Comparison

Aperture vs Light Meter X

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

Head to head
About

Aperture

This app helps film photographers achieve perfect exposure by calculating ideal aperture and shutter speed based on ISO. It also allows users to save reference photos with detailed metadata to document their creative process and settings.

Highlights
  • Accurate light metering for film ISO
  • Minimalist and intuitive design
  • Customizable aperture and shutter speed ranges
  • Reference photo album with metadata
  • Lens presets and user settings
  • Recommendations for shooting scenarios
Features
Read full description

Aperture - Light Meter: Simplifying Film Photography with Precision Aperture - Light Meter is a minimalist, intuitive tool designed to help film photographers achieve perfect exposure and document their creative process. By calculating the ideal aperture and shutter speed based on your film’s ISO sensitivity, the app ensures every shot is perfectly balanced. Featuring integrated Zone System metering, a continuous film frame counter, and a visual shot log gallery, Aperture makes it easy to track your rolls, evaluate contrast, and log settings for future analog projects. Key Features: Accurate Light Metering & Zone System: Compute precise aperture and shutter speed settings based on your film’s ISO sensitivity. Tap to measure specific target zones and pre-visualize contrast for maximum control over highlights and shadows. Continuous Film Frame Counter: Automatically track your roll from frame 0 to 36 as you shoot. Smart continuation allows manual roll extensions (e.g., frame 37+) for bulk-loaded or longer rolls, with frame numbers stamped on gallery thumbnails and photo details. Easily adjust or clear frame values with a native wheel selector. Reference Photo Album & Visual EXIF Log: Capture digital reference photos saved with complete exposure metadata (ISO, aperture, shutter speed, frame number, and date). Access a visual gallery to compare developed lab scans against original metering data. Minimalist & Intuitive Design: A clean, distraction-free interface crafted to perfection, allowing you to evaluate light and adjust settings without breaking your shooting rhythm. Customizable Ranges & Lens Presets: Match your camera setup with customizable aperture and shutter speed bounds, or select preset profiles for fast, macro, or long-exposure shooting scenarios. ISO Sensitivity Input: Dial in exact ISO values tailored to your specific 35mm or medium format film stock. Why Choose Aperture - Light Meter? Designed for Analog Shooters: Built specifically for manual film cameras, bridging the gap between analog workflow and digital logging tools. Crafted to Perfection: Fast, reliable, and distraction-free—no ads, trackers, or hidden subscriptions. Document & Refine Your Craft: Keep accurate frame-by-frame records so you know exactly how each exposure was calculated when your lab scans come back. Who Is This App For? 35mm and medium format photographers seeking high-precision exposure metering. Analog enthusiasts who want an effortless way to log film EXIF data and track frame numbers. Photographers who want a dedicated Zone System light meter built for speed in the field. Simplify your film photography workflow with Aperture - Light Meter. Achieve perfect exposure, track your roll frame by frame, and shoot with confidence. Download now to elevate your analog process!

About

Light Meter X

This professional light meter app uses your phone's camera to accurately measure ambient light and calculate precise exposure settings for photography and filmmaking. It offers a minimalist interface and supports various shooting modes for creative control.

Highlights
  • Accurate light measurement via camera
  • Spot metering with draggable circle
  • Real-time exposure calculation
  • A/AV and S/TV mode support
  • Adjustable ISO, aperture, shutter speed
  • Exposure compensation
  • EV display
Read full description

Light Meter X (无相测光表, 無相測光表) is a professional light meter and exposure meter designed for photographers, filmmakers, and film photography enthusiasts. Using your phone’s camera sensor, Light Meter X measures ambient light and calculates accurate ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings to help you achieve perfect exposure. The app features a clean and minimal interface, allowing photographers to focus on light and composition without distractions. Light Meter X also supports exposure compensation, allowing you to fine-tune exposure values for different lighting conditions or creative styles. Key Features: • Accurate light metering using your phone camera. • Spot metering function with draggable metering circle. • Real-time exposure calculation. • Support for A/AV (aperture priority) and S/TV (shutter priority) modes. • Adjustable ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. • Exposure compensation for precise control. • EV (Exposure Value) display. • Fast and responsive metering. • Minimal and distraction-free design. How to Use: • Open the app and the camera preview will start automatically. • Global metering mode is used by default. • Tap and drag the metering circle on the screen to the desired metering position. • Observe the calculated results and adjust ISO, aperture, or shutter speed as needed. • Use the exposure calibration buttons to fine-tune the exposure value. Perfect for: • Film photography • Analog cameras • Street photography • Cinematography • Photography students Light Meter X is a simple, reliable, and professional light meter for photographers who want accurate exposure anywhere.

Screenshots

Aperture4 screens
Light Meter X4 screens

Verdict

The call

Aperture and Light Meter X are too close to call on the numbers: across 7 compared parameters — price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Aperture costs $3.99 and Light Meter X $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Aperture versus Light Meter X: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterApertureLight Meter X
Price$3.99$3.99
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.016.3 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB0 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNicolae Gherasim天宝 白

Customer experience

Aperture

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Light Meter X

Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Aperture

No in-app purchases

None

Light Meter X

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Aperture free?
Aperture costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Light Meter X free?
Light Meter X costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Aperture or Light Meter X have ads?
Neither Aperture nor Light Meter X shows ads.

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