Image Capture and Equipment Control Software
The best astro image starts with solid data capture. The software and hardware solutions on this page put you in control of your camera, mount and focuser etc — whether you prefer a full PC setup or a cable-free wireless solution in the field. All tools listed below are regularly updated and recommended by our members.
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Description |
Cost
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APT (Astrophotography Tool)
A comprehensive camera control and sequencing tool for Windows, supporting Canon, Nikon and dedicated astronomy cameras. The free demo version has almost full functionality. Covers focusing, framing, plate-solving, dithering and automated session sequencing — making it an excellent all-round choice for DSLR and dedicated camera users alike. |
Free demo / Paid full licence |
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FireCapture
The go-to capture tool for planetary, lunar and solar imaging. Developed by Torsten Edelmann, it supports a huge range of dedicated astronomy cameras and webcams. FireCapture controls frame rate, gain, exposure and region of interest, recording high-speed video sequences ready for stacking. Available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
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Free |
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N.I.N.A
(Nighttime Imaging 'N' Astronomy) A powerful, free and open-source imaging suite for deep-sky astrophotography on Windows. N.I.N.A. controls your entire imaging rig — camera, mount, focuser, filter wheel and rotator — from a single interface. Highly regarded for its advanced sequencer, plate-solving and extensive plugin library, with an active and supportive community behind it.
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Free |
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SharpCap
One of the most versatile astronomy capture tools available for Windows. Suitable for planetary, lunar, solar and deep-sky imaging, it is widely used by both beginners and experienced imagers. The Pro version unlocks polar alignment, live stacking, sequencing and over 30 additional features, making it one of the best-value upgrades in amateur astrophotography.
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Free / Pro version Paid |
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Touptek Stellavita
(Hardware & Software solution) StellaVita is an all-in-one hardware and software ecosystem from ToupTek. The compact device connects your telescope, camera and mount wirelessly, allowing full control via a smartphone, tablet or browser — no laptop required at the telescope. Ideal for those wanting a clean, cable-free imaging setup with minimal complexity.
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Paid (hardware purchase required) |
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ZWO ASI Air
(Hardware & Software solution) The ASI Air is ZWO's hugely popular all-in-one wireless controller. The small hardware unit manages your camera, mount, focuser and guide camera via a dedicated smartphone or tablet app, removing the need for a laptop at the telescope entirely. However, it is worth noting that full functionality is heavily geared towards ZWO's own camera range — users with third-party cameras and accessories may find compatibility more limited. Available in several models to suit different budgets and setups.
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Paid (hardware purchase required) |
