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.
Long Exposure Timer
Read full descriptionHide 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.
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | Long Exposure Timer | James Owl Calc |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (4 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 4 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 32 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Peter Holdmann | James Zhen Yu |
In-app purchases
Long Exposure Timer
No in-app purchases
James Owl Calc
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Long Exposure Timer free?
Is James Owl Calc free?
Do Long Exposure Timer or James Owl Calc have ads?
Which is updated more often, Long Exposure Timer or James Owl Calc?
Other comparisons















