Magic ARRI ViewFinder vs CropCamera
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Magic ARRI ViewFinder
This app simulates the field of view for ARRI digital cameras and lenses on your iPhone or iPad. It helps filmmakers preview exact framing and lens focal lengths during pre-production, with options for color presets and saving shots.
- Precise framing preview
- ARRI digital camera simulation
- Lens focal length selection
- Aspect ratio frame guides
- Color preset (LUT) application
- Save framed shots with data
- Focus and exposure control
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Magic ARRI ViewFinder gives a precise framing preview for the real camera/lens combination you'll be shooting with, right where you stand with your iPhone / iPad. It simulates the field of view of ARRI digital cameras or lens and can help thousands of professionals in filmmaking at the preproduction. PLEASE READ: the app does not turn your Apple device into an external monitor but operates as a stand-alone tool. The app contains ad banners, which can be turned off with additional in-app purchase (in 'About the App' menu). The app is a digital directors viewfinder -- it helps you see the exact field of view for your future shot. Select the camera from the menu and rotate the wheel to select the focal length of the lens. Supported cameras / formats: - Alexa Classic / XT / SXT / LF / Amira - Sensor Mode 16:9 4:3 / 4:3 Cropped / Open Gate Magic ViewFinder simulates using tele adapters or anamorphic optics on your camera (see menu). From the menu you can also select the aspect ratio of the frame guide overlaying your image. Magic ViewFinder also lets you apply some commonly used color presets (also known as LUTs)to the live picture, which brings you even closer to the final shot. When you have found the right view, you may save it for future reference, with additional data like the focal length, date and time and camera / lens information. While taking a photo, you may lock exposure and turn on and off the auto focus to better control the captured picture. You can set camera to work in constant auto-focus mode, or lock the focus temporarily. You can also tap the live screen to focus on particular objects (which turns on the focus-locked mode). White balance may work in Auto, Locked or Manual mode. If the field of view of your real camera is wider than your in-device camera, the app adds 'padding' around the image, since the device cannot 'see' what is beyond. It is the best solution that we developed first amongst other viewfinder apps. Please note that position of your iPhone or iPad should correspond to the 'nodal point' of your real lens, which is somewhere in the middle of the lens. This point is, so to speak, the weighted center of the optics. Ad policy: The ads are designed to appear non-intrusively. Ads can be turned off (see below). Additional info about the app may be read at: http://dev.kadru.net/index.php/magic-viewfinder/ If you have any issues please email us for a quick support: dev@kadru.net To activate additional settings (i.e. to use all available optical adapters and frame guides) and to turn off advertising, please subscribe to (Option #1) or purchase Premium Features (Option #2) in 'About the App' menu. In-App Purchase Option #1: - Title of service: Premium features: subscription - Length of subscription: a month (auto-renewable) - Contents of service: Turned off ads and additional options for frame guides, optical adapters, anamorphic indices, more LUTs - Payment will be charged to iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period - Account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user’s Account Settings after purchase - Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable Terms of Use: http://dev.kadru.net/tos.html Privacy Policy: http://dev.kadru.net/privacy_policy/Privacy_Policy_Magic_CinemaPLUS_ViewFinder.html In-App Purchase Option #2: - Title of service: Premium features: purchase - Length of subscription: once and forever - Contents of service: Turned off ads and additional options for frame guides, optical adapters, anamorphic indices, more LUTs
CropCamera
Experience DSLR-like photography on your mobile device. Compose shots with a viewfinder, achieve natural bokeh with adjustable aperture, and fine-tune focus and framing after capture. Preview focal lengths and quickly launch the app to never miss a moment.
- Viewfinder shooting experience
- Adjustable aperture for bokeh
- Post-capture focus and framing adjustments
- Multiple focal length previews
- Quick app launch
- Support for various aspect ratios
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Turn Everyday Moments into Timeless Memories Frame everyday scenes and travel memories with your favorite composition and color, and transform each moment into something unforgettable. This camera app lets you shoot exactly as you see through a camera viewfinder. Crop your composition in real time and capture it with your own custom look—so your photos are ready the moment you press the shutter. No editing required. Features * Choose from multiple focal lengths (35mm equivalent*) as if you’re switching between prime lenses on a camera. * Select from four beautifully crafted filters: Std, B&W, Warm, and Cool. * Fine-tune the contrast, saturation, highlights, and shadows of each filter to create your own signature look. * Record video instantly by simply pressing the red REC button—no need to switch camera modes. * Capture Live Photos. * Adjust the aperture (f-stop) to create beautiful background blur. * Record videos in 4K or Full HD at 30 fps or 24 fps. * Turn HDR (High Dynamic Range) capture on or off. * Take photos with a silent shutter. * Save both your customized photo and the original unedited image at the same time (optional in Settings). How to Use 1. Select a focal length (35mm equivalent*). 2. Check the semi-transparent framing guide. * Double-tap the screen to zoom into the selected frame for a closer preview. 3. Compose your shot. 4. Tap the subject to lock focus. 5. Adjust the exposure (EV). 6. Press the shutter button. Notes * Photos are saved to Apple’s built-in Photos app. * This app does not include an image preview gallery. Please use the Photos app to view your captured photos. * Videos are always recorded in a 16:9 aspect ratio, regardless of the selected photo aspect ratio. * Photos are saved after being cropped to the selected frame. As a result, image resolution may be reduced at certain focal lengths. Please keep this in mind if you plan to print your photos. * Focal lengths are approximate 35mm-equivalent values and are provided for reference only.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Magic ARRI ViewFinder at Free against CropCamera's $2.99. Magic ARRI ViewFinder also leads on ratings volume (177 vs 1) and update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). CropCamera's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On review sentiment and device support 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
Magic ARRI ViewFinder is free to download; CropCamera costs $2.99 up front. Magic ARRI ViewFinder sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. CropCamera asks for nothing beyond the download.
CropCamera holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Magic ARRI ViewFinder has 177 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of Magic ARRI ViewFinder's written reviews are positive against 89% of CropCamera's.
Magic ARRI ViewFinder ships an update monthly, CropCamera every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Magic ARRI ViewFinder | CropCamera |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (177 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 85.7% of reviews | 88.9% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 177 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 12 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Roman Medvid | Shinji Nishijima |
Customer experience
Magic ARRI ViewFinder
CropCamera
In-app purchases
Magic ARRI ViewFinder
- Premium features: subscription1 Month trial$1.491 Month
- Premium features: purchase$4.99
CropCamera
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Magic ARRI ViewFinder free?
Is CropCamera free?
Which has better reviews, Magic ARRI ViewFinder or CropCamera?
Do Magic ARRI ViewFinder or CropCamera have ads?
Which is updated more often, Magic ARRI ViewFinder or CropCamera?
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