SharpCap
In the hands of an expert user, SharpCap delivers the best quality live-stacking results over the broadest range of conditions. Particularly in places like the Catskills, where wind and clouds are frequent companions, SharpCap can deliver high quality results where other software will require you to fix it in post-processing. Many of its features are “best in class”: Absolutely the best plate solving. Incredible, planetary live stacking. Superb tools for dithering and re-centering the stack that eliminates the need for guiding.
Launched in 2017, SharpCap is now in release 4.1 with a feature-rich package that has improved significantly with each iteration.
It does have a learning curve. And it does require the observer to make decisions and adjustments to maximize quality. However, that’s part of its charm: it makes me an active participant in the process. In my experience, the easier-to-use packages are a bit like microwaving dinner. Even a “good” frozen entree is not as good as one I can cook myself.
Robin Glover, the founder and chief developer does an incredible job of listening to his users, and supporting them. In my 18 months of using SharpCap, I’ve posted 6 questions or suggestions on the SharpCap Forum. In each case, Robin gave a well-considered and helpful response by the next business day!
It also has the advantage of running on Windows, which means you can run it with most other leading astronomy software packages. I run SharpCap in combination with NINA for its framing assistant, 3-star polar alignment, and Hocus Focus auto-focusing plugin. Many people run it in combination with Stellarium. SharpCap’s main competitor, ASIair, runs on a proprietary Raspberry Pi implementation. It’s a very complete package, but has to be, since it the user can’t run anything else.