
37% 37
Invoicing
55 55%
45% 45
Accounting
48 48%
52% 52
Photos & Graphics
82 82%
18% 18

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DeepSkyStacker seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time 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

SharpCap mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SharpCap yet. Tracking of SharpCap recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

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

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

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

PixInsight - A powerful deep sky stacking application for astrophotography.

Voyager Astrophotography - Voyager is a multi core optimized software, resilient, with advanced built-in algorithms and advanced A.I. driven automatation for astro photography.

RegiStax - Photography, Astronomy, Image, and Astrophotography

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