Image capture software for astrophotography is designed to help astronomers and photography enthusiasts take high-quality images of celestial objects such as stars, planets, and deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies. These programs offer various features to optimize the capturing process, including camera control, automated focusing, image stacking, and guiding. Here are some key features and a list of top software for astrophotography:
Key Features
- Camera Control: Allows precise control over exposure settings, ISO, and other camera parameters.
- Automated Focusing: Helps achieve sharp focus automatically.
- Guiding Support: Integrates with guide scopes and mounts to track celestial objects accurately.
- Image Stacking: Combines multiple exposures to enhance image quality and reduce noise.
- Live View: Provides a real-time preview of the target object to aid in framing and focusing.
- Dithering: Slightly shifts the position of the camera between exposures to reduce noise and artifacts.
- Integration with Telescopes: Supports various telescope mounts and guiding systems for synchronized movement.
Top Software for Astrophotography
BackyardEOS is software tailor made to control your Canon DSLR camera. It is purposely built with astro-photography in mind.
BackyardNIKON is built using the same platform as our flagship product BackyardEOS! It is software tailor made to control your Nikon DSLR camera. It is purposely built with astro-photography in mind.
- Designed for Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras.
- Offers features like framing and focus, planetary mode, and image capture automation.
- Easy to use with a user-friendly interface.
APT stands for "AstroPhotography Tool" and it is like Swiss army knife for your astro imaging sessions. No matter what cameras and other devices you have, APT has the right tool to be in help, from your first imaging attempts up-to gathering scientific data. It is defining standards for an imaging and data acquisition software since year 2009 using the real-life experience of many astro photographers from all over the world and one of the APT authors. It works on MS Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11.
- Supports a wide range of DSLRs and dedicated astronomy cameras.
- Includes features such as focusing aid, plate solving, and advanced image planning.
- Provides detailed session logging and scripting capabilities.
Sequence Generator Pro is best in class automation software for astrophotography. With it, you can sequence and coordinate all of your gear in order to make the most of your time under dark skies. Those nights are rare enough as it is… no need to waste precious time fighting with gear. SGPro will control your camera (CCD, CMOS, Canon, Nikon), filter wheel, focuser, mount, camera rotator, flatbox, dome or roll-off roof observatory, weather stations and more. It is perfect for beginners and it has enough power to suit even the most demanding photographers. If you are just starting out, don’t be intimidated by that list of gear! All you need to start using SGPro is a camera.
- Highly customizable and feature-rich software.
- Includes automated meridian flips, autofocus, and image sequencing.
- Supports various cameras, mounts, and filter wheels.
NINA (Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy):
N.I.N.A. offers a broad variety of capabilities. The toolset spans from choosing, framing, focusing, centering and imaging one or multiple targets and much more. Be it for beginners or for advanced astrophotographers, N.I.N.A. will keep configuration requirements to the minimum and will assist you through the process of imaging.
- Open-source and free to use.
- Offers a robust suite of tools for image capture, including autofocus, plate solving, and mosaic planning.
- Actively developed with a supportive user community.
SharpCap is an easy-to-use and powerful astronomy camera capture tool. It supports a wide range of dedicated astronomy cameras as well as webcams and USB frame grabbers.
A wide range of features makes SharpCap suitable for many types of astro-imaging including Planetary, Lunar, Solar, Deep Sky and EAA (Electronically Assisted Astronomy). A clear and logical UI makes the program easy for beginners to use.
- Popular for planetary and deep-sky imaging.
- Provides live stacking, polar alignment assistance, and advanced camera control.
- Supports a wide range of astronomy cameras and accessories.
What started as a solely private project soon turned into higher gear when fellow astronomers saw the software and insisted on getting it. I decided to make it public, included new camera interfaces and after years of continuous development FireCapture has evolved to one of the leading planetary capture tools. Developing the thing is only one part of the story: with a supportive community of users behind me I always had the feeling of someone 'looking over my shoulder' during the countless hours of programming.
- Focused on planetary imaging.
- Includes features like auto-align, ROI (Region of Interest) support, and high frame rate capture.
- Compatible with a variety of astronomy cameras.
Cyanogen Imaging® MaxIm DLTM is the complete integrated solution for all of your astronomical imaging needs. Whether you are collecting and analyzing science data, or making beautiful portraits of the night sky, MaxIm DL Pro includes everything you need.
- Comprehensive software for image capture, processing, and analysis.
- Supports camera control, guiding, and image processing tools.
- Suitable for both amateur and professional astronomers.
Whether your interests involve scientific discovery, astrophotography, or the simple pleasures of observing objects through eyepieces, make TheSky™ Professional the heart of your endeavors.
- Great for aspiring and experienced astronomers alike.
- Choose Windows, macOS — or Linux with Multi-OS+ option.
- Change your mind? The Multi-OS+ option lets you run TheSky on every operating system you need.
- Want to grow into imaging later? Just add an option or two and watch some new menu items appear.
- (If you want to start imaging soon, check out TheSky™ Bundles.)
- Extensive databases and catalogs including Gaia DR3.
- 13,000 astrophotos at your fingertips.
- Controls most commercial telescope mounts.
Choosing the right image capture software for astrophotography depends on your specific needs, equipment, and level of expertise. These top software options offer a range of features to help you capture stunning images of the night sky, whether you are a beginner or an advanced astrophotographer.