ChimpStackr vs ImageFocus Alpha

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.

ImageFocus Alpha is microscope image capture and analysis software from Euromex. It supports measurements and annotations on live views and captured images, with tools for segmentation, counting, image stitching, and extended depth of focus. Fluorescence functions include combining captured fluorescence images. Images can be saved as.jpg,.tif,.bmp, or.dicom files, and videos as.avi files. Euromex provides installations for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, as well as Android and iOS apps for Wi-Fi enabled devices. The full package includes DirectShow, Twain, and µManager drivers. The Alpha download is designed for compatible Euromex equipment, including USB-3 Pro and scientific cameras, cooled and Wi-Fi cameras, HD-Pro and other VC cameras, a digital bScope, and DC.2000L. The listed ImageFocus Alpha plan is free, and Euromex says software updates are available free from its website. The iOS app is available only through the App Store. Euromex describes the software as supplied with camera solutions for universities, laboratories, and industry, and directs customers to its downloads page for assistance.