focus-stack vs ImageFocus Alpha

focus-stack is a free desktop program that combines photographs taken at different focus settings into an image with extended depth of field. For each pixel, it selects the sharpest source image, a method documented for uses such as microscope photography. The tool can resize and rotate stack images to align them, or alignment can be skipped or adjusted. Outputs include a focus-stacked image, an optional depth map, and a 3D preview based on that map. Input formats supported by OpenCV include JPG, PNG, and TIFF, while the filename extension determines output format. Processing controls cover denoising, consistency filtering, batch size, and thread count. OpenCV’s OpenCL interface provides GPU acceleration when available, with an option to disable it. Binary packages are listed for Windows 10, Ubuntu 20.04, and Mac OS X. The project is MIT licensed; Linux builds require OpenCV 3.0 or newer and basic build tools.

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.