Comparison

Film Logbook vs Zone System

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

Head to head
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.

About

Zone System

This tool simplifies Ansel Adams' exposure and development method for photographers. It helps measure shadows and highlights, calculate aperture and development times, and preview results with film stock presets.

Highlights
  • Measure shadows and highlights
  • Aperture and development calculations
  • Preview results with film presets
  • ISO and EV calculations
  • Simplified Zone System application
Features
Read full description

Zone System is a practical tool for applying Ansel Adams’ exposure and development method. • Measure shadows and highlights to set exposure • Get aperture and development (N, N+, N–) calculations • Preview results with film stock presets • Get calculations for aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and EV This app makes the Zone System simpler, faster, and more reliable.

Screenshots

Film Logbook4 screens
Zone System4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Film Logbook at Free against Zone System's $1.99. Film Logbook also leads on ratings volume (12 vs 3) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17). Zone System's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.2) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On ads 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

Film Logbook is free to download; Zone System costs $1.99 up front. Film Logbook sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Zone System asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Zone System holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 3 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of Film Logbook's written reviews are positive against 100% of Zone System's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Film Logbook ships an update every 3 weeks, Zone System every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard9 real differences · 1 level
Film Logbook versus Zone System: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFilm LogbookZone System
PriceFree — better$1.99
Rating4.2 (12 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews77.8% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings12 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — better
Requires iOS15.0 — better17
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael SteurerDavin Nguyen

Customer experience

Film Logbook

All ratings12 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive77.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.2%

Zone System

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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
None

Zone System

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Film Logbook free?
Film Logbook is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Zone System free?
Zone System costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Film Logbook or Zone System?
Zone System is rated higher. Film Logbook averages 4.2 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Zone System averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do Film Logbook or Zone System have ads?
Neither Film Logbook nor Zone System shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Film Logbook or Zone System?
Film Logbook ships an update every 3 weeks, and Zone System every 9 days. Most recently, Film Logbook was updated on October 24, 2026 and Zone System on October 24, 2026.

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