Comparison

Luxilux Light Meter vs Aperture

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

Head to head
About

Luxilux Light Meter

This app functions as a portable light meter for photographers, especially those using film cameras without built-in meters. It allows for precise exposure readings, offers various shooting modes, and lets you save your settings with preview images.

Highlights
  • Average and spot metering
  • Aperture priority mode
  • Shutter priority mode
  • Manual exposure mode
  • Save exposure settings with photos
  • Customizable camera profiles
Read full description

You like using your old film camera but it doesn't have a built-in light meter? The built-in meter is broken or requires special batteries? With Luxilux you always have a light meter in your pocket. --- METERING --- Luxilux will take an average reading of the image you see in the preview. Specify the area for the meter reading even more accurately by zooming in or out. If your device has two or three back cameras, you can switch between them. You can also tap on points of interest to expose correctly for them. --- MODES --- Use Luxilux in aperture priority mode (Av) by choosing the ISO and aperture, and Luxilux will calculate the right shutter speed to get a proper exposure. Use it in shutter priority mode (Tv) by choosing the ISO and the shutter speed, and Luxilux will calculate the right aperture to get a proper exposure. Manual mode (M) lets you change all values and shows you how much they differ from the calculated optimal exposure. --- SAVE EXPOSURES --- Tap "Save" and the currently selected settings are saved alongside a preview image into your photo library. If you give location permission you can also save where the measurement was taken. You can view your saved photos in Luxilux or in the Photos app. --- PROFILES --- You can choose between full stops, half stops or third stops for ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Specify the minimum and maximum values that your combination of camera, lens and film supports. Save these settings in profiles so you can quickly recall them.

About

Aperture

This app helps film photographers achieve perfect exposure by calculating ideal aperture and shutter speed based on ISO. It also allows users to save reference photos with detailed metadata to document their creative process and settings.

Highlights
  • Accurate light metering for film ISO
  • Minimalist and intuitive design
  • Customizable aperture and shutter speed ranges
  • Reference photo album with metadata
  • Lens presets and user settings
  • Recommendations for shooting scenarios
Features
Read full description

Aperture - Light Meter: Simplifying Film Photography with Precision Aperture - Light Meter is a minimalist, intuitive tool designed to help film photographers achieve perfect exposure and document their creative process. By calculating the ideal aperture and shutter speed based on your film’s ISO sensitivity, the app ensures every shot is perfectly balanced. Featuring integrated Zone System metering, a continuous film frame counter, and a visual shot log gallery, Aperture makes it easy to track your rolls, evaluate contrast, and log settings for future analog projects. Key Features: Accurate Light Metering & Zone System: Compute precise aperture and shutter speed settings based on your film’s ISO sensitivity. Tap to measure specific target zones and pre-visualize contrast for maximum control over highlights and shadows. Continuous Film Frame Counter: Automatically track your roll from frame 0 to 36 as you shoot. Smart continuation allows manual roll extensions (e.g., frame 37+) for bulk-loaded or longer rolls, with frame numbers stamped on gallery thumbnails and photo details. Easily adjust or clear frame values with a native wheel selector. Reference Photo Album & Visual EXIF Log: Capture digital reference photos saved with complete exposure metadata (ISO, aperture, shutter speed, frame number, and date). Access a visual gallery to compare developed lab scans against original metering data. Minimalist & Intuitive Design: A clean, distraction-free interface crafted to perfection, allowing you to evaluate light and adjust settings without breaking your shooting rhythm. Customizable Ranges & Lens Presets: Match your camera setup with customizable aperture and shutter speed bounds, or select preset profiles for fast, macro, or long-exposure shooting scenarios. ISO Sensitivity Input: Dial in exact ISO values tailored to your specific 35mm or medium format film stock. Why Choose Aperture - Light Meter? Designed for Analog Shooters: Built specifically for manual film cameras, bridging the gap between analog workflow and digital logging tools. Crafted to Perfection: Fast, reliable, and distraction-free—no ads, trackers, or hidden subscriptions. Document & Refine Your Craft: Keep accurate frame-by-frame records so you know exactly how each exposure was calculated when your lab scans come back. Who Is This App For? 35mm and medium format photographers seeking high-precision exposure metering. Analog enthusiasts who want an effortless way to log film EXIF data and track frame numbers. Photographers who want a dedicated Zone System light meter built for speed in the field. Simplify your film photography workflow with Aperture - Light Meter. Achieve perfect exposure, track your roll frame by frame, and shoot with confidence. Download now to elevate your analog process!

Screenshots

Luxilux Light Meter4 screens
Aperture4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Aperture at 100% against Luxilux Light Meter's 78%. Aperture also leads on price ($3.99 vs $5.99). 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

Luxilux Light Meter costs $5.99 and Aperture $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Luxilux Light Meter ships an update every 6 weeks, Aperture every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Luxilux Light Meter versus Aperture: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLuxilux Light MeterAperture
Price$5.99$3.99 — better
Rating4.9 (75 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings75 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChristian LobachNicolae Gherasim

Customer experience

Luxilux Light Meter

All ratings75 ratings
Positive96.0%
Neutral2.7%
Negative1.3%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral5.6%
Negative16.7%

Aperture

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

In-app purchases

None

Luxilux Light Meter

No in-app purchases

None

Aperture

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Luxilux Light Meter free?
Luxilux Light Meter costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Aperture free?
Aperture costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Luxilux Light Meter or Aperture have ads?
Neither Luxilux Light Meter nor Aperture shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Luxilux Light Meter or Aperture?
Luxilux Light Meter ships an update every 6 weeks, and Aperture every 5 weeks. Most recently, Luxilux Light Meter was updated on November 7, 2026 and Aperture on November 7, 2026.

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