Comparison

phNotes Lite vs Film Logbook

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

Head to head
About

phNotes Lite

Features
Read full description

*** If you like this app please take the time and leave a feedback, this will help me a lot in maintaining it and add additional features. Thank you! *** This simple but powerful app allows photographers who use manual lenses, technical/view cameras, adapted gears with digital or even analog film photography to take note of the most important parameters of each shot taken on the field. Additionally, with the Pro version all annotations can be easily exported through email or into your cloud storage. When back home/studio, the freely downloadable desktop companion application "PhotoAnnotator" can read the exported data and automatically write all annotations as EXIF/IPTC metadata into the corresponding image files (RAW, TIFF, JPEG, etc...). This is particularly useful in all cases where the shooting parameters are not automatically written by the camera into the image files. Your image and shooting annotations can then live together in one single file. FEATURES (LITE AND PRO VERSION): - Supported annotations: image counter, shoot date, camera make and model, lens make and model, filter, shutter speed, aperture value, focus distance, shift and tilt movements, film, GPS location, additional notes. - GPS location automatically read from the iPhone's GPS system. - Ability to swipe-clone an existing image for fast editing in the field. - Ability to swipe-delete single photos. - Ability to manage a list of cameras. - Ability to manage a list of lenses. - Ability to manage a list of filters. - Ability to manage a list of films. - Ability to clear the whole session after having exported it. - Contextual help available. ADDITIONAL FEATURES (PRO VERSION ONLY): - Ability to save unlimited image entries (LITE is limited to 12 max). - Ability to export all data via the standard iOS sharing machanism. - The companion desktop app PhotoAnnotator can be freely downloaded at https://www.marcoristuccia.com/it/photoannotator - The companion desktop app PhotoAnnotator supports all the major RAW and image types (see the application description at the indicated web page for more details).

About

Film Logbook

This app helps film photographers meticulously organize their shooting process. It allows users to track every roll, frame, and setting, providing a structured workflow for documenting analog photography projects and refining shooting techniques.

Highlights
  • Manage film rolls with camera, lens, and film stock details
  • Log aperture, shutter speed, and exposure for each frame
  • Add reference images and tag frames
  • Mark double exposures and link related frames
  • Optional location tracking
  • Supports various film types and formats
  • iCloud sync
Features
Read full description

Film Logbook is a focused and reliable tool for keeping your film photography organized. Track every roll, every frame, and every setting so you always know what you shot and how you shot it. Whether you are documenting a long-term project, experimenting with exposure, or managing multiple cameras and film stocks, Film Logbook gives you a clear and structured workflow that fits naturally into the way you shoot analog. Use it while shooting to record the details that matter, and review your notes later when developing, scanning, or editing. No more guessing which film was loaded, what settings you used, or how a shot was composed. Main Features • Create and manage film rolls with camera, lens, film stock, ISO and custom notes • Log aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation and meter readings for each frame • Add reference images for quick visual reminders when reviewing your work • Mark double exposures and link related frames • Tag frames to highlight keepers, mistakes, experiments or anything important to you • Optional location tracking for frames and rolls • iCloud sync for a seamless workflow • Supports 35mm, 120, large format and many other film types and formats • Designed to be fast, clean and distraction-free Why Film Photographers Choose Film Logbook • A consistent and reliable place to document every roll • A practical companion for learning exposure and refining technique • Clear structure that helps you understand your shooting habits • No subscription required and no unnecessary complexity • Actively developed with a focus on stability and real-world use Film Logbook is built for photographers who want a dependable tool to support their analog workflow from the first frame to the last. Simple, precise, and designed for long-term use.

Screenshots

phNotes Lite4 screens
Film Logbook4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: phNotes Lite at none against Film Logbook's 4. phNotes Lite also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads 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

Both are free to download. Film Logbook sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. phNotes Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

phNotes Lite ships an update every 6 weeks, Film Logbook every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and August 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
phNotes Lite versus Film Logbook: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterphNotes LiteFilm Logbook
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.2 (12 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—77.8% of reviews
Number of ratings—12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarco RistucciaMichael Steurer

In-app purchases

None

phNotes Lite

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Film Logbook

One-time4
  • Small tip$0.99
  • Medium tip$2.99
  • Large tip$4.99
Show 1 more
  • Buy Pro$4.99

Questions

Is phNotes Lite free?
phNotes Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Film Logbook free?
Film Logbook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do phNotes Lite or Film Logbook have ads?
Neither phNotes Lite nor Film Logbook shows ads.
Which is updated more often, phNotes Lite or Film Logbook?
phNotes Lite ships an update every 6 weeks, and Film Logbook every 3 weeks. Most recently, phNotes Lite was updated on September 17, 2026 and Film Logbook on August 29, 2026.

Other comparisons