# PhotonCam vs SHC3

The clearest difference is ratings volume: PhotonCam at 58 against SHC3's 1. PhotonCam also leads on update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly). SHC3's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PhotonCam sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and SHC3 sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SHC3 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PhotonCam has 58 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

PhotonCam ships an update weekly, SHC3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PhotonCam | SHC3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photoncam-pro-camera-and-editor/id6470341051/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shc3/id6761638817/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **58** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 93.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 99 MB | 22 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.1 | **18.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [伟超 邓](https://appshunter.io/developer/1456767681) | [aligo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1886388167) |

## What reviewers say

### PhotonCam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photoncam-pro-camera-and-editor/id6470341051)

This app provides professional camera controls and advanced editing tools for capturing and enhancing photos. It offers features like ProRaw, manual controls, HDR, Live Photo editing, custom filters, and LUT import for a personalized photographic workflow.

**Highlights:** ProRaw and 48MP capture, Manual camera controls, HDR photo capture and editing, Live Photo editing, Customizable frames and filters, LUT import for unique styles, Advanced ACR-level editing tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly payment | $1.99 | per month |
| Yearly payment | $12.99 | per year |
| Thank You Coffee | $3.99 | one-time |
| One-time purchase | $14.99 | one-time |


### SHC3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shc3/id6761638817)

This camera app prioritizes a consistent and predictable user experience, mimicking a physical camera. It offers advanced customization for shooting logic and image styles, allowing users to capture and process high-quality RAW images with extensive creative control.

**Highlights:** Consistent control logic, Customizable operation system, 16-bit RAW capture, Layered image styles (Color, Tone, Effects, Recipe), On-device processing, No account or tracking

**Features:** iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SHC3 Pro Monthly | $0.49 | per month |
| SHC3 Pro Annual | $2.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PhotonCam free?

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

### Is SHC3 free?

SHC3 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PhotonCam or SHC3?

SHC3 is rated higher. PhotonCam averages 4.7 out of 5 from 58 ratings, while SHC3 averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do PhotonCam or SHC3 have ads?

Neither PhotonCam nor SHC3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PhotonCam or SHC3?

PhotonCam ships an update weekly, and SHC3 fortnightly. Most recently, PhotonCam was updated on October 30, 2026 and SHC3 on October 28, 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.*