Lightme vs UnionDocs
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Lightme
This app provides a powerful yet simple light metering tool for photographers. It offers advanced features like spot metering, zone system implementation, and reciprocity failure compensation, alongside a clean interface for easy one-handed use. It supports a wide range of films and camera setups, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
- Multiple aperture/shutterspeed combinations
- Spot metering with variable zoom
- Automatic reciprocity failure compensation
- Pinhole mode with timer
- Incident light metering with calibration
- Black and white preview
- Film stock selection
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Lightme - Lightmeter is a clean, simple to use yet very powerful lightmeter. It is optimised for an easy one-handed use, both for left-handed and right-handed users, with the main controls within your thumb's reach, without the fatiguing juggling of your precious smartphone. A core distinguishing feature of Lightme - Lightmeter is that - differently from most of the other apps - it can show multiple combinations of valid settings for aperture and shutterspeed at the same time by working like a - stretched out - old needle and wheel lightmeter. This allows the user to quickly pick the desired settings without having to scroll on a tiny wheel picker. The app is designed to be welcoming to people who are just starting out, with a simple one-button use. But it offers many useful and advanced features for the more experienced shooters/users: Continuous metering (by pressing and holding or double tapping the measure button) Spot metering with a variable zoom (for more precision) which also supports average metering, and a very intuitive implementation of the zone system Automatic reciprocity failure compensation (for 25+ films, if you see exposure times in red, they are being compensated) A dedicated pinhole mode with precise exposure times for user defined apertures (multiple apertures at a time), with the possibility of setting a timer (through a shortcut) Incident light metering with calibration when using the front facing camera And more ... It also includes some other features that are enjoyable by any kind of user: Black and white preview The ability to use any of the cameras on your smartphone (swipe left/right on the preview) Multiple presets for your different camera/film/lens setups Framelines for previewing your shot, before setting up your tripod etc. A searchable list of useful tips to make better use of the application's potential A searchable list of more than 70 films to choose from with the possibility of selecting a few favourites Dark mode support and a useful level of customisation You can find even more info in the tips inside the app or you can have a look at full user manual by tapping on manual (in the settings) The app is free in all its many functionalities, but it offers In-App-Purchases in order to support the project. The only minor perk you can enable only via certain IAPs is the replacement of the Ad button with a label containing the name of your current preset, check under settings -> coffee for more info. Don't panic though, even if there's an Ad button it doesn't mean I'm going to show you ads. In fact unless you decide to tap on that button I'm never going to show you any. But if you have a few minutes to spare, watching a few of them sure helps keeping this project alive :) Try it, and, if you like it, share it with your friends and consider writing a (mini) review ;) Have a nice day, and good light!
UnionDocs
Access experimental nonfiction programs, documentary screenings, and live events from a global community. Engage in discussions with artists and thinkers, and enjoy exclusive member benefits for IRL events.
- Stream curated documentary programs
- Access live events and screenings
- Listen to masterclasses and workshops
- Participate in study groups
- Get free admission to IRL events
- Connect with a global community
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Become a member and stay tuned into all things UnionDocs from anywhere around the world. We’re a curious community that asks what we can do and undo together through a set of exciting, experimental nonfiction programs. We’re always generating new ideas, and bringing folks together to deconstruct them. It’s a rich and vibrant space where storytelling, visual experimentation, journalism, politics, activism and poetry intersect. Peek in the window of our bustling three story building in NYC and tune into the ideas and energy bubbling up at UnionDocs. Stream cutting-edge, powerful and poetic documentary programs and connect to conversations with the artists and thinkers passing through. Link up with UnionDocs and a wide range of collaborators, from our closest neighbors to the most exciting festivals and cultural spaces around the world. 5 top reasons to join the UNDO community! Stream incredible stuff! Watch curated programs, UNDO productions, and live events from the comfort of your home. Listen and learn! Eavesdrop on our Labs & Workshops with masterclasses from the top voices in documentary. Participate in the debate! Attend monthly Study Groups that feature international artists & thinkers in a dynamic conversation. Swing by our spot! Get free admission to IRL events and discounts for your friends, with an annual membership. Meet fun, smart people! Find a community invested in urgent expressions of the human experience, practical perspectives on the world today, and compelling visions for the future. We operate with confidence in the idea that documentary art, when paired with thoughtful context and open debate, is an invaluable tool for understanding the complexities of contemporary life and creating a more just and equitable society. Show your support. Become a member, and start UN-DO-ING today! ----- https://uniondocs.org/terms-conditions/ https://uniondocs.org/privacy_policy/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: UnionDocs at none against Lightme's 4. Lightme's advantage is ratings volume (950 vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, rating, 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
Both are free to download. Lightme sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. UnionDocs asks for nothing beyond the download.
UnionDocs holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lightme has 950 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Lightme ships an update every 3 weeks, UnionDocs every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.
| Parameter | Lightme | UnionDocs |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (950 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 90.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 950 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 10 MB | 64 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Giuseppe Bertolini | UnionDocs, INC |
Customer experience
Lightme
UnionDocs
Bugs and requests
Lightme
Reported bugs
2 issues- Crashes on iOS 16
- Metering issues with certain camera/lens combinations
Requested features
5 requests- Add shutter angle adjustment for cinematography
- Implement ISO lock feature
- Add more film stock profiles
- Improve film selection process (e.g. search, categories)
- Provide more customization options (e.g. interface themes)
UnionDocs
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Lightme
- Guanciale$9.99
- Parmigiano$16.99
- Pizza for two$29.99
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- Do this full-time$59.99
UnionDocs
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Lightme free?
Is UnionDocs free?
Which has better reviews, Lightme or UnionDocs?
Do Lightme or UnionDocs have ads?
Which is updated more often, Lightme or UnionDocs?
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