# Simply B&W vs CamRef

The clearest difference is rating: CamRef at 5.0 against Simply B&W's 3.8. CamRef also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 78%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). Simply B&W's advantage is ratings volume (27 vs 2). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Simply B&W costs $3.99 and CamRef $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

CamRef holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simply B&W has 27 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of Simply B&W's written reviews are positive against 100% of CamRef's.

Simply B&W ships an update monthly, CamRef every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simply B&W | CamRef |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | [3.8 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-b-and-w/id601916620/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/camref/id6761225473/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **27** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 78.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 5 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [James Moore](https://appshunter.io/developer/428240071) | [Andrew Webster](https://appshunter.io/developer/1866070556) |

## What reviewers say

### Simply B&W

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simply-b-and-w/id601916620)

Explore monochrome photography with a focused set of tools for tone, contrast, and creative effects. Adjust color translations, add film-like grain, and apply unique optical effects to give your photos character. Save in high resolution while preserving image data.

**Highlights:** Monochrome color translation, Photographic filters, Adjustable grain simulation, Optical effects (Toy, Prism, Bokeh), Selective focus, Tone, brightness, and contrast controls, RAW file support

**Features:** iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🎨 Great for B&W conversions
- ✨ Produces spectacular results
- 💡 Effective color filters
- 🚀 Fast and efficient

**What reviewers complain about**

- 👎 Interface changes disliked
- 🎛️ Controls too complicated
- 📸 No longer has camera function
- ❓ Redundant adjustments
- 🚫 No option for 'no filter'

**Reported bugs**

- Blank screen on iPhone 14 Pro Max
- App jams/frozen
- Adobe CC login broken
- App pauses frequently
- No 'cancel' option on a pic

**Requested features**

- Add camera function back
- Option to choose 'no filter'
- Clarify shutter speed vs. exposure adjustment
- Add sepia or cyan tones
- More filters and tweaking abilities


### 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 Simply B&W free?

Simply B&W costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CamRef free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Simply B&W or CamRef?

CamRef is rated higher. Simply B&W averages 3.8 out of 5 from 27 ratings, while CamRef averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Simply B&W or CamRef have ads?

Neither Simply B&W nor CamRef shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simply B&W or CamRef?

Simply B&W ships an update monthly, and CamRef every 2 weeks. Most recently, Simply B&W was updated on November 6, 2026 and CamRef on October 31, 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.*