Comparison

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ vs Photon Camera

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+

This app offers a manual-first camera experience for photographers, providing granular control over exposure, focus, and white balance. Shoot in RAW, ProRAW, or JPG with advanced tools like histograms and clipping warnings for professional results.

Highlights
  • Manual exposure control (shutter, ISO)
  • RAW, ProRAW, and JPG shooting modes
  • Manual focus override
  • Custom white balance settings
  • RGB histogram and clipping warnings
  • Composition aids (grid, level)
Features
Read full description

RAW+ is a minimalist camera for purists and professionals and puts total creative control back into your hands with a streamlined, manual-first interface. Shoot in RAW, JPG or both simultaneously. RAW+ is ALWAYS manual exposure- shutter and ISO controls are always on screen and easily accessible via huge sliders(The aperture is fixed on the iPhone and thus not adjustable- but you knew that already). Manual focus override any time as well as custom white balance settings. Professional Imaging Pipeline- TrueRAW: Shoot pure, unadulterated RAW data with zero post-processing. ProRAW: Leverage Apple's fusion pipeline and high-dynamic-range enhancements. 48MP Support: Toggle maximum resolution for ProRAW on supported sensors and lenses. Manual Shutter Speed Manual ISO Manual Aperture Control- iPhone 18 Pro only Manual Focus Override: Take control of your focal plane at any moment. Custom White Balance: Choose from 8 presets or set a specific Kelvin value. Essential Tools- RGB Histogram: Monitor your color channels in real-time. Clipping Warnings: Live highlights and shadow overlays to prevent lost detail. Composition Aids: Integrated Grid and Level overlays for perfect framing. Format Flexibility: Support for RAW, ProRAW, and high-quality JPG. Compatibility- RAW Support: iPhone SE, 6s, and newer devices. ProRAW Support: iPhone 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and all subsequent Pro models. Terms of Service: dynamicappdesign.com/tos

About

Photon Camera

Transform your iPhone into a professional camera with full manual controls. Achieve DSLR-quality photos with advanced tools like focus peaking, live exposure, and RAW capture. Take creative control with AI processing options and a minimalist interface.

Highlights
  • Full manual control (ISO, shutter speed, white balance)
  • Focus peaking and focus loupe
  • Live exposure and histogram
  • RAW, ProRAW, HEIF, and JPEG capture
  • Adjustable AI processing (Process Control)
  • Minimalist and intuitive interface
  • Image browser with photo details
Features
Read full description

Turn your iPhone and iPad into a powerful photography tool with Photon Camera. Ideal for passionate enthusiasts and those venturing into professional photography, Photon Camera ensures DSLR-quality captures with every tap. DSLR-Quality Photos with Professional Features Photon Camera brings DSLR-quality photos to your iPhone and iPad with professional features for full manual control. Adjust focus, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and, on iPhone 18 Pro, aperture, to capture unbelievable images. The ultimate camera app for creative photographers. Minimalist, Intuitive Design Ditch the clutter and focus on your shot. Photon sports a sleek, minimalist design that puts essential features at your fingertips. Clearly labeled, high-contrast, easy-to-tap controls give you instant access to focus, exposure, and white balance, so you can capture the perfect shot every time. Powerful, Professional Tools Experience the best of professional photography on your iPhone and iPad. Photon Camera equips you with robust tools such as live exposure, histogram, level, a focus loupe, timer, exposure clipping, and focus peaking, ensuring you capture exactly what you want. A Native iPad Camera Photon is built for iPad. All your pro tools are there: manual controls, histogram, level, focus peaking, and loupe, with layouts designed for the larger screen. A dedicated editing sidebar gives your photos more room while keeping adjustments close at hand. Smart, Precise Editing Edit with the same precision you shoot with. Smart Selection lets you tap an object and adjust it independently: Photon detects its edges, so you can brighten your subject, cool the background, or give each its own look. Blur and Sharpen tools let you soften a background or bring out detail, across the whole image or just a selection. On iPad, a dedicated editing sidebar gives your photos more room while keeping adjustments close at hand. Smart Selection requires iOS 27. Take Creative Control with Process Control Go beyond the basics of RAW photography with Process Control. This innovative tool lets you select the level of AI processing applied to your photos on a scale from 0% to 100%. Whether you prefer unprocessed RAW purity, fully enhanced photos, or something in between, Process Control ensures your creative vision comes to life. Process Control photos open directly in the editor, ready for finishing touches. Seamless Image Browser Relive your memories in a swipe with our easy-to-use image browser. Browse through your recent captures, get detailed insights about each photo, move smoothly into the editor, and share or delete with a single tap. Why Choose Photon? Simple, clutter-free interface designed for focused photography A native camera experience on iPad Capture in any format you like, including True RAW, ProRAW, HEIF, JPEG, and JPEG XL (iPhone 16 Pro and later). Or combine RAW and non-RAW formats. Instant access to manual controls, including Best-on-iPhone focus tools and manual aperture on iPhone 18 Pro, also through Camera Control Smart Selection, Blur, and Sharpen for precise, targeted edits Professional tools like live exposure, histogram, level, focus peaking, loupe, timer, exposure clipping, reliable RAW burst shooting, and external storage (iPhone 15 Pro and later) A user-friendly image browser that doubles as your digital photo album Photon Studio companion app that shows a live preview as you shoot your photos! Free for all Photon Pro users. Join the community of aspiring photographers taking their iPhone and iPad photography to the next level with Photon. It is not just a camera; it is a tool to unleash your creative vision. Download now and start capturing the world around you in stunning detail. You can review terms of use at https://photon.cam/terms/.

Screenshots

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+4 screens
Photon Camera4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ at 59% against Photon Camera's 24%. Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ also leads on rating (4.4 vs 4.1) and ratings volume (2.4K vs 71). Photon Camera's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Photon Camera sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ has 2.4K ratings behind it against 71, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+'s written reviews are positive against 24% of Photon Camera's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ ships an update every 6 weeks, Photon Camera every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ versus Photon Camera: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterManual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+Photon Camera
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (2.4K ratings) — better4.1 (71 ratings)
Positive reviews59.2% of reviews — better24.2% of reviews
Number of ratings2.4K — better71
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB60 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDynamic App Design LLCLateNiteSoft S.L.

Customer experience

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+

All ratings2,390 ratings
Positive84.4%
Neutral4.0%
Negative11.6%
Written reviews520 reviews
Positive59.2%
Neutral9.8%
Negative31.0%

Photon Camera

All ratings71 ratings
Positive76.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative23.9%
Written reviews124 reviews
Positive24.2%
Neutral8.1%
Negative67.7%

User reviews

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+

From 2.4K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 High-quality RAW photos
  • 👍 Intuitive manual controls
  • 🚀 Powerful camera overhaul
  • 🚀 Easy to use
  • 👍 Great for photography enthusiasts

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and glitches
  • 🔒 Subscription model
  • 🐛 Unreliable file saving
  • 🐛 Inconsistent image quality
  • 🐛 Slow performance

Photon Camera

From 71 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Great camera controls
  • 👍 Intuitive interface
  • 🔋 Efficient battery usage
  • 💡 Direct USB storage option
  • 🚀 Fast and responsive

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and bugs
  • 💰 Expensive subscription model
  • 🔒 Lack of transparency around app ownership
  • 🔒 Concerns about developer trustworthiness
  • 🔍 Limited zoom and lens options

Bugs and requests

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Incorrect RAW file naming
  • Photos disappearing from gallery
  • Automatic photo capture
  • Exposure preview not matching final image

Requested features

8 requests
  • Zoom functionality
  • Longer shutter speed options
  • Larger focus preview window
  • Aperture control
  • Countdown timer
Show 3 more
  • Auto mode
  • Square aspect ratio
  • Flash support

Photon Camera

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Manual mode crashes
  • Inability to access external storage
  • Incompatibility with certain devices
  • Unreliable photo saving and syncing

Requested features

5 requests
  • Bracketed HDR mode
  • Customizable white balance controls
  • Landscape orientation support
  • Macro mode
  • Integration with other photo apps

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$4.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • RAW+ Premium Lifetime$19.99
3 purchases

Photon Camera

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
  • Yearly7 Days trial$19.991 Year
One-time1
  • One-time purchase$39.99

Questions

Is Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ free?
Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Photon Camera free?
Photon Camera is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ or Photon Camera?
Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ is rated higher. Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ averages 4.4 out of 5 from 2.4K ratings, while Photon Camera averages 4.1 from 71 ratings.
Do Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ or Photon Camera have ads?
Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ shows ads; Photon Camera does not.
Which is updated more often, Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ or Photon Camera?
Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ ships an update every 6 weeks, and Photon Camera every 3 weeks. Most recently, Manual Camera, Pro DSLR | RAW+ was updated on October 24, 2026 and Photon Camera on October 26, 2026.

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