About
SharpCap is a comprehensive astronomy camera capture application designed for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers on Windows. It supports a broad ecosystem of dedicated astronomy cameras alongside standard webcams and USB frame grabbers, making it accessible regardless of your hardware setup. The software covers the full spectrum of astro-imaging disciplines: planetary, solar, lunar, and deep sky imaging, as well as Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA). Its intuitive, Windows-native UI lowers the learning curve for newcomers, while extensive documentation and an active community forum provide additional support. Core features include video capture to AVI, SER, WMV, and ADV formats; still image export to PNG, FITS, TIFF, and JPG; on-the-fly image processing (dark frame subtraction, flat frame correction, background removal, banding suppression); and a smart histogram for precision exposure control. SharpCap Pro (£14/year) unlocks powerful extras: live stacking and EAA with real-time frame alignment and derotation, planetary/solar/lunar live stacking with sharpening, the industry-praised polar alignment tool using a guide scope, automated imaging sequences via the Sequence Editor, deep sky framing assistance with click-to-recenter, a Push-To assistant for non-GOTO mounts, and solar/lunar mosaic automation. Additional tools include six focus-score algorithms, flexible filename templating, ASCOM hardware control, plate solving, and a sensor analysis mode — making SharpCap a one-stop solution for amateur and serious astrophotographers alike.
Key Features
- Live Stacking & EAA: See deep sky images build in real time on screen with automatic frame alignment and derotation, enabling Electronically Assisted Astronomy without post-processing.
- Polar Alignment Tool: Uses your guide scope to deliver the easiest and most accurate polar alignment available, accessible to beginners and experts alike.
- Automated Imaging Sequences: Configure sophisticated, unattended imaging runs using the Sequence Editor and the Deep Sky and Solar System Sequence Planners.
- Comprehensive Image Processing: Apply dark frame subtraction, flat frame correction, background removal, and banding suppression directly in-app, including during high-speed capture.
- Broad Camera & Hardware Support: Works with dedicated astronomy cameras, webcams, and USB frame grabbers, plus full ASCOM hardware control for mounts and focusers.
Use Cases
- Capturing high-speed lucky imaging video of planets, the Moon, and the Sun with USB3-capable cameras
- Performing live deep sky Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) sessions to share real-time stacked images at star parties
- Running unattended overnight deep sky imaging sequences using the automated Sequence Editor
- Achieving accurate polar alignment quickly using a guide scope and SharpCap's polar alignment routine
- Planning and executing automated solar or lunar mosaic panels with a GOTO mount
Pros
- Very affordable Pro tier: SharpCap Pro unlocks a wealth of advanced features for only £14 per year, making it exceptional value for serious astrophotographers.
- Wide camera compatibility: Supports an extensive range of dedicated astronomy cameras as well as consumer webcams, making it suitable for all budgets.
- Beginner-friendly UI: Logical, Windows-native interface and comprehensive documentation lower the barrier to entry for newcomers to astrophotography.
- All-in-one solution: Covers capture, live stacking, polar alignment, focus assistance, plate solving, and automated sequencing in a single application.
Cons
- Windows only: SharpCap is exclusively available on Windows, leaving macOS and Linux users without native support.
- Key features locked behind Pro: Essential tools like live stacking, polar alignment, and automated imaging require a paid Pro subscription, which may frustrate casual users.
- Steep learning curve for advanced workflows: While the basics are accessible, mastering the Sequence Editor, scripting, and mosaic automation can take considerable time and study.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SharpCap free to use?
Yes, SharpCap has a free version with core capture and imaging features. SharpCap Pro, which adds live stacking, polar alignment, automated sequences, and more, costs £14 per year.
What cameras does SharpCap support?
SharpCap supports a wide range of dedicated astronomy cameras (including USB3 high-speed models), standard webcams, and USB frame grabbers. A full compatibility list is available on the SharpCap website.
What is Live Stacking / EAA?
Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA) with live stacking lets you see a continuously improving deep sky image on screen in real time, with each new frame automatically aligned and added to the stack — no dedicated post-processing software required.
Does SharpCap work without a GOTO mount?
Yes. SharpCap Pro includes a Push-To assistant that uses plate solving to help you find and frame targets even without a motorised GOTO mount.
What image and video formats does SharpCap support?
SharpCap captures video in AVI, SER, WMV, and ADV formats, and saves still images as PNG, FITS, TIFF, or JPG.
