Qastrocam vs APT (Astro Photography Tool)

Struggling to choose between Qastrocam and APT (Astro Photography Tool)? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Qastrocam is a Photos & Graphics solution with tags like astrophotography, dslr-control, long-exposure, bulb-ramping, focus-stacking, plate-solving, guiding.

It boasts features such as Bulb ramping for long exposures, Focus stacking for enhanced depth of field, Sequence queueing to automate capture sessions, Plate solving to add precise pointing information, Guiding support for tracking mounts and pros including Full control over camera settings, Automates complex astrophotography techniques, Integrates with mounts, platesolvers and guiders, Free and open source.

On the other hand, APT (Astro Photography Tool) is a Photos & Graphics product tagged with astrophotography, astronomy, imaging, automation.

Its standout features include Exposure sequencing, Autoguiding, Plate solving, Image calibration, Polar alignment, Framing, Focusing, Filter wheel control, Scripting, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Cross-platform, Supports many cameras and mounts, Powerful automation features, Active community support.

Feature	Qastrocam	APT (Astro Photography Tool)
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Photos & Graphics	Photos & Graphics

Product Overview

Qastrocam

Description: Qastrocam is an astrophotography camera control software for Canon DSLRs. It allows capturing long exposure images of celestial objects like galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. Key features include bulb ramping, focus stacking, sequence queueing, plate solving, and guiding.

APT (Astro Photography Tool)

Description: APT is open-source software for astrophotography. It interfaces with digital cameras to automate and control the camera during long-exposure astrophotos. Key features include exposure sequencing, autoguiding, plate solving, and image calibration.

Key Features Comparison

Qastrocam Features

• Bulb ramping for long exposures
• Focus stacking for enhanced depth of field
• Sequence queueing to automate capture sessions
• Plate solving to add precise pointing information
• Guiding support for tracking mounts

APT (Astro Photography Tool) Features

• Exposure sequencing
• Autoguiding
• Plate solving
• Image calibration
• Polar alignment
• Framing
• Focusing
• Filter wheel control
• Scripting

Pros & Cons Analysis

Qastrocam

Pros

• Full control over camera settings
• Automates complex astrophotography techniques
• Integrates with mounts, platesolvers and guiders
• Free and open source

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Requires additional hardware like mounts and guiders
• Limited to Canon DSLRs
• No official support

APT (Astro Photography Tool)

Pros

• Free and open source
• Cross-platform
• Supports many cameras and mounts
• Powerful automation features
• Active community support

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Requires additional hardware
• Limited documentation
• Some features still in development

Pricing Comparison

Qastrocam

• Free
• Open Source

APT (Astro Photography Tool)

• Open Source