Lightme vs Lumev
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Lightme
This powerful light meter app offers a clean, intuitive interface optimized for one-handed use. It displays multiple aperture and shutter speed combinations simultaneously, aiding quick setting selection. Suitable for beginners and experienced photographers alike, it includes advanced features like spot metering, reciprocity failure compensation, and pinhole mode.
- Multiple exposure settings display
- One-handed operation
- Spot metering with zoom
- Reciprocity failure compensation
- Pinhole mode
- Incident light metering
- Film database
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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!
Lumev
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Lumev is a focused smart light meter for film photography. It turns the iPhone camera into a clear path from reading a scene to setting the shutter speed and aperture on a real camera. It is approachable for a first roll of film and precise enough for an experienced photographer. MEASURE WHAT MATTERS Begin with a full-scene reading. When the light is complex, open the live spot view, use digital zoom, and measure a face, subject, shadow, highlight, or any other important area. Every spot keeps its own reference image. Adjust the intended brightness for each reading, make one point primary, or give several points different weights. Lumev then shows the range of the scene instead of hiding it inside a single unexplained average. EXPOSURE PAIRS YOUR GEAR CAN ACTUALLY USE Create reusable kits with your camera, lens, film, working EI, and optional filter. Lumev respects the shutter speeds available on the camera, the aperture range and step of the lens, the selected focal length, and the light loss of a filter. It presents several useful shutter-and-aperture combinations at once, including a balanced choice, more depth of field, and a faster shutter. A clearly labeled chart and full table are there whenever you want to inspect every option. UNDERSTAND EVERY RECOMMENDATION Raw EV, your creative intent, filter compensation, and learned correction remain separate and visible. The “Why this exposure?” view explains how the final value was formed, so beginners can learn and experienced photographers can stay in control. LEARN FROM THE DEVELOPED RESULT Save each metering session with its scene image, individual spot frames, recommendation, and the settings actually used on the camera. After development, compare the result with the saved reference and rate the exposure. Lumev learns conservatively from repeated, consistent feedback for your equipment and preferences. One unusual frame will not suddenly change the model, and past readings are never rewritten. BUILT FOR A QUIET SHOOTING WORKFLOW • Fast live camera preview, with a monochrome view for black-and-white film • Full-scene, center-weighted, and spot metering controls • Profiles for cameras, prime and zoom lenses, films, and filters • Searchable history with reference frames and actual exposure settings • Handheld warnings and recommendations based on the selected focal length • Works offline; history and learning data stay on your device • No ads or promotional interruptions Lumev keeps the interface focused on the photograph: measure the light, understand the choices, set the camera, and keep shooting.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Lumev at none against Lightme's 6. Lightme's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, 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 6 one-off in-app purchases. Lumev asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Lightme | Lumev |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (925 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 90.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 925 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 10 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Giuseppe Bertolini | ILTERRA |
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)
Lumev
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Lightme
- Espresso ristretto$1.99
- Pecorino Romano$4.99
- Guanciale$9.99
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- Parmigiano$16.99
- Pizza for two$29.99
- Do this full-time$59.99
Lumev
No in-app purchases









