Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SharpCap VS FireCapture

Compare SharpCap VS FireCapture and see what are their differences

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.

FireCapture logo FireCapture

FireCapture has evolved into one of the leading planetary capturing tools.
  • SharpCap Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-08-11
  • FireCapture Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-22

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.

FireCapture features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    FireCapture has a straightforward and intuitive interface that makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced astrophotographers.
  • Advanced Planetary Imaging Features
    The software offers specialized features for planetary imaging, including auto-align, auto-focus, and de-rotation, which enhance the quality of captured images.
  • Compatibility with Multiple Cameras
    FireCapture supports a wide range of astronomy cameras from different manufacturers, offering flexibility for users with different equipment.
  • Free to Use
    FireCapture is available for free, making it an attractive option for hobbyists and those not wanting to invest in expensive software.
  • Extensive Support and Community
    There is a strong online community and extensive support documentation that can help users troubleshoot and learn how to maximize the software's capabilities.

Possible disadvantages of FireCapture

  • Limited Non-planetary Features
    While excellent for planetary work, FireCapture may not offer as many features for deep-sky imaging compared to other software tools specifically designed for it.
  • Requires Java Runtime Environment
    FireCapture requires the Java Runtime Environment to be installed, which can be an inconvenience for users who prefer not to install additional software.
  • Windows and Linux Focus
    While FireCapture supports Windows and Linux operating systems, MacOS users may find it challenging as there is no native version available for them.
  • Resource Intensive
    FireCapture can be resource-intensive, particularly on older or less powerful computers, potentially affecting performance and speed during data capture and processing.

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)

FireCapture videos

Tips for Photographing Planets like a PRO with Firecapture

More videos:

  • Review - FireCapture for Planetary Imaging
  • Review - Planetary Imaging - Using FireCapture

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SharpCap and FireCapture)
Time Tracking
62 62%
38% 38
Invoicing
65 65%
35% 35
Accounting
64 64%
36% 36
Photos & Graphics
57 57%
43% 43

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

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

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

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

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

Qastrocam - Qastrocam is a capture program to do 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.

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