SharpCap 4.0 Beta

About SharpCap Beta Versions

Be aware: Beta versions of SharpCap have had less testing than usual and may contain unfinished or experimental features.

If you choose to use a beta version of SharpCap, please test the cameras and functionality you intend to use before an observing session to avoid frustration and lost observing time. You can install a beta version of SharpCap without having to uninstall the previous release version, so it’s easy to have both on the same machine and switch between them.

All beta versions have a built in time limit – they will only work up until a particular date (usually they have a life of a month or two). If your beta version runs out, check back at this page for an updated beta (or check the main downloads page for a new release).

You can use most SharpCap Pro features that are new in this version during the beta period without a license. SharpCap Pro features that existed in SharpCap 3.2 will continue to require a license in the beta versions.

Found a bug in the beta version? Please submit any bug reports if you are prompted and also report the problem in the Beta Testing Forum.

Note: We were going to call this release SharpCap 3.3, but it is now going to be SharpCap 4.0!

New Features

SharpCap 4.0 contains the following new features

  • The Sequencer – at long last – this is the big one and there’s lots to see here!
  • If using the sequencer feels a bit too complex than have a look at the Sequence Planner
  • Still mode – Just deselect the live view button in the toolbar. Most cameras support this. Some tools will put the camera back into live mode.
  • ADC alignment tool – the planets are back and this might come in handy.
  • Pixel brightness readout – find it in the tools menu
  • Pixel co-ordinates readout and double-click to recenter – needs GOTO mount and plate solving
  • Background subtraction option to remove light pollution background (compatible with darks and flats)
  • Planetary image stabilization
  • Focuser backlash compensation option and Focus offset support when changing filters
  • ADV output format support for occultation imagers
  • Feature tracking improvements – track using camera ROI and track on object center-of-brightness
  • Option to flip the directions of the mount movement buttons
  • Mount movement hotkeys – CTRL + I/J/K/L or CTRL + Numpad 2/4/6/8
  • More than doubled performance in seeing monitor frame analysis
  • Double display in two monitor view (image displays on main and second monitor)

SharpCap 4.0 Beta Downloads

Latest Version

The SharpCap 4.0 Beta is now complete.

SharpCap 4.0 is now almost ready to release. You can download the very latest version here.

Old beta version download links and change information is preserved below for reference.

NOTE: All of the downloads below contained versions of SharpCap that have now expired and cannot be used – the download files have been removed and the download links will not work.

Previous Versions
Download Version 4.0.7870.0
10 June 2021
md5:1fe476266542698a1c7735acaba7ceea
sha1:ffabb5b6b2773439e48be27635a55a52dbd5e962
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:61350657419b43e48c24e8ed03a54df3
sha1:4c6c1c1322ec657a7f3b04262eabf5272cdef906
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  • SDK Updates from ZWO and PlayerOne
  • Fix crash ‘Dispatcher processing has been suspended, but messages are still being processed.’ when connecting to some ASCOM hardware
  • Fix crash when showing histogram if image is entirely maximum brightness.
  • Update help file to launch links into default browser
Download Version 4.0.7859.0
07 June 2021
md5:713865b423c7cbda097bedff3d793279
sha1:3948a6221ef83124cddf59ac2af4d08eb1845059
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:cc8c5c6d312f8e7db2d1cad96b020ef9
sha1:5f5af74a07f249932d42a0ade7511eba78411df3
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  • Fix issues related to ASCOM mount info not being initialised correctly
  • Updated Altair and SVBony SDKs
  • Bug fixes
  • Help file updated with corrections and additional info
Download Version 4.0.7839.0
31 May 2021
md5:08e96af7e903ef9a5e59bafda7ec1b09
sha1:7ab88b42d4851fc40eb29d6389bbfe8b9df25510
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:772a2b82086fc42d07951a5ae438dece
sha1:54e670dbfa5c89f9a9d6d6b3d493a306d8e3ba5d
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  • User manual updated – also available online
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7824.0
24 May 2021
md5:2eb35f5b1dd82dad059c4776d4720606
sha1:08f6e8629d963cfabb538d48b7fe5415c501b81d
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:7a54af9ab7cde48073056605eae508ed
sha1:1766bd648dabe59d6f1e03791326f2cd77b05999
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  • SVBony SDK Update
  • UI tweaks to improve usability
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7806.0
17 May 2021
md5:48963cd730f1e3dfa86130e745d87504
sha1:a75e5f7a740b8e6b8cb4396aa737af95a7cd935f
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:302a5930abe0576ceefb38ad1f646a3c
sha1:d7d31483787ee5834ab36bbfc57915672ce7aff3
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  • SVBony SDK update, binning now works
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7785.0
10 May 2021
md5:c28cb1e755a685493128184fc89304a8
sha1:b56395bbc8d045fd67f90cfc2be11558a7d093d4
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:cb60842d00c5363baa2276113ec8c0de
sha1:11889319a4f0f2ce4bd639995394724ea1722a32
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  • UI tidy up in several places
  • Altair cameras – updated SDK
  • SVBony cameras – updated SDK (note: binning available but not functional yet)
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7752.0
03 May 2021
md5:7ee60eb1c0f9be6e17ae48331dabce43
sha1:eb3958b4599b6f81058d55e21bb7950da4d69839
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:bbbcefc08cdcafba5ed1f6b2f3729f4c
sha1:6e758b72430b0079601c01b5ed2f5b002533d578
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  • Improved star detection algorithm now used in Live Stacking
  • Hour Angle shown in mount control area
  • Emergency Stop (Panic) button added to Sequencer – stops sequence and ASCOM Mount/Focuser movement
  • Added option to specify focal length (may speed up plate solving)
  • Bug Fixes
Download Version 4.0.7728.0
26 April 2021
md5:9690939d81fbe943b806b6f8be0a3566
sha1:5580b64a5a34b7cb95e28ce8b73975a10098b2d1
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:9b1e118fb41a7b5592ccd44cb04faa9c
sha1:3cd6112ac1bdc616b48576c408ef78beac077aa8
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  • New star detection routine now used in polar alignment – feedback welcome
  • Polar alignment user interface tidied and re-organized for better usability and flow
  • Updated SVBony SDK and support for SVBony cameras in still mode
  • Additional sequencer steps to allow zoom selection and live stack auto colour balance
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7703.0
21 April 2021
md5:95798bb1b82108dbaeb7cde7659a8f56
sha1:eb3792c206a566da66762c7ac49842346a7e47f6
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:19b986a1af7bf9591bc0752b6f7c876a
sha1:4619df4cbb17efd662865bc0d325e0f0f0d362bb
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  • Fix broken seeing monitor functionality
  • Fix for frozen QHY cameras when capturing single frames
  • Additional FITS headers for improved PixInsight compatibility
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7680.0
17 April 2021
md5:be3107fa0496ebb370deae365aa29f38
sha1:4d59f77d224ef28b67df185a81e709e0d92ab173
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:1bd0fb8c6b4c5f03ebe7af90fdafe723
sha1:ef639e02427e3bc2530d827b4cef2cb8ecadcff4
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  • Improvements and bugfixes to pixel position readout/click to recenter
  • Further improvements to star detection in multi-star FWHM focus
  • Sequencer goto RA/Dec step can now take freeform RA/Dec co-ordinate values
  • Add display stretch (auto stretch and reset) steps to sequencer
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7644.0
10 April 2021
md5:0a24dbcb26f0dfabca624588ed92fe7f
sha1:d1a403ccadf39323460a06a3cbee22cbc3d77842
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:751a721cb061cbbb8ada3af9e458a22c
sha1:df628a76100626ab8e1ee12036aeca4f3d03ec1a
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  • New star detection logic in Multi Star FWHM (see beta forums)
  • Updated Altair SDK (bug fixes, new models)
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7596.0
29 March 2021
md5:b58a3e4d633573570eb94e6ed642f2be
sha1:a8c4acc4e35aa42edaa07960358615b3c62ddd5b
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:a2b666efe09e031cc4ed2c5a2c80beff
sha1:a4760f3c891127deda79ae80f5a3c2d97b3c66eb
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  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7572.0
22 March 2021
md5:e42e3e355eaaef6d2dfdee467200cf4d
sha1:6c399de2cce77df88681550ab5a722956abb5ddc
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:e62bd6a7fed5e5c6da30a2fb4e187fec
sha1:6f37537bfa0ef93bd10c40016ccd3daf09df3143
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  • Updated SDK from QHY – bug fixes and new model support
  • Updated translations
  • Lots of bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7529.0
15 March 2021
md5:32774ac1fee079088551dcd9642a8e85
sha1:cea0a5e786f63bb35c03973885edde82e2a6299a
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:3aa9e38bf466c6314e5f9bc829f8688d
sha1:cce280b0da4383963282204e2e7430b913993708
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  • Background subtraction feature added in pre-processing controls
  • Updated Altair SDK to support 115M
  • Sequence still captures that require guiding will now restart guiding if it is lost
  • Pixel position readout and center on double click (experimental – currently in reticules list)
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7493.0
09 March 2021
md5:cc047df31c06434096d51d17b4ff078d
sha1:172b52f73f86a343aac2a74760398b22b70b6bdf
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:88cf0aab15bc21cae8de0200e3dc12a6
sha1:6461d82872b834b118e1d5c1da987457f1e4050a
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  • Fix crash in Smart Histogram Brain
  • Option for non-guiding dithering using ASCOM Mount pulse guiding
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7483.0
08 March 2021
md5:9214e09028d9071c9cc385492990920a
sha1:d2746b3193a534cc92c03ef57f5659449f6028c0
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:7f2843819dd5abc975b0ebf567aa3c75
sha1:3854732edc9bd6d9592ba5da2efacac499c137d2
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  • Improvements to translation, including German translation
  • Sequencer handling of co-ordinate lists can accept wider range of formats and include target names
  • Optional large text adjustment overlay in polar alignment
  • Smart Histogram brain allows choice of colour channel to measure
  • Add the ability to rename saved files from a live stack in progress when target name is changed
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7438.0
01 March 2021
md5:86d9fc6b6e9f7871d13058bd6a0789a2
sha1:27fcbfd545f06bf88b23e58f0660a34c4b6b75b6
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:852ef066c3ae8ef44a2b5bf7f2687d7d
sha1:74b8a2c356ae4bf584fdfbe01e249e3ca239fe11
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  • Updated translations for menu text, new translations of control names/values
  • Fix for incompatibility with ASCOM 6.3 and earlier
  • ROI region center maintained when changing size of ROI
  • Sequencer trial mode now limited to 5 minutes run length, will allow saving
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7403.0
23 February 2021
md5:fdd752acb487a488483a953e843eb359
sha1:e740fdccdfb676be24da43cb9b6e53d5bab9f7d7
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:ba83230311267ef80428dd03fe89ed8d
sha1:79c3577ac6c589def837ada277456e928bc924f7
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  • Fix QHY crash on startup of some cameras
  • Add PointGrey support in 64 bit SharpCap
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 4.0.7390.0
22 February 2021
md5:d0461dcc18c99be951d2023abffc4179
sha1:bb5968ff994e9f9787e58c4ad9669d3cb8a86b62
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:9d203e5b9fdcab2a2cb46f3fb0d30ce7
sha1:6247d92899deef873d525225c379f758853b4f53
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  • Version number changed from 3.3 to 4.0 – upgrades should remove the old 3.3 beta versions
  • New Feature : Translations of the menu/toolbar into Frence, Japanese and Chinese
  • New Feature : Planet/Disk stabilization – in the Preprocessing controls
  • New Feature : You can use dark/flat frames at full camera resolution while in ROI mode.
  • Altair Cameras : Support for 46 megapixel mode of the 115M
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 3.3.7351.0
15 February 2021
md5:f98f75ecef9a29058c3d44af8396cae3
sha1:d11a5dc9384d4e37a78328fdabc477cb7f08a1c8
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:8d0b20391f24f1bc27aa85d6b7db6353
sha1:ecf78f34275997c816772f244c8fe58dba40ff30
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  • Improvements to the sequence planner
  • Numerous Bug fixes
Previous Versions
Download Version 3.3.7313.0
08 February 2021
md5:b6cbaeb4e9ec4a883d4ff29d1a5d9029
sha1:776925042b12d2505846c8a19dfb2bd26a842df1
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:22043a8eed1411ce2fc1af337f352dc1
sha1:9538d54fadf4594d3eb8edb5bbb50628e2bbadb3
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  • Polar alignment – optional audio feedback added
  • QHY Cameras – SDK update and bug fix for problems with crash in still mode on 294 and other models
  • Sequencer – separation of still & video capture steps, new step to start guiding, option to require guiding during still capture
  • Altair – SDK update
  • Focus tools – fix to measurement errors in the contrast tools when part of image fell below black level
  • Sequence Wizard – new options around guiding/dithering
Download Version 3.3.7253.0
01 February 2021
md5:c73a345aec362e4811a64cacf106c6cd
sha1:6bc6db56cf5b7139eb49adfa6b0f694e945fdac7
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:27c8a1c306169f73365ea9febbed0f8c
sha1:6028c7436c93b6114bba9be1b9dff55cc407e647
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  • Updated QHY SDK – bug fixes etc
  • Smart Histogram brain measurement algorithm improved
  • New sequencer step to invoke smart histogram measurement
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 3.3.7232.0
25 January 2021
md5:3f07dff821adad3ebcd11cd48a72d04d
sha1:d3fcad39e4661228c698f2b043be498caf3445eb
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:e46b7ec6a4076b43ffa19eaa2bdb851b
sha1:eaf1237e292ce765108395eb7aec61d47c3761f1
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  • Lots of improvements to the Deep Sky Sequence Planner
  • Bug fixes/improvements for backlash compensation and autofocus
  • Initial sequence file naming arrangements
  • Improved implementations of cool down/warm up sequencer steps
Download Version 3.3.7190.0
18 January 2021
md5:f8758605c6ebdbb01fe917a4f7fc186c
sha1:6219fa716a4b7b282205f16232ac2c348d02abe7
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:6182a4ca26a5a52b3ff80a9177b2f9b8
sha1:8cc4d7e9ecef66abfecce6d20fb18a57b81b1be3
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  • Add first try at support form MGEN3 Autoguider
  • Dark subtraction in live stacking glitch fixed
  • Improvements to sequencer including better updating of time-to-run estimates
  • Sensor analysis/Smart Histogram now understands camera read modes
  • Attempt to deal with ZWO 294MM full resolution as a read mode rather than binning
  • Bug fixes
Download Version 3.3.7146.0
12 January 2021
md5:f127ebfef1b5aa6f72b416fb6f647655
sha1:7ef274d573785645ffdf5fb9ea88c3a1ffad9094
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:7ca27ca5a071acc3a73e310a99638ecb
sha1:aff4077020ce14c6803fbd2cf9e0e548d1f01cde
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  • First preview of the Sequence Wizard
  • Improvements to still mode in Sensor Analysis, Smart Histogram, Focus tools and other places
  • Dithering/Guiding settings moved to main settings
  • Updated ZWO SDK
  • Search box to find steps in the Sequence Editor
  • Lots of bug fixes and minor tweaks
Download Version 3.3.7093.0
31 December 2020
md5:b38464565f26038ca71d3f972ea0f4b6
sha1:e0e9d4810cd3d65f1f3b3d6d83a1cc5ab45a780d
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:9111a5357aa7853d72f431f2cb9fc58c
sha1:be06c0c0497ae35812094fb1f97ff8af2e02cdd2
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  • Fixes problems with ASCOM 6.5SP1
  • Fixes DSLR crash in Smart Histogram
  • Improvements to sequencer steps (including live stacking steps)
  • Altair Cameras – updates SDK fixes 60s bug. Fixed gain values incorrect on 26C camera
  • Saving image histogram as CSV now configurable
  • Various bug fixes
Download Version 3.3.7051.0
14 December 2020
md5:f56ff702610c03678d017785bc117af2
sha1:f2f40ca3541327f9e3dfa748a7d6b4a33f446822
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:f2001e2f789be046943d4c376f4ffecb
sha1:0e2577c0e589beb1435669a18f11c38a878feb61
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  • Better at noticing immediately if the camera in use disconnects
  • Changes to QHY GPS autocalibration
  • Multiple bug fixes
Download Version 3.3.7033.0
06 December 2020
md5:569a7d8204d436748bf4d3cba418ed7e
sha1:f32a858331858be30840e6fbca61f3008cf74d0f
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:274fb3d14b45a3acca63d83282de065f
sha1:90da9a823041a2482bd232b3b737bd696eccaa11
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  • Improved autostrecth calculations
  • Updates to camera SDKs – Altair, QHY, ZWO, SVBony, etc
  • Sequencer progress window and estimate of completion time
  • Many bug fixes
Download Version 3.3.6853.0
02 September 2020
md5:d3cd27562038cd3792dbb87469891c3a
sha1:840d54b705c24fe739e55c07196298b579ec08bb
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Download 64 bit versionNote: iNova, Point Grey and Starlight Xpress cameras are NOT supported in the 64 bit version of SharpCap.
md5:3c558337e604ee6c49b2b5af8053484b
sha1:a9c9971890181b54b9d17bae966620fe3358ba95
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  • First public SharpCap 3.3 Beta
  • Improvements since the previous Alpha test version include: Two image displays in two monitor view, More sequencer blocks, Live Stack settings saved in capture settings file and much more.
  • Many other bug fixes and small features