CombineZP vs Focus Stacking Online

CombineZP is a Windows focus-stacking program that combines focused regions from multiple photographs into an image with greater depth of field. Its documented methods include Do Stack and Pyramid Maximum Contrast. It provides quick and thorough image alignment, with rotation correction in thorough alignment. Batch processing can stack images, and users can adjust memory use for image sets that demand more from the computer. Macro parameters are editable for additional control over close-up stacking. JPEG is the documented output format. The program is free and the repository identifies its license as GPL-3.0. The repository preserves code originally created by Alan Hadley and shared under the GPL; it contains CombineZ5 and combineZP directories, a README, a license file, and an installer. The README refers to a compiled Windows x86 version 1.0, updated January 27, 2012, in a file named combinezp.msi. The repository says it is kept for posterity, lists no published releases, and a microscopy tools page describes the software as not maintained. Windows is the listed platform; a third-party microscopy tools page also says it works with Wine on Linux.

Focus Stacking Online combines photographs of one scene taken at different focus distances, blending the sharp portions into a single image. The maker describes it as free to use in a browser, without installing software. The workflow is to add pictures, choose an alignment method and a reference picture, stack the images, then download the result. Standard and Beta alignment methods are listed; the maker says Beta can perform better in some cases. A reference picture can be selected according to how much of the subject is in focus. The service is described as working on home laptops and smartphones. Focus stacking is presented as useful for producing sharper images, particularly in macro photography, where depth of field can be shallow. The maker recommends keeping the camera fixed because camera shake and scene variation can make stacking harder. A stack may contain two images or more than 100. The homepage also describes a recent stacks gallery and a feature for sharing to social media. FAQ and Contact us links are provided.