# OptimumCS — Optimum Camera Settings Calc

> Calculates optimal camera settings for maximum image sharpness in photography. (iPhone/iPad app by George Douvos.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimumcs/id395931671 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [George Douvos](https://appshunter.io/developer/395931674)
- Category: Photo & Video, Utilities
- Price: $2.99
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 8 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2010-10-08
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimumcs/id395931671/reviews.md

## What is OptimumCS?

OptimumCS is an innovative tool for professional and enthusiast photographers seeking maximum image sharpness. Particularly designed for landscape, architectural, travel and any other photography where maximum sharpness over a large depth of field is required, OptimumCS calculates the camera settings that minimize the combined effects of defocus blur and diffraction in order to achieve the sharpest photographs the laws of physics will allow.

If we shoot at too wide an aperture, we lose image resolution due to defocus blur (the blurring of objects in front of and behind our focus distance); at too narrow an aperture, we lose out due to diffraction (the spreading out of light when it passes through small openings). So we need to know, for the scene we’ve composed and the lens we’re using, what the optimum aperture is. And what the optimum focus distance is. This is where OptimumCS comes in.

The OptimumCS approach is quite different from practices based on the international depth of field standard.
From Carl Zeiss, one of the world’s most respected lens makers:

* The international depth of field standard, the basis for all camera lens manufacturers to calculate their depth of field scales . . . dates back from a time when image quality was severely limited by the films available.

* Those who use depth of field scales . . . and formulas (e. g. for hyperfocal settings), restrict themselves – most probably without knowing why – to the image quality potential of an average pre-World-War-II emulsion.

(Camera Lens News No. 1, http://www.zeiss.com/cln)
In standard practice, the goal is finding the largest aperture that will provide minimally acceptable sharpness on relatively small prints. That was a perfectly understandable goal back in the 1930s, when film was slow, but photography has moved on since then. Now, OptimumCS brings things into the modern era.

The difference between the results of standard practice and the results of OptimumCS’s optimal approach is not a trivial one — you can, in some circumstances, lose half or more of your potential image sharpness by doing things the old way.

Importantly, OptimumCS works the way photographers work, so the creative process remains perfectly natural:
1) Compose.
2) Decide which are the nearest and furthest elements in the photograph that need to be sharp.
3) In OptimumCS, simply input their distances, along with the focal length of your lens.
OptimumCS displays the focus distance and aperture that will give the sharpest possible image, along with an indication of how sharp it will actually be.
4) Simply set your camera as indicated and shoot.

OptimumCS’s intuitive operation and instant results are geared towards the needs of creative professionals and enthusiasts who don’t want their tools to get in the way of their work or their art. And, since OptimumCS is based on solid, empirically tested optical science, photographers can have full confidence in the results.

## Key features

- Calculates optimal aperture and focus distance
- Minimizes defocus blur and diffraction
- Designed for landscape, architectural, and travel photography
- Intuitive workflow for creative professionals
- Based on empirically tested optical science

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimumcs/id395931671/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Awful.

*2013-04-20, version 1.5*

It took longer for me to download this app than it did to decide to delete it. Keep that $4 and get yourself a taco.

### 5/5 — Nice

*2013-02-18, version 1.5*

Nice

### 2/5 — Works in a broad sense

*2012-03-07, version 1.4*

But not fine enough for portrait work.  I want 6" at 10' not 4'!  Would be nice to work back from f/stop also.

### 5/5 — Pro

*2012-02-12, version 1.3*

Just great.

### 5/5 — Very good!

*2011-03-28, version 1.1*

Takes into account diffraction. Neat interface. Works well.

### 4/5 — Handy but needs LF values.

*2011-02-24, version 1.1*

Very nice and easy to use.  I love the extension from the exposure to the print.  Unfortunately, it doesn't support large format photography.

## Frequently asked questions about OptimumCS

### What is OptimumCS?

OptimumCS is a tool for photographers that calculates the optimal camera settings to achieve maximum image sharpness. It helps photographers determine the best aperture and focus distance for their scene and lens, considering factors like defocus blur and diffraction.

### How does OptimumCS differ from standard depth of field calculations?

OptimumCS utilizes an approach that moves beyond the older international depth of field standard, which was based on the limitations of pre-World-War-II film emulsions. It aims to achieve the full sharpness potential of modern digital photography.

### What types of photography is OptimumCS best suited for?

OptimumCS is particularly designed for landscape, architectural, and travel photography, or any genre where achieving maximum sharpness over a large depth of field is crucial for the final image quality.

### How do I use OptimumCS?

The process is designed to be natural for photographers. You compose your shot, identify the nearest and furthest elements that need to be sharp, input their distances and your lens's focal length into OptimumCS, and then set your camera according to the indicated focus distance and aperture.

### What devices does OptimumCS support?

OptimumCS is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, making it accessible for a wide range of Apple mobile users.

### What is the price of OptimumCS?

OptimumCS is a paid application, available for a one-time purchase of $2.99. This provides full access to its features without any recurring fees or in-app purchases.

### When was OptimumCS last updated?

The latest version of OptimumCS, 3.1, was released on September 27, 2018. This indicates a history of development and refinement for the application.

### What is the age rating for OptimumCS?

OptimumCS has an age rating of 4+, meaning it is suitable for users of all ages. This reflects its straightforward and educational nature.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 3.1 — 2018-09-27

This is just a wee update to bring iOS 12 compatibility and support for the various new iPhone X models.
Don't forget all the Version 3.0 changes:
* The interface gets an even cleaner, more spacious look. Simply slide the pointers on the distance scale to set distances (the old slider “thumbs” are now gone). Note that you do not need to keep your finger on a pointer as you slide it — you can move your finger to the side as you slide, all the better to see where the pointer is pointing.
* There are also all manner of minor changes.
For a host of additional features (too numerous to list here) check out the "Pro" version, OptimumCS-Pro, here on the App Store.

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## More apps by George Douvos

- [OptimumCS-Pro](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimumcs-pro/id437724859)
- [TrueDoF-Pro DoF Calculator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/truedof-pro-dof-calculator/id517481814)
- [TrueDoF-Intro DoF Calculator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/truedof-intro-dof-calculator/id519600295)
- [FocusStacker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusstacker/id648686483)

All apps by George Douvos: https://appshunter.io/developer/395931674

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*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 2026-06-10.*