ChimpStackr vs Helicon Focus
ChimpStackr
github.comHelicon Focus
heliconsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | ChimpStackr | Helicon Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 12 |
| Spec score · Focus Stacking Software | 8.4 (#4) | 7.9 (#10) |
| Image processing | Its 16-bit pipeline preserves bit depth from RAW input to output, and auto-crop removes black edges caused by alignment shifts. | The software processes images with 16-bit precision and supports color profiles for color reproduction. |
| Integrations | The README says gallery images were post-processed in darktable; it does not describe a software integration. | The maker describes plugins for exporting stacks from Lightroom and Capture One to Helicon Focus. |
| Purpose | ChimpStackr is an open-source application for focus stacking. | Helicon Focus combines multiple images taken at different focus distances into one image with extended depth of field. |
Plans
Helicon Focus
- Lite — 1 yearPrice not published
- Pro package — 1 yearPrice not published
- Premium package — 1 yearPrice not published
- Lite — lifetimePrice not published
- Pro package — lifetimePrice not published
- Premium package — lifetimePrice not published
- Helicon Focus Lite — 1 year license$30 a year
- Helicon Focus Pro package — 1 year license$55 a year
- Helicon Focus Premium package — 1 year license$65 a year
- Helicon Focus Lite — Lifetime license$115, paid once
In their own words
ChimpStackr
ChimpStackr is a free, open-source application for focus stacking, with graphical and headless command-line interfaces. It offers Laplacian Pyramid, Weighted Average, Depth Map, and Exposure Fusion methods. Automatic alignment supports translation, Euclidean rotation, similarity rotation and scale, and affine correction. Its 16-bit pipeline preserves bit depth from RAW input to output, and automatic cropping removes black edges caused by alignment shifts. Users can drag image files or folders into the app, compare input and output with a slider, and pause, resume, or cancel long-running stacks. Auto-tuning detects parameters from image resolution. Downloads are listed for Windows as a ZIP, macOS as a DMG, and Linux x86-64 as an AppImage; TIFF and PNG are listed output formats, and RAW files are supported. The project uses the GPL-3.0 license. Exposure Fusion is described for images with varying exposure or lighting, rather than focus stacking. Building from source requires Python 3.9–3.13, and builds can only be made for the current platform.
Helicon Focus
Helicon Focus combines photographs captured at different focus distances into one image with extended depth of field. It is designed for focus stacking in macro and micro photography, close-ups, jewelry, products, landscapes, flowers, animals, and still life. The software processes images at 16-bit precision, supports color profiles, opens RAW files, and can save Pro results as DNG. It handles stacks of hundreds of high-resolution images and supports unlimited stack length. Retouching tools copy areas from aligned source images or combine areas from outputs, with a grid for detailed work. Batch rendering can queue and split stacks, while command-line parameters allow calls from other applications. Lightroom and Capture One plugins export stacks. Pro features add 3D model export and 2D micropanorama stitching. Current downloads support 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 and macOS 12 or later. A fully featured trial lasts 30 days; Demo mode then limits resolution and adds a watermark.