Comparison

Lightme vs UnionDocs

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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!

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read full description

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

Lightme4 screens
UnionDocs4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Lightme sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. UnionDocs asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Lightme ships an update every 3 weeks, UnionDocs every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Lightme versus UnionDocs: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLightmeUnionDocs
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (950 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews90.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings950 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB64 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperGiuseppe BertoliniUnionDocs, INC

Customer experience

Lightme

All ratings944 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral1.3%
Negative2.1%
Written reviews215 reviews
Positive90.7%
Neutral1.9%
Negative7.4%

UnionDocs

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

4 purchases

Lightme

One-time4
  • Guanciale$9.99
  • Parmigiano$16.99
  • Pizza for two$29.99
Show 1 more
  • Do this full-time$59.99
None

UnionDocs

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Lightme free?
Lightme is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is UnionDocs free?
UnionDocs is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Lightme or UnionDocs?
UnionDocs is rated higher. Lightme averages 4.8 out of 5 from 950 ratings, while UnionDocs averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Lightme or UnionDocs have ads?
Neither Lightme nor UnionDocs shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Lightme or UnionDocs?
Lightme ships an update every 3 weeks, and UnionDocs every 2 months. Most recently, Lightme was updated on November 3, 2026 and UnionDocs on November 3, 2026.

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