# Simple HDR

> Capture bracketed 360° images for HDR landscapes and visual effects. (iPhone/iPad app by Built Light.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-hdr/id1035541353 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Built Light](https://appshunter.io/developer/1035541352)
- Category: Photo & Video, Graphics & Design
- Price: $9.99
- Rating: 2.70/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.0 · 2 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2015-09-21
- Data updated: 2026-06-11
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-hdr/id1035541353/reviews.md

## What is Simple HDR?

NOTE: A Ricoh Theta camera is required to use Simple HDR. We support the Ricoh Theta m15 and Ricoh Theta S models.

Simple HDR is the easy way to quickly capture a full set of bracketed 360° images. You can use these images to create beautiful 360° landscapes, or to capture light maps or reflection maps for use in visual effects or video games.

Unlike other HDR apps, we remove the complexity from this process and give you just two great options to choose from. We did our research, took hundreds of test images, and found the options that let you get the most out of the Ricoh Theta’s capabilities.

Choose our Auto setting to quickly capture three 360° images, covering a range of 5 stops in just 15 seconds. This should be enough light data to capture most indoor or mixed lighting scenes.

Or you can choose our Pro setting to take up to 7 shots, covering a range of 12 stops. This setting is ideal for outdoor scenes in bright daylight.

When you’re done shooting, you can use Photoshop or your favorite HDR tool to create beautiful landscapes, lighting maps, or reflection maps.

Make 360° HDR images quickly and easily with Simple HDR.

## Key features

- Capture bracketed 360° images
- Create 360° landscapes
- Generate light maps
- Generate reflection maps
- Auto capture setting (3 shots, 5 stops)
- Pro capture setting (7 shots, 12 stops)

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-hdr/id1035541353/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Warning: the app doesn’t connect

*2019-04-23, version 2.1.1*

I found this app when I was looking for a simpler way to make hdri images for my 3d work. The creator had a great, albeit 2 year old post, about it.
So I bought a theta s and downloaded the app. It won’t connect. 
The Ricoh app does connect and control the camera, so I know it is not a bad board on the camera.
An email to the developer has not received response.
If they do reach out, I will happily edit this review. But at this point, I am out $10 for an app that was DOA.

### 1/5 — Won’t connect

*2019-04-19, version 2.1.1*

Refuses to connect to camera. Also, the charge was for $11, not $9.99.

### 5/5 — Simple and reliable - what more could you ask for?

*2018-09-26, version 2.1.1*

This is a great app, perfect for when you just need to get the job done without worrying about settings. It couldn't be simpler to use. Worth every penny.

### 1/5 — Doesn’t work with IOS 12

*2018-09-22, version 2.1.1*

Can’t connect with the camera...

### 5/5 — Nice simple app

*2018-09-22, version 2.1.1*

This is a nice simple app that takes a range of pictures which you can then use to create an HDR. Just wish they’d upgrade to the theta V, or open source the code so others could do it.

### 4/5 — Simple HDR - review

*2016-07-24, version 2.1.1*

I ran a few tests and it works great at first for creating quick HDR rigs to be used in 3D for lighting. However, on my last couple tries the 'pro' setting does not shoot all 6 photos... Sometimes 4 sometimes 5. Not sure why but if they fix that this app will be fantastic!

### 2/5 — It does not create an HDR image, it only shoots in exposure brackets

*2016-05-12, version 2.1.1*

I was confused by this app, but soon realized after re-reading the description that his only takes a few under and over exposed images, but it does NOT edit them in the app.  

You must export the images and edit them in a separate HDR image editor (photoshop, photomatix, etc.).  There are other free and inexpensive alternatives that do the shooting AND editing automatically.

### 4/5 — Very cool...if touch have a theta, of course

*2016-02-28, version 2.0.1*

Nicely affordable Theta HDR app. If you need such a thing...you know who you are...this does a great job compared to more expensive alternatives. 

You have to trust that they've kicked their cameras around a got the settings right...and so far it seems they have. The settings are very simple...no manual controls. But once again, if they've hit the sweet spot, great. 

Drop the files into something like Photomatix on the desktop, and you have a nice HDR for CG work. 

Also, a really good looking app. Clean.

### 5/5 — The only app for Ricoh Theta!

*2015-10-06, version 1.0*

Unlocks the true potential of Ricoh Theta. Clean interface and even my father could use it and he still uses a Nokia 6310!

## Frequently asked questions about Simple HDR

### What cameras are compatible with Simple HDR?

Simple HDR is designed to work exclusively with Ricoh Theta m15 and Ricoh Theta S cameras. A Ricoh Theta camera is required to use the app's features.

### How much does Simple HDR cost?

Simple HDR is a paid application priced at $9.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscriptions required after the initial purchase.

### What are the capture settings in Simple HDR?

Simple HDR offers two settings: Auto captures three 360° images across 5 stops in 15 seconds, suitable for most indoor scenes. Pro captures up to 7 shots across 12 stops, ideal for bright outdoor scenes.

### Can I create 360° HDR images with Simple HDR?

Yes, Simple HDR allows you to quickly capture bracketed 360° images that can then be processed in other HDR tools like Photoshop to create beautiful 360° landscapes.

### What is the update frequency for Simple HDR?

The app was last updated on January 12, 2024, with version 2.2.0. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, this indicates ongoing support.

### What is the age rating for Simple HDR?

Simple HDR has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. It is available on iPhone and iPod devices.

### Does Simple HDR have ads?

No, Simple HDR does not contain advertisements. As a paid application, it provides an ad-free experience for its users.

### What can the captured 360° images be used for?

The bracketed 360° images captured by Simple HDR can be used to create stunning 360° landscapes, or as light maps and reflection maps for visual effects and video games.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.2.0 — 2024-01-12

Under the hood, we have updated the tools we use to track crashes and monitor app performance.

### 2.1.1 — 2016-04-18

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

# Theta m15 bug fix
This build addresses a bug that could cause a crash when trying to connect to the Theta m15.

### 2.1 — 2016-04-14

## Improved pro mode for Theta S
We've updated the logic for the Theta S pro mode. This means that in some cases, Simple HDR can capture additional exposures to give you the widest possible range of brightness values.

## More informative error messages
If you use multiple apps to communicate with your Theta, the camera can sometimes give us an error when connecting or capturing an image sequence. If you run into this situation, our more detailed error messages will make it easier to solve the problem and get back to shooting.

### 2.0.1 — 2016-02-25

## Now with 97% fewer crashes!
We’ve been studying crash reports as they come in, and we found that the vast majority of crashes were caused by a problem with the way the Theta S reports the shutter speed it uses to capture an image. We’ve implemented a workaround that eliminates the problem.

## Improved cancellation behavior
With both the Theta S and Theta m15, there were cases where the interface did not respond for quite a while after the user tapped the cancel button. We’ve changed the way we handle cancellation to make it much more responsive.

### 2.0 — 2016-02-11

Simple HDR now supports the Ricoh Theta S!

With the Theta S you'll be able to easily capture great HDR image sequences in an even wider variety of lighting conditions. Its support for longer exposure times means you can get even more shadow detail in dark scenes. And the higher resolution camera with an improved lens means your images will look better than ever.

The best part about the update is that we kept the simple user interface you already know. You can use Simple HDR as you always have, and it will automatically detect which camera is connected. We can’t wait to see what you do with it.

## Apps similar to Simple HDR

| App | Rating | Price | Category |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [VS Cam Track](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vs-cam-track/id6479907894) | — | Free | Photo & Video |
| [Storytelling XR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/storytelling-xr/id1624983642) | — | Free | Photo & Video |
| [Mergius: HDR Photo & Tone map](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mergius-hdr-photo-and-tone-map/id6749581377) | — | Free | Photo & Video |
| [the VFX screen](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-vfx-screen/id6642705803) | — | Free | Photo & Video |
| [HDRI Prep](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hdri-prep/id1616103466) | — | $9.99 | Photo & Video |
| [Screen Forge](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/screen-forge/id6480420930) | — | Free | Photo & Video |

## Related topics

[ricoh theta hdr](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/ricoh-theta-hdr)

---

*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 2026-06-11.*
