Comparison

Long Exposure Timer vs James Owl Calc

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

Head to head
About

Long Exposure Timer

Features
Read full description

If you shoot long exposures, you've been there. You are wading in a stream (or the snow, dark, or any of other adverse conditions we routinely face). Trying to do the mental math to add ten stops to your exposure, fumbling with your phone, trying not to drop it in the water. Then more math to convert the seconds you came up with into the minutes the timer needs. Wait, how long did I say that was? Start over... Or is that just me? Long Exposure Timer makes it easy to calculate long exposures based on adding stops for filters or other adjustments and then just hit start to time your shot. All from your wrist, with no risk of dropping anything. New in version 1.1, film shooters can add reciprocity failure for popular film stocks from Agfa, Ilford, Kentmere, Kodak, and Foma. Long press on the interface to display the settings page, switch on film mode, and select your film stock. Note: Reciprocity failure adjustments are based on formulas provided by the manufactures or worked out from existing tables. We recommend running test exposures before doing any critical work, including at the exposure times you anticipate. Very long exposures may require additional adjustments.

About

James Owl Calc

This tool helps landscape photographers calculate precise camera settings for long exposure shots. It recommends ND filter combinations, aperture, and ISO based on your current settings and desired effect. Features include tutorials and camera-specific adjustments.

Highlights
  • Precise exposure calculations for ND filters
  • Reverse calculation mode
  • Smart adaptive technology for light changes
  • Built-in countdown timer with audio alerts
  • Camera-specific settings
  • Long exposure technique tutorials
Features
Read full description

James' Long Exposure Calculator is the ultimate companion for landscape photographers seeking to master the art of long exposure photography. Designed by professional photographer James Yu, this powerful tool eliminates guesswork and transforms your creative vision into precise camera settings. Whether you're capturing silky smooth waterfalls, dreamy misty seascapes, or ethereal cloud streaks, this app delivers professional-grade calculations tailored to your specific equipment. Simply input your current settings and desired effect, and the advanced algorithm will recommend the perfect ND filter combination, aperture, and ISO values to achieve stunning results every time. Key features include: Precise exposure calculations for any ND filter strength Reverse calculation mode - start with your desired exposure time Smart adaptive technology that accounts for changing light conditions Built-in countdown timer with audio alerts Camera-specific settings for maximum accuracy Detailed tutorials for various long exposure techniques Clean, intuitive interface designed for field use The app supports all major camera brands and ND filter types, from ND8 to ND64000. Take your long exposure photography to the next level with James' professional insights and techniques refined through years of experience. Whether you're a beginner exploring long exposure or a seasoned professional seeking efficiency, James' Long Exposure Calculator provides the precision and guidance you need to create breathtaking images that stand out from the crowd.

Screenshots

James Owl Calc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: James Owl Calc at Free against Long Exposure Timer's $1.99. James Owl Calc also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 23 months). On ads, in-app purchases, 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

James Owl Calc is free to download; Long Exposure Timer costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Long Exposure Timer ships an update every 23 months, James Owl Calc weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Long Exposure Timer versus James Owl Calc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLong Exposure TimerJames Owl Calc
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating—5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 23 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPeter HoldmannJames Zhen Yu

In-app purchases

None

Long Exposure Timer

No in-app purchases

None

James Owl Calc

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Long Exposure Timer free?
Long Exposure Timer costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is James Owl Calc free?
James Owl Calc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Long Exposure Timer or James Owl Calc have ads?
Neither Long Exposure Timer nor James Owl Calc shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Long Exposure Timer or James Owl Calc?
Long Exposure Timer ships an update every 23 months, and James Owl Calc weekly. Most recently, Long Exposure Timer was updated on November 3, 2026 and James Owl Calc on November 4, 2026.

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