# PinholeCam — Pinhole/long exposure camera

> Simulates long exposure pinhole camera effects with manual control. (iPhone/iPad app by LC Studio.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinholecam/id613960269 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [LC Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/479319948)
- Category: Photo & Video
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 3.70/5 from 14 App Store ratings · 17 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 10 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-10-12
- Data updated: 2026-08-25
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinholecam/id613960269/reviews.md

## What is PinholeCam?

Note: Version 3 is a complete rewrite of the app. The simulation will not be exactly the same as older versions, and it is still evolving so watch for updates. Some features are limited for now. Feedback is welcome!

Pinhole uses a unique method to simulate the long exposure times of a pinhole camera. It does not just simulate the distortion and visual effects, it gradually exposes the scene over time like a real pinhole camera allowing effects not achievable in other “pinhole” apps or regular camera apps.

Unlike a real pinhole camera, all photos are automatically exposed correctly no matter the exposure time. 

It can optionally simulate the vignetting and/or edge light bleed typical of pinhole cameras. 

Exposure time can be set to one of several presets, or it can controlled manually for shorter or longer exposures.

At any point, choose an “emphasis” image that will dominate the final output--use this to freeze a moving item in the shot (this feature is experimental and the outcome varies widely based on the scene).

Saves directly to your camera roll. Load images to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Instagram, Camera+, etc. from there.

Note: the simulation is very memory-intensive, especially on long exposures. For the best stability please close other apps and disable networking to prevent incoming calls and push notifications (put it in “Airplane Mode”). For best results, plug in your phone before beginning a long exposure. 

On the "infinity" time setting, it will run until you stop it manually, it crashes, or the algorithm used runs out of memory. It will attempt to close the shutter prior to crashing due to running out of memory, but it's not always possible to catch this. Your mileage may vary -- if you're considering taking an important long-duration shot, plan ahead and run a test on the device you'll be using.

A note about the simulation accuracy: Pinhole does not have infinite depth-of-field like a real pinhole camera. The primary way this app simulates a pinhole camera is by allowing for very long exposures and simulating the visual effects. The simulation is as close as the hardware allows. Since an iOS device's camera has a lens, it is not possible to simulate a lens-less camera perfectly. If I could bypass the physical limitations of the hardware, I'd be filing patents for the technique and making a lot more money than I do selling an app. :) If this is critical to you, use a real pinhole camera or choose scenes where depth of field effects are not apparent.

## Key features

- Long exposure simulation
- Manual exposure control
- Vignetting simulation
- Edge light bleed simulation
- Emphasis image selection
- Direct saving to camera roll
- Social media sharing

## Recent user reviews (10 of 17)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pinholecam/id613960269/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Unique

*2026-07-22*

What a unique and easy to use app. It’s as close to a pinhole camera as one can get in a smartphone format

### 1/5 — Disappointing

*2024-10-30*

The app forgets the settings you previously set.  So if you want black and white you have to fiddle each time. And if you pick an emphasis frame it still overlays colour.   Regretting purchase, there really should be a trial period.

### 4/5 — It’s a Pinhole camera!!!

*2023-12-12*

You cannot apply the same criteria to a camera that, instead of a lens, has an opening the size of a PINHOLE. 
It’s a fun, simple and different approach to making pictures. 
It’s meant to recreate cameras that were used 150 years ago. 
Work with it, have fun with it, be patient with it!!
It is not a Leica!!

### 2/5 — Too much digital banding for my taste

*2022-08-09*

Bought this a day or so ago to try it out. I like the interface and the settings panel, but even in broad daylight there’s too much banding and digital artifacts present in the images for them to look pinhole-esque. Glad the price was only a buck. Hope the quality improves in subsequent versions.

### 1/5 — Crashes a lot

*2021-12-02*

Could be really good but crashes every ten seconds.

### 5/5 — This is a big improvement

*2020-01-24*

With the latest fixes this is an outstanding app. 

What would make it phenomenal? The ability to control just the shutter from an Apple Watch.

### 1/5 — Blur Filter

*2019-08-18*

Dass ein Verzerrungsfilter angesetzt wird zeigt das Fotografieren mit Stativ. Es soll damit die lange Belichtungszeit und eine Bewegungsunschärfe simuliert werden. Will man das nicht, verliert man hier gnadenlos alle gewünschten Filter. Die App ist damit an und für sich nutzlos. Sowas kann man auch mit anderen, günstigen Apps realisieren, die keine künstliche Bewegungsunschärfe in das Bild zwingen. Bin etwas enttäuscht von der App.

### 5/5 — Brilliant App with fantastic results

*2018-01-21*

I bought this app as it appeared to be different to the hundreds of other camera apps out there. My experience with it is great as it creates something which no other camera app will. Especially suited to black and white images, I think the results are excellent. Almost all the photos I have taken have come out blurred, but that is the appeal to me, something different, creating a certain atmosphere you can’t with a standard camera app. Well done and thank you to the developer/team that came up with the idea.

### 1/5 — Endlich das Update 😄 für iPhone 7 plus

*2018-01-03*

Jetzt kann fotografiert werden. Mehr Sterne ⭐️ ggf. später 😊

### 1/5 — Pinhole2

*2017-03-29*

Downloaded doesn't work on iPhone7plus. Erased and downloaded again won't work. Any idea?

## Frequently asked questions about PinholeCam

### What is PinholeCam?

PinholeCam simulates the long exposure effects of a pinhole camera, offering unique visual styles not found in regular camera apps. It allows for gradual exposure over time and can simulate effects like vignetting and light bleed.

### How does PinholeCam simulate a pinhole camera?

PinholeCam simulates the long exposure capabilities and visual effects of a pinhole camera. While it cannot perfectly replicate a lens-less camera due to hardware limitations, it focuses on achieving long exposures and characteristic visual distortions.

### Can I control the exposure time in PinholeCam?

Yes, you can select from several preset exposure times or control it manually for shorter or longer exposures. The 'infinity' setting allows the exposure to run until manually stopped or until the app encounters memory issues.

### Does PinholeCam have ads?

No, PinholeCam does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application that offers its features without interruption from ads.

### What devices is PinholeCam compatible with?

PinholeCam is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It requires iOS 4.3 or later and is compatible with devices running iOS 4.3 and above.

### How often is PinholeCam updated?

The latest version, 3.2.0, was released on July 7, 2020. The app is still evolving, and users are encouraged to watch for future updates as the simulation is continuously being improved.

### What is the price of PinholeCam?

PinholeCam is available for a one-time purchase of $0.99. This price grants you access to all the features of the app.

### What are the system requirements for PinholeCam?

PinholeCam is memory-intensive, especially for long exposures. For optimal stability, it is recommended to close other apps, disable networking (put your device in Airplane Mode), and plug in your phone before starting a long exposure.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.2.0 — 2020-07-07

- Added file format and quality (if applicable) choices

### 3.1.0 — 2020-07-05

- Added resolution choice, including new "small", 1080p, and 4k support. The 1080p and 4k sizes will expose more slowly and will be more resource-intensive.
- Fixed a few graphical glitches in the UI.
- Minor optimizations and code updates.

### 3.0.0 — 2020-07-01

This is a complete rewrite of the app. The simulation will not be exactly the same as older versions, and it is still evolving so watch for updates. Some features, notably resolution choices, are limited for now. Feedback is welcome!

### 2.3.1 — 2018-01-06

- iOS11 and latest devices supported
- Fix for iPhone 7/8 Plus crashes
- Minor code refresh

### 2.3 — 2018-01-02

- iOS11 and latest devices supported
- Fix for iPhone 7/8 Plus crashes

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## More apps by LC Studio

- [TouchNumbers Flash Cards](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/touchnumbers-flash-cards/id479319945)

All apps by LC Studio: https://appshunter.io/developer/479319948

## Related topics

[pinholecam](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pinholecam) · [silverlog pinhole](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/silverlog-pinhole) · [pinhole](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pinhole) · [pinhole assist](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/pinhole-assist)

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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 2026-08-25.*