Comparison

HDRI Prep vs Screen Forge

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

Head to head
About

HDRI Prep

This utility helps visual effects professionals create HDRI bracketing sets for RICOH THETA 360 cameras. It allows for quick definition, organization, and reuse of bracket settings, streamlining on-set workflows for HDR photography.

Highlights
  • Define custom bracket sets (3-19 photos, 1-3 stops apart)
  • Set Aperture, ISO, and Color Temperature for all photos at once
  • Define Center Shutter Speed to extend exposures
  • Name, organize, and reorder brackets by show
  • Duplicate and move bracket sets between shows
  • View photos read directly from the camera
  • Quickly adjust camera speaker volume and auto-sleep time
Features
Read full description

Build a library of HDRI exposure brackets for your RICOH THETA V, Z1 or X, and fire them off on set in seconds. The THETA can shoot multi-exposure brackets, but setting them up in the official app is slow, and you can't save them to reuse later. HDRI Prep fixes that. Set up a bracket once, name it, file it under your show, and call it up whenever the lighting calls for it. BUILD BRACKETS THE WAY YOU THINK β€’ Choose 3 to 19 photos, 1 to 3 stops apart. No need to set each exposure by hand. β€’ Pick a center shutter speed, and the bracket spreads evenly above and below it. β€’ Set aperture, ISO and color temperature for the whole bracket at once. Choices are limited to what your camera can actually do. ORGANIZED FOR PRODUCTION β€’ Name brackets, group them by show, drag to reorder, and copy or move them between shows. β€’ Each bracket is tinted by its color temperature, so tungsten and daylight setups stand out at a glance. ON SET β€’ Live View, flat or as a 360Β° view you can drag around, to check the frame before you shoot. β€’ A shot counter and timer while the bracket runs, and Cancel if you need to stop. β€’ View the photos from that bracket the moment it finishes. β€’ Browse the camera's photos, inspect them full screen or in 360Β°, share them to Photos, Files or AirDrop, or delete them from the camera. β€’ Find nearby THETAs and join their Wi-Fi from the app. Cameras you've used are remembered. β€’ Adjust the camera's shutter volume and sleep delay. TRY IT WITHOUT A CAMERA Demo Mode loads sample 360Β° brackets so you can explore every feature before you plug in a THETA. Works on iPhone, iPad and iPhone Duo, and includes a built-in Manual. GOOD TO KNOW β€’ HDRI Prep connects over the camera's own Wi-Fi (the camera's access-point mode). β€’ Shutter volume and sleep delay are saved to the camera itself, so they stay set even when HDRI Prep isn't running. β€’ HDRI Prep focuses on bracketing. It isn't a replacement for the official THETA app, which works well alongside it. Built by a VFX artist for VFX artists. If "HDRI" and "THETA" mean something to you, this was made for you. HDRI Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by RICOH. RICOH THETA is a trademark of Ricoh Company, Ltd. Site and Privacy Policy: https://squirrelfx.llc/hdri-prep.html

About

Screen Forge

Features
Read full description

The Ultimate Screen Preparation Tool for VFX Screen Forge is a powerful tool designed for filmmakers using iPhones and iPads to shoot scenes where screens will later be replaced in VFX. Whether you’re using Chroma Key or other screen replacement techniques, Screen Forge helps you set up your screen for seamless post-production integration. Key Features: β€’ Multiple Background Colors – Select from a range of colors to match any scene’s needs. β€’ Tracking Markers – Choose from various marker types to ensure precise alignment in post-production. β€’ Touch References – On-screen β€˜Keyboard’ and β€˜Phone’ guides help actors interact naturally with virtual interfaces. β€’ Single Tap Track Marker – Custom markers for precise tap and drag tracking (not compatible with multiple touches). β€’ Custom Size & Opacity – Adjust tracking markers to balance visibility, reflections, and removal ease in VFX. β€’ Tips for Beginners – Get practical guidance on optimizing your screen for VFX. β€’ Brightness Adjustment Chart – Fine-tune screen brightness to match scene exposure for optimal results. β€’ Focus Chart – Ensure sharp focus on the screen during filming. Designed for both beginners and professionals, Screen Forge simplifies screen preparation, making your VFX workflow smoother and more efficient. Disclaimer: Screen Forge is a pre-production tool and does not generate VFX or final composites. It assists filmmakers in setting up screens for filming, while actual VFX work should be done using professional post-production software. Terms Of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.dotcine.com.br/screenforge-privacy

Screenshots

HDRI Prep4 screens
Screen Forge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Screen Forge at Free against HDRI Prep's $9.99. Screen Forge also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 9 months). HDRI Prep's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Screen Forge is free to download; HDRI Prep costs $9.99 up front. Screen Forge sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. HDRI Prep asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HDRI Prep ships an update every 9 months, Screen Forge monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 5 level
HDRI Prep versus Screen Forge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHDRI PrepScreen Forge
Price$9.99Free β€” better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviewsβ€”
Update frequencyEvery 9 monthsMonthly β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
MonetizationPaidβ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details β€” not scored
Size11 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSquirrel FX LLCJOSE F DA SILVA NT

In-app purchases

None

HDRI Prep

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Screen Forge

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly7 Days trial$4.991 Month
  • Yearly7 Days trial$24.991 Year

Questions

Is HDRI Prep free?
HDRI Prep costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Screen Forge free?
Screen Forge is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do HDRI Prep or Screen Forge have ads?
Neither HDRI Prep nor Screen Forge shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HDRI Prep or Screen Forge?
HDRI Prep ships an update every 9 months, and Screen Forge monthly. Most recently, HDRI Prep was updated on October 24, 2026 and Screen Forge on September 19, 2026.

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