# Distressed FX vs CamRef

The clearest difference is price: Distressed FX at Free against CamRef's $2.99. Distressed FX also leads on ratings volume (5.3K vs 3). CamRef's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Distressed FX is free to download; CamRef costs $2.99 up front. Distressed FX sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. CamRef asks for nothing beyond the download.

CamRef holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Distressed FX has 5.3K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of Distressed FX's written reviews are positive against 100% of CamRef's.

Distressed FX ships an update every 4 months, CamRef every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Distressed FX | CamRef |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | [4.8 (5.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distressed-fx-photo-editor/id585702631/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/camref/id6761225473/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **5.3K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 86.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 48 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [We Are Here](https://appshunter.io/developer/585702634) | [Andrew Webster](https://appshunter.io/developer/1866070556) |

## What reviewers say

### Distressed FX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/distressed-fx-photo-editor/id585702631)

Easily transform your photos into stunning artwork using a variety of textured images and overlays. This app is perfect for adding unique artistic effects to your still life and landscape photography.

**Highlights:** Apply textured images, Add overlays, Create artwork from photos, Suitable for still life photography, Suitable for landscape photography

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Obscure Texture Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Sky Beauty Texture Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Artist Beginnings Texture Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Old World Gallery Texture Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bokeh Illusions Overlay | $1.99 | one-time |
| The Lights Overlay Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| The Neutrals Texture Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| The Heavens Overlay Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Painterly Grunge | $1.99 | one-time |
| Beyond Skies Overlay Pack | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🎨 Variety of creative effects
- 💡 Unique textures and overlays
- 🚀 Fast and efficient
- 🎨 Ability to layer effects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes after selecting photos
- 🔒 Restore purchases not working
- 🔍 Lack of clear instructions
- 🔍 Confusing interface for switching packs
- 🔍 Limited control over effects

**Reported bugs**

- Purchased effects not carrying over to new devices
- Filters disappearing after updates

**Requested features**

- Ability to mask or brush on effects
- Higher output resolution
- Bundled pricing for all effects
- More advanced editing tools
- Landscape mode support


### CamRef

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/camref/id6761225473)

A quick reference guide for the Sony RX10 IV camera, offering concise explanations of settings, photography basics, and camera diagrams. It's designed for photographers on the go who need fast access to information without the bulk of a full manual.

**Highlights:** Camera settings lookup with menu paths, Photography basics explanations, Guided setup for common situations, Favourites for quick access, Labelled camera diagrams, Concise reference format

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Distressed FX free?

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

### Is CamRef free?

CamRef costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Distressed FX or CamRef?

CamRef is rated higher. Distressed FX averages 4.8 out of 5 from 5.3K ratings, while CamRef averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Distressed FX or CamRef have ads?

Neither Distressed FX nor CamRef shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Distressed FX or CamRef?

Distressed FX ships an update every 4 months, and CamRef every 2 weeks. Most recently, Distressed FX was updated on November 10, 2026 and CamRef on November 9, 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.*