# Obscura — Pro Camera — user reviews > 198 indexed App Store user reviews of Obscura by Ben McCarthy, rated 4.00/5 from 261 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obscura-pro-camera/id1579306989/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/obscura-pro-camera/id1579306989.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 167 · 4★ 22 · 3★ 22 · 2★ 14 · 1★ 36 ## What do users think of Obscura? Overall sentiment: mixed **Pros** - 🚀 Powerful manual controls - 👍 Intuitive and clean interface - 🎨 Customizable presets and filters - 💡 Unique camera gestures and UI - 🎥 Supports video recording **Cons** - 💰 Subscription-based model - 🔒 Locked features behind paywall - 🐛 Crashes and stability issues - 🤔 Unintuitive controls and settings - 🤷‍♂️ Lack of support for newer iPhone lenses **Commonly reported bugs** - Crashes when trying to use Pro Raw mode - Inconsistent behavior when switching between lenses - Manual settings randomly resetting - Photos not saving properly - Freezing and black screen issues **Most requested features** - Ability to save custom camera settings - Variable zoom function in pro mode - Separate manual control for exposure and ISO - Dedicated selfie button - Live audio capture for Live Photos ## Newest reviews (16 of 198) ### 2/5 — Disappointing Change to an App I Used to Enjoy *2026-09-02, version 2026.1* I’m extremely disappointed to open an app that I’ve been able to use freely, only to now be presented with a subscription paywall for features that were previously available without having to pay. I completely understand that independent developers need to earn money and that premium features can be a reasonable way to support an app. However, taking functionality that existing users have been accustomed to using for free and suddenly requiring a subscription for it feels very different. The $24.99/year price isn’t necessarily outrageous, but that’s not really the point. It’s the feeling of opening an app expecting the experience you’ve always had and discovering that you’re now being asked to pay to continue using features you already had access to. There is at least an option to continue with limited features, but that doesn’t make the change any less disappointing. I would have much preferred a more transparent transition or having existing functionality remain available to current users while introducing new premium features for subscribers. I really wanted to continue enjoying this app, but being unexpectedly pushed toward a subscription has definitely changed how I feel about it. 😕 ### 3/5 — Good but with issues *2026-03-16, version 2025.12* I was looking for an app that lets me freely zoom with the front camera because the default camera app doesn't allow this. This app does what I downloaded it for and the image quality seems basically the same. 5 star app Edit: took 2 stars away because it doesn't seem to be able to shoot video properly. Doesn't matter if I change the settings to 24, 30 or 60 fps. The result always comes out as a strange and jittery 16.58fps ### 4/5 — Free Trial *2026-02-07, version 2025.12* There are three camera apps I like, but with so many features and without out detailed information about which are supported for a given iPhone model it is extremely challenging to evaluate and choose an app. A free trial that is not time limited but allowed the user to take a limited number of photos would make the process easier. ### 4/5 — Cool app but not my jam *2026-01-22* Kind of hard to explain but it didn’t do it for me. Something with the UI I guess, or maybe I’m not smart enough to make the most of it. I can see a lot of work has been put in crafting the app so I’m still giving 4 stars though ### 3/5 — Limited without IAPs *2026-01-03, version 2025.12* I downloaded this on recommendation from a magazine article but it turns out that the useful features can’t be tried without subscribing and the initial subscription is offered with a discount… ie a surcharge for changing your mind later, so I deleted it. ### 4/5 — Best App to photograph, nice presets! *2025-11-05, version 2025.11* I really love this app and have been using it for over year now. I love the neutral look of the fotos but the filters/presets aswell. I even went back to old photos I took with my phone and my camera to use the presets. You can geek out on a lot of options but can also leave it as easy as a phone camera should be. Raw fotography works fine and the photos in general look much better then on the normal iPhone camera app. However, lately I have encountered some serious problems. The image-settings largely don’t seem to really change anything. If I select 48MP-resolution it doesn’t work. Changing to 3:2 aspect ratio doesn’t work. Saving only the edit of a taken photo doesn’t work. Photos therefore will now only be saved in 4:3, 12MP and in portrait-mode. It used to work and I could change all settings at will. Pls fix this, it would be a shame if I could not use the app properly anymore. ### 3/5 — Good, but missing some things. *2025-10-28, version 2025.11* It’s good, no doubt about that, but I just cannot feel happy paying for a camera app that can’t use all my phone’s cameras. This is not unique to Obscura, but all the non-apple camera apps seem to miss my 28 and 35mm lenses on my iPhone pro. A shame! Otherwise a perfect camera apps. ### 3/5 — Beautuful but a big problem *2025-10-22, version 2025.10* Really well-made app — I’ve tried several, and in terms of interface and usability it’s probably the best. It allows shooting both in ProRAW (12 and 48 MP) and standard RAW at 12 MP, with full manual control and the ability to lock both focus and exposure. I would absolutely buy it, but it has one major flaw that makes it practically useless for me: I can’t export the original .DNG files to my Mac, where I want to edit them (with Halide this works without any problem)!!! Exporting from the app doesn’t work, neither via AirDrop nor by saving to iCloud, and from the iPhone Photos library it only exports the JPG or HEIC version. I don’t know if it’s a bug or a limitation of the app, but as it is, it’s totally useless to me. A real shame. ### 2/5 — Great, but subscription *2025-09-25, version 2025.9* This is by far one of the best camera apps, simple easy to understand and not overly complitcated. The catch is the subscription, this would probably be much better with a one time purchase ### 3/5 — gute Funktionen *2025-08-07, version 2025.5* ..aber leider ein paar Macken. Nach Kauf der Ultra-Version wird diese trotz korrektem Login auf dem iPad nicht erkannt und es poppt dauernd das Abo- Fenster auf. Zudem wird das installierte Darkroom nicht erkannt und es startet stattdessen der App-Store. Schon ziemlich nervig, bitte beheben. ### 4/5 — No saving of standard filter possible, Rest very good *2025-08-03, version 2025.5* I want to be fast and have end results out of the box without post production. This is. It possible because I need to reselect the filter everytime again. This makes me slow. This is (the only) major issue I have. Rest I love. But this issue is unfortunately a major one (for me). If this gets fixed resp. introduced I would give all stars. Now 3,5 ### 3/5 — Live Photos lack audio *2025-07-11, version 2025.3* This is an amazing app! Extra points for having a lifetime purchase option. However, I will not be using this app beyond the free trial as Live Photos unfortunately do not have audio playback. This is a huge dealbreaker for me as I love playing back the Live Photos I take of my beautiful girlfriend. Accessing the selfie camera is also incredibly unintuitive. Instead of having a standalone selfie button, you have to press the zoom button on the bottom right and THEN press the selfie button. While this may be a benefit for users focused on traditional photography, it’s an unnecessary extra step for me. As such, the only option I have is Varlens which includes audio playback for Live Photos and a dedicated selfie button. Should the developer respond with any corrections or information of new update features, I will do my best to update my review! While I personally won’t be using this app, I can definitely say that it’s a great app. ### 3/5 — It should be better. *2025-06-10, version 2025.2* The app is quite good. At the moment I'm using the trial period. You can coolly adjust different settings. But there is a strong minus, it often lags and freezes. Planes often fly over my area, sometimes quite low to the ground. I wanted to take a picture of a plane that flies not so high and was very well visible, but no, the application froze, the image was displayed but the buttons were not pressed, I had to log in, by the time I entered the application the plane had already left. In general, the application is fire, but these bugs need to be fixed. Most likely, I will cancel the subscription and buy the procam app. ### 3/5 — Fjorden integration is broken *2025-06-08, version 2025.2* The app does not react to interactions with Fjorden as expected — settings doesn’t change behavior in any way Things like continuous zoom and loupe remains active despite being turned off Wheel doesn’t change any settings except for exposure ### 2/5 — Link detailing premium features does not exist *2025-06-06, version 2025.2* After downloading the app, I had difficulty in navigating round the software. I was trying to find out what was included in the premium package but I was taken all over the place. Eventually I managed to find what was included in the premium package and the price. I uninstalled the app immediately, the ReeFlex app is better and much cheaper as you can by a lifetime subscription which works out about the same price as the annual price for Obscura. ### 2/5 — Nice look, not good performance 🙁 *2025-06-02, version 2025.2* For starters this app has two deal breakers. First and foremost it freezes every several minutes - UI works but viewfinder is black or displaying last random frame. Second the pro mode is half backed, unusable for me - I set custom WB, shutter speed, take a photos then I exit app, do something else. When I launch app again all my settings are gone, everything is back to auto. At this time I stopped checking rest features because two above are completely deal breakers. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Forced to pay *2026-04-10, version 2025.12* Not worth it ### 1/5 — 拍照 *2026-01-21, version 2025.12* 真的不實用（勿受騙） ### 1/5 — No Free Tier, no support *2026-01-10, version 2025.12* There is no accessible free tier, I’m taken to the upgrade screen, with no way to get to the camera controls. Also the support link next to the review button leads to a page not found error screen. ### 1/5 — Where is support? *2026-01-02, version 2025.12* Emailed twice, ignored. Camera shoots whatever it wants despite what settings you choose. Need to shoot raw, can't have random mode. Needs to be more stable and the dev needs to care ### 1/5 — Abzocke *2025-11-09, version 2025.11* Hatte Lifetime gekauft und soll für die neue Version wieder voll bezahlen. Finger weg! ### 1/5 — Cannot save well focussed pictures… *2025-09-06, version 2025.7* …maybe it is me but the pictures I am saving only have low resolution and never look as good as in the view finder. I tried to change several settings but nothing worked :-( Not worth the money I spent! Wish I could get my money back… ### 1/5 — Worse app ever *2025-07-14, version 2025.3* Terrible unable to use due to black screen ### 1/5 — Un fiasco *2025-07-08, version 2025.3* Cada vez que intento cambiar entre foto y video la app se traba y tengo que reiniciarla, a veces más de dos veces, si no puedes desarrollar un firmware que funcione correctamente con el sistema de un dispositivo, no lo lances, estamos hablando que tengo un iPhone 16 pro, que debería funcionar con lo que sea, puedo jugar un Resident Evil 4 Remake a 4K, gráficos de RE Engine, fluido, sin lag, sin ni siquiera calentar de más el equipo, ¿y no puedo hacer un video en tu app?, exijo que me reembolsen mi compra por tu suscripción. ### 1/5 — Abzocke *2025-07-07, version 2025.3* Trotz bezahlten Abonnement wird bei der versuchter Nutzung der App angezeigt das kein Abo besteht. Der Button „Käufe wiederherstellen“ funktioniert auch nicht. ### 1/5 — Full of bugs *2025-06-27, version 2025.2* It looked promising but then it completely blacks out the camera in both photo and video mode. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Best photography app I’ve used – Incredible interface and features! *2025-12-30, version 2025.12* I’ve been using Obscura for a short time now, and I’m already impressed by the level of detail. The interface is professional, unique, and very intuitive for photography. One of my favorite features is the level indicator—having the exact degree number in the center is incredibly helpful for getting the perfect shot. Also, the face tracking for focus is excellent and makes shooting people much more reliable. While I haven't found a ProRes option for video yet, it’s not a problem for me. I use the Blackmagic Cam app for heavy video work, and for quick, high-quality clips, Obscura or the stock camera app are more than enough. Overall, for photography, this is hands down the best app I’ve ever used. Highly recommended! ### 5/5 — Love it *2025-10-20, version 2025.10* Please add Liquid Glass to the controls, i just don’t get it why it isn’t already there ### 5/5 — Professional Features, Easy to Use *2025-07-12, version 2025.3* As an educator, I love using Obscura Pro to demonstrate advanced photography techniques. The clean interface and powerful tools make it perfect for classroom workshops. ideal for STEM projects. Students can experiment with manual camera settings, lighting, and depth of field, making learning interactive and fun. ### 5/5 — It’s all in the details *2025-05-10, version 2025.2* Wow! So far so good. I’m just working the trial version. I’m a novice and love to take photos. I usually shoot many and hope for one. This app has it all. At first it seems overwhelming to someone like me who doesn’t understand photo lingo. But when you realize this author has taken the time to detail not only the app from top to bottom he also explains the camera and its functionalities in depth along the way. Follow in sequence and you will find this application to be well organized and well worth the subscription fee. I have not mastered enhanced photography yet but thanks to auto mode I can continue to learn while I snap away. Bonus factor! Video is available. ### 5/5 — Superb Application *2025-04-10, version 2024.10* I’m using Obscure since couple of months. I must say this application is much superior in terms of photo quality and color accuracy. The stock camera has few limitations which this app fulfils effortlessly ### 5/5 — Excellent Camera App ( with some improvements suggestions) *2025-02-22, version 2024.10* This is a really full featured app with plenty of advanced control to enable a photographer to really take good photos instead of just good looking snapshots (although this also possible when using the basic “Camera” function. The one area of improvement for a future version is: “allow the user to choose the compression level for JPEG and HEIC format files, up to 100% ( no loss) quality. Also, the precision when moving exposure reticle must be improved (the finger should be over or very close to the reticle when moving it) ### 5/5 — Love it *2025-01-24, version 2024.10* Not only is all the camera controls from any dslr camera but they make them to where they can be tweaked just how you like them. Personalize your appearance, and they have not only a pride theme but a trans theme too which I was excited about. All in all I love the app. Best bang for buck ### 5/5 — すごい使いやすい *2025-01-18, version 2024.10* 通常のカメラよりもっと遠くのものが撮れた使っててたのしかった！ ### 5/5 — 1st impression. *2024-12-29, version 2024.10* in 1 word: wow… i love the zoom dial, everything is so smooth & easy to use, the grid/crosshairs & the gyroscope are a nice touch. very well made app. i can’t wait to see the bonus features… ### 5/5 — Excelent *2024-12-28, version 2024.10* One of the best applications for photography! --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-10.*