Comparison

RZ Timecode Calculator vs HDRI Prep

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

Head to head
About

RZ Timecode Calculator

This tool assists with timecode calculations for video editing and animation. It's designed for field use when built-in editing software functions are not readily available. A simple and useful utility for creative professionals.

Highlights
  • Timecode calculations
  • Video editing assistance
  • Animation support
  • Field use utility
  • Simple interface
Features
Read full description

I used to have a calculator called the FrameMaster. It was wonderful and useful for video editing and animation. Now this function is pretty much built in to the editing apps. However, you may find yourself in the field needing to do some simple timecode calculations, and then, THIS IS APP YOUR BEST FRIEND!

About

HDRI Prep

This utility helps visual effects professionals create HDRI bracketing sets for RICOH THETA 360 cameras. It allows for quick definition, organization, and reuse of bracket settings, streamlining on-set workflows for HDR photography.

Highlights
  • Define custom bracket sets (3-19 photos, 1-3 stops apart)
  • Set Aperture, ISO, and Color Temperature for all photos at once
  • Define Center Shutter Speed to extend exposures
  • Name, organize, and reorder brackets by show
  • Duplicate and move bracket sets between shows
  • View photos read directly from the camera
  • Quickly adjust camera speaker volume and auto-sleep time
Features
Read full description

Build a library of HDRI exposure brackets for your RICOH THETA V, Z1 or X, and fire them off on set in seconds. The THETA can shoot multi-exposure brackets, but setting them up in the official app is slow, and you can't save them to reuse later. HDRI Prep fixes that. Set up a bracket once, name it, file it under your show, and call it up whenever the lighting calls for it. BUILD BRACKETS THE WAY YOU THINK • Choose 3 to 19 photos, 1 to 3 stops apart. No need to set each exposure by hand. • Pick a center shutter speed, and the bracket spreads evenly above and below it. • Set aperture, ISO and color temperature for the whole bracket at once. Choices are limited to what your camera can actually do. ORGANIZED FOR PRODUCTION • Name brackets, group them by show, drag to reorder, and copy or move them between shows. • Each bracket is tinted by its color temperature, so tungsten and daylight setups stand out at a glance. ON SET • Live View, flat or as a 360° view you can drag around, to check the frame before you shoot. • A shot counter and timer while the bracket runs, and Cancel if you need to stop. • View the photos from that bracket the moment it finishes. • Browse the camera's photos, inspect them full screen or in 360°, share them to Photos, Files or AirDrop, or delete them from the camera. • Find nearby THETAs and join their Wi-Fi from the app. Cameras you've used are remembered. • Adjust the camera's shutter volume and sleep delay. TRY IT WITHOUT A CAMERA Demo Mode loads sample 360° brackets so you can explore every feature before you plug in a THETA. Works on iPhone, iPad and iPhone Duo, and includes a built-in Manual. GOOD TO KNOW • HDRI Prep connects over the camera's own Wi-Fi (the camera's access-point mode). • Shutter volume and sleep delay are saved to the camera itself, so they stay set even when HDRI Prep isn't running. • HDRI Prep focuses on bracketing. It isn't a replacement for the official THETA app, which works well alongside it. Built by a VFX artist for VFX artists. If "HDRI" and "THETA" mean something to you, this was made for you. HDRI Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by RICOH. RICOH THETA is a trademark of Ricoh Company, Ltd. Site and Privacy Policy: https://squirrelfx.llc/hdri-prep.html

Screenshots

RZ Timecode Calculator4 screens
HDRI Prep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: RZ Timecode Calculator at Free against HDRI Prep's $9.99. RZ Timecode Calculator also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

RZ Timecode Calculator is free to download; HDRI Prep costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RZ Timecode Calculator ships an update every 10 months, HDRI Prep every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
RZ Timecode Calculator versus HDRI Prep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRZ Timecode CalculatorHDRI Prep
PriceFree — better$9.99
Rating1.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 10 monthsEvery 9 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRobert L ZimmelmanSquirrel FX LLC

Customer experience

RZ Timecode Calculator

All ratings2 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

HDRI Prep

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

RZ Timecode Calculator

No in-app purchases

None

HDRI Prep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RZ Timecode Calculator free?
RZ Timecode Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is HDRI Prep free?
HDRI Prep costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do RZ Timecode Calculator or HDRI Prep have ads?
Neither RZ Timecode Calculator nor HDRI Prep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, RZ Timecode Calculator or HDRI Prep?
RZ Timecode Calculator ships an update every 10 months, and HDRI Prep every 9 months. Most recently, RZ Timecode Calculator was updated on September 16, 2026 and HDRI Prep on October 24, 2026.

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