Comparison

Lightme vs LightCue

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

LightCue

Features
Read full description

LightCue is a practical field guide for beginner and intermediate mirrorless and DSLR photographers. Check your location and weather alongside the estimated timing and direction of the sun, moon, and Milky Way, then find a clear starting point for your camera settings. KEY FEATURES • See useful shooting windows and changing light • Check estimated times and directions for the sun, moon, and Milky Way • Align your shot with an on-site compass • Use the center spot exposure meter as a starting reference • Review suggested starting ranges for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO • Save shooting places, notes, and preparation checklists on your device • Use LightCue in English, Korean, or Japanese Instead of leaving you with unexplained numbers, LightCue helps answer three practical questions: when to shoot, where to look, and which settings to try first. Exposure values and suggested settings are starting references. Results vary with equipment and field conditions, so take a test shot and review the histogram and image before adjusting. Location, weather, astronomical information, and sensor-based directions may also differ from actual conditions.

Screenshots

Lightme4 screens
LightCue4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: LightCue at none against Lightme's 4. Lightme's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. LightCue asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Lightme versus LightCue: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLightmeLightCue
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (944 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews90.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings944 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGiuseppe BertoliniJunwhan Choi

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)

LightCue

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

LightCue

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Lightme free?
Lightme is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is LightCue free?
LightCue is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Lightme or LightCue have ads?
LightCue shows ads; Lightme does not.

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