Image Stacking Software query

bregalad · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011, 11:27 AM

Hi,
I'm now thinking about getting some Image Stacking software, so I can combine photomicrographs taken with different focusing, to get round the depth of focus problems when photographing, for instance, spores, or microfungi.

Has anyone any recommendations (or otherwise) for packages? So far, there seems to be Helicon Focus, from Brunel, and CombineZP from Alan Hadley. Any experience of these? Do they have limitations? Any other packages I should consider?

I'v got a Canon EOS500D camera connected via a photographic attachment to a Brunel SP30 microscope. Pictures are taken with the Canon EOS Utility Remote Shooting software on a PC running Windows 7 64bit connected to the camera via USB.

If anyone is able to share their experiences, I'd be grateful

bregalad · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011, 11:37 AM

Sorry, synchronicity or what. Just spotted this is duplicating very recent posts in "Have a Dung Day" thread in the main forum.

Lancashire Lad · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011, 02:17 PM

Hi Bregalad,

I note that on the other thread, several people mention their use of CombineZ, but haven't said which version they are using. (ie. Z5, ZM, ZP etc.).

I have been using CombineZM for about 18 months now, and find the program gives me absolutely everything that I need.

So much so, that I have never considered upgrading to the latest version, CombineZP.

I use the program with close macro shots of fungi, and generally the stacks range from two to seven images, depending on the front to back depth of what I envisage for the final image. - If you have a look at my WAB Gallery, you will find many of my shots - all those stacked are done with CZM.

The program is simplicity in itself to use, and (certainly in my experience) rarely fails to produce superb results. - I have had odd occasions where a few stack induced "artifacts" need removing from the final image, but more often than not, they don't need any more than a final crop to get rid of the perimeter artifacts that appear around the edge of the frame. (Which, as far as I'm aware, are common to all stacking software).

Can't comment on other such software, as I've only ever used CZM, and I'm not yet tempted to try any alternatives.

Regards,
Mike.

bregalad · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2011, 11:57 AM

Thanks very much for your advice, Mike, and for the comments of people in other threads. I've now downloaded CombineZ, and it looks very interesting with my first tentative experiments. One advantage over Helicon may be that Helicon would seem to cost about £85, and would thus need some considerable advantages to justify. I shall play further.