# RitchieCam vs Cobalt Image

The clearest difference is rating: RitchieCam at 4.7 against Cobalt Image's 2.3. RitchieCam also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (77% vs 56%). Cobalt Image's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RitchieCam sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year and Cobalt Image sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

RitchieCam holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RitchieCam has 151 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of RitchieCam's written reviews are positive against 56% of Cobalt Image's.

RitchieCam ships an update every 6 weeks, Cobalt Image every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and July 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | RitchieCam | Cobalt Image |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (151 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ritchiecam-filter-camera/id1608114316/reviews)** | [2.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobalt-image/id6445825171/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **151** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **77.2% of reviews** | 55.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 19 MB | 203 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ritchie Roesch](https://appshunter.io/developer/1539047259) | [Cobalt Image LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1674012276) |

## What reviewers say

### RitchieCam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ritchiecam-filter-camera/id1608114316)

This app offers a collection of retro-inspired filters for your photos, allowing you to capture and share images instantly without the need for editing. It provides a simple yet sophisticated experience for both casual users and photography enthusiasts.

**Highlights:** Easy-to-use interface, Minimalistic controls, No-edit photo capture, 17 retro filters (14 color, 3 B&W), One-step sharing/printing, Suitable for all skill levels

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RitchieCam Patron | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Excellent film simulations
- 📸 Unique XPan crop mode
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- ✨ Authentic film look
- 🚀 Fast and fluid app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Subscription model disliked
- 🖼️ Limited free filters
- 🤔 Some filters not as expected
- 📉 Photos can be overexposed
- 🔊 Volume button can be intrusive

**Reported bugs**

- Roasted images with watercolor effect/noise reduction
- Photos come out at 12mp instead of 48mp
- Black screen when accessing photos
- Volume button activates shutter when settings/editor open
- Loading camera shows last frame briefly

**Requested features**

- Apply filters to existing photos
- One-time purchase option
- Apply film simulations to RAW images
- Additional new effects (e.g., Positive Film)
- Limit drag to select effects to favorites


### Cobalt Image

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cobalt-image/id6445825171)

Enhance your iPhone photos with advanced AI, HDR, and smart portrait modes. This app offers unparalleled control over non-raw images, featuring cutting-edge white balance and Luma curve adjustments. Access renowned digital and film emulations for professional-level editing.

**Highlights:** AI-enhanced picture processing, HDR and smart portrait modes, Advanced color models for HEIC files, Unprecedented control over non-raw photos, White balance and Luma curve adjustments, Renowned digital and film emulations, Direct editing from Apple Photos

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cobalt Image Pro Digital | $3.49 | per month |
| Cobalt Image Pro Monthly | $5.49 | per month |
| Cobalt Image Pro Yearly | $44.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is RitchieCam free?

RitchieCam is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cobalt Image free?

Cobalt Image is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, RitchieCam or Cobalt Image?

RitchieCam is rated higher. RitchieCam averages 4.7 out of 5 from 151 ratings, while Cobalt Image averages 2.3 from 6 ratings.

### Do RitchieCam or Cobalt Image have ads?

Neither RitchieCam nor Cobalt Image shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, RitchieCam or Cobalt Image?

RitchieCam ships an update every 6 weeks, and Cobalt Image every 5 days. Most recently, RitchieCam was updated on September 20, 2026 and Cobalt Image on July 19, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*