Skylapse review
A focused, open-source capture and review system for Raspberry Pi night-sky imaging.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Skylapse is open-source timelapse software for Raspberry Pi camera systems capturing the night sky. It suits solo operators and small setups that need scheduled imaging, browser control, and review tools rather than a general-purpose production platform. Capture can run on a night schedule or continuously, with full-resolution JPEG and DNG RAW files. The software also supports selected ZWO ASI USB cameras, while Raspberry Pi camera modules remain the supported path.
The free, open-source model keeps the product accessible for self-hosted deployments on Linux with web control. Phone-based setup, Wi-Fi fallback, and access-point mode address situations where a normal network connection is unavailable. The ecosystem is focused: ntfy provides phone alerts, and USB export includes configuration backup. Community support and documentation are the listed support channels, so the experience is oriented toward users comfortable managing their own Raspberry Pi environment.
Skylapse’s strongest distinction is its night-sky workflow. Automatic exposure uses day, night, and twilight profiles, while focus assist combines live zoom with sharpness scoring. After a session, the night browser supports frame scrubbing and downloads, and automatic dawn rendering creates a timelapse from the captured sequence. Choose Skylapse when astronomy-focused automation, RAW capture, and local control matter most. Consider an alternative if you need broad camera compatibility, especially beyond the supported Raspberry Pi path, or a platform designed for larger company deployments.
Skylapse pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Scheduled day/night capture with JPEG and DNG RAW output
- Exposure profiles, focus assist, and automatic dawn rendering
- Night browser, USB export, ntfy alerts, and Wi-Fi fallback
- Where it doesn't
- Raspberry Pi camera modules are the supported path
- Selected ZWO ASI support is best-effort
- Linux and web deployment favors technical self-hosted setups
Skylapse fact sheet, pricing and score →
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