Magic Canonic ViewFinder vs Creative Light Studios
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Magic Canonic ViewFinder
This tool simulates the field of view for various camera and lens combinations, aiding filmmakers in preproduction by providing a precise framing preview. It allows users to select cameras, adjust focal lengths, and apply color presets to visualize final shots.
- Precise framing preview
- Simulates camera/lens field of view
- Supports various camera models
- Adjustable focal length
- Color preset (LUT) application
- Capture reference images/videos
- Lock exposure and focus
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Magic Canonic ViewFinder presents you 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 digital cameras or lens and can help thousands of professionals in filmmaking at the preproduction. PLEASE READ: this app does not turn your Apple device into an external monitor, but operates as a stand-alone director's viewfinder. 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: Full Frame (in both photo mode 3:2 and video mode 16:9) - EOS-1D X Mark II - EOS 5D Mark IV, III, II, I - EOS 1D C, 5DS, 5DS R, 6D APS-C cropped sensor (photo mode 3:2 / video mode 16:9) - EOS 7D M II and I, 80D, 77D (9000D), Rebel T7i (800D), etc - EOS M6 / M5 / M10 / M3 - EOS C100, C300, C500, C300 MkII - XA10, XF100 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 lets you apply color presets (aka LUTs) to the live picture, which brings you even closer to the final shot. You may capture the image or video for future reference, with additional data like the focal length, date/time and camera / lens information. While capturing, you may lock exposure and turn on/off AF to better control the captured picture. You can turn on the AF mode, or lock the focus temporarily. You can also tap the live screen to focus on particular objects. 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. 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 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 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 Privacy Policy: http://dev.kadru.net/privacy_policy/Privacy_Policy_Magic_CaNiLu_ViewFinder.html
Creative Light Studios
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This app is for the valued clients of Creative Light Studios. Download photos, post to social media, update listing details, get links, print marketing materials, check your photo shoot appointments, place new orders, pay order balances and more!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Creative Light Studios at none against Magic Canonic ViewFinder's 2. Creative Light Studios also leads on ads (none vs shown). Magic Canonic ViewFinder's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.1). On price 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
Both are free to download. Magic Canonic ViewFinder sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Creative Light Studios asks for nothing beyond the download.
Magic Canonic ViewFinder ships an update monthly, Creative Light Studios every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Magic Canonic ViewFinder | Creative Light Studios |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (50 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 50 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 21 MB | 30 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Roman Medvid | Creative Light Studios LLC |
In-app purchases
Magic Canonic ViewFinder
- Premium features: subscription1 Month trial$1.491 Month
- Premium features: purchase$4.99
Creative Light Studios
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Magic Canonic ViewFinder free?
Is Creative Light Studios free?
Do Magic Canonic ViewFinder or Creative Light Studios have ads?
Which is updated more often, Magic Canonic ViewFinder or Creative Light Studios?
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