Comparison

mood.camera vs Luminar

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

Head to head
About

mood.camera

Capture natural, character-filled photos with a unique processing pipeline that mimics film. This app encourages spontaneous shooting without live previews or editing tools, focusing on bringing soul and serendipity back to mobile photography.

Highlights
  • Realistic film grain
  • Cinematic halation effect
  • Expressive color emulation
  • Custom presets
  • Next-level portraits
  • Custom frames
  • No live filter preview
Features
Read full description

mood.camera is a point-and-shoot camera that captures natural photos full of character, straight out of your iPhone, without any editing. Instead of chasing ever-sharper and perfectly exposed images, mood.camera focuses on making photography fun and giving your photographs soul. The custom image processing pipeline gives you photos with realistic film grain, cinematic halation and a rich colour palette. mood.camera also has no live "filter" preview or editing tools within the app, encouraging you to enjoy taking photos without worrying about flipping between effects or making the perfect edit. mood.camera wasn't built to evoke nostalgia, it was built to bring character and serendipity back to the mobile photography experience. — “This Camera App Gives Your iPhone Photos Soul.” - New York Times "It’s Hard to Believe the Photos From Mood.Camera’s New Portrait Mode Were Shot on iPhone" - PetaPixel "mood.camera emulates the feeling of taking photos on camera film" - Tech Radar — TRY FOR 7 DAYS FREE Please note, mood.camera is not free. We offer a 7-day unrestricted free trial for new users, no subscription required. After your trial you can continue to use the app for free but you will be limited to the “random” emulation mode. To continue using the full version of the app after your trial period you can either purchase a lifetime membership or pay a monthly subscription. EXPRESSIVE COLOUR EMULATION Each of the 14 colour emulations have been meticulously crafted to give every photo character and a rich colour palette. FILMIC DYNAMIC RANGE Naturally compressed shadows and highlights create images with more contrast, more atmosphere, and a look that feels closer to film. REALISTIC FILM GRAIN Film grain algorithms modelled on the physical development process, add texture and physicality to your photos whilst retaining detail. CUSTOM PRESETS Add a touch of warmth to your favourite preset, or start from scratch to create an original style. NEXT LEVEL PORTRAITS Choose from 7 lenses, each modelled on the physical properties of real optics, producing unique bokeh shapes, swirl and aberration. (Available on iPhone 11 or newer). DOUBLE EXPOSURE MODE 7 unique ways to blend photos unlocks new creative possibilities with your photography. CINEMATIC HALATION Using the iPhone’s dynamic range gain map to accurately identify the brightest highlights, creating a realistic halation effect. (Available on iPhone 12 or newer). CUSTOM FRAMES Elevate your photos with a custom frame, automatically added when you snap a photo. LESS TWEAKING, MORE SNAPPING Mirroring the classic film camera experience, there is no live preview of your selected film, letting you focus on capturing the moment instead of flipping between filters. After each capture, the element of suspense as you reveal the processed photo is another nod to the analog experience. INTUITIVE CONTROLS FOR CREATIVITY At its core, mood.camera is designed to echo the ease of use of a point-and-shoot camera but retains some controls to inspire creativity and personal expression: - Set the default focal lengths for each lens, giving you quick access to your favourites. - An on-screen exposure dial, makes it easy to achieve different styles with under and over exposed images. - Select from multiple aspect ratios to suit the scene. - An optional grid & level indicator gives you confidence when composing. - High resolution 24MP photos on compatible devices. (Available on iPhone 14 Pro, 15 Pro & 16 Pro). - Customise the dynamic range of your camera. (Available on iPhones capable of ProRaw capture). More info: https://mood.camera Privacy Policy: https://mood.camera/privacy End User Licensee Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Luminar

This app offers powerful AI-driven photo editing tools for mobile devices. It features intuitive controls, smart enhancements for skies, lighting, and skin, and a range of editing options for composition and style. Supports RAW files and integrates with Apple devices.

Highlights
  • AI Sky Replacement
  • AI Photo Enhancement
  • AI Skin Retouching
  • AI Body Shaping
  • RAW File Editing
  • Intuitive Gesture Controls
  • Photo Filters
Features
Read full description

Luminar — Your all-in-one, on-the-go photo editor and creative companion for iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro. Explore powerful AI-driven tools and an interactive interface that responds to your touch, delivering a uniquely engaging photo editing experience. Streamlined design with unparalleled control Luminar's user-friendly design allows you to edit your photos with intuitive gestures, featuring smoothly gliding sliders and spinning dials that respond realistically to your touch with motion and sound. With Luminar, there are no complicated functions or processes. Less fuss, more creativity. Smart AI enhancements Powered by cutting-edge technology, Luminar is the revolutionary smart AI photo enhancer for your every need: - SkyAI: Seamlessly replace dull skies with brilliant ones for impressive backdrops - EnhanceAI: Effortlessly enhance photo quality with a single slide, adjusting color, tone and clarity for professional results in seconds - StructureAI: Unlock hidden details and clarity in your images, enhancing contrast and texture for striking visual impact - Light Depth: Add natural depth and dimension with AI-powered, depth-aware lighting - FaceAI: Automatically enhance face features, brighten the face and subtly refine proportions - SkinAI: Automatically retouch the skin and remove imperfections for a clean and smooth result - BodyAI: Shape a subject’s midsection in a realistic way by adding or removing volume - BokehAI: Blur backgrounds, adjust focus, customize bokeh shapes All-in-one powerhouse - Curves: Edit photos with precise color and tone adjustments, achieving the perfect balance and mood - Details: Enhance every detail with just a tap, bringing your images to life with clarity and sharpness - Crop: Easily trim, align, flip and rotate for the perfect composition, ensuring your images stand out - Landscape: Transform your landscapes with ease and enhance golden hour lighting, brighten foliage, or remove haze for breathtaking results - Monochrome: Convert your color photos to stunning black and white masterpieces, adding depth and mood to your images - Erase: Effortlessly remove distracting elements from your photos to place focus on your subjects - Photo Filters: Enjoy a diverse collection of photo effects that add a unique style to your shots - RAW File Support: Edit your RAW photos directly on your mobile, preserving maximum image quality Seamless integration with Apple devices Designed for the Apple ecosystem, Luminar makes it easy to edit photos taken on your iPhone or iPad, enhancing your editing workflow. On the iPad, you can add personal touches using the Apple Pencil for sharper details and convenient edits. Plus, discover a new immersive editing experience with Vision Pro, optimized for iPadOS and VisionOS. Luminar — Envision more Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the Luminar AI photo editor offers a range of features to suit your needs, including detail enhancement, photo retouching, color adjustment, and more. Try Luminar now and experience next-level photo editing at your fingertips. Compatibility Note: The Luminar picture editor is optimized for devices running iOS/iPadOS 17 and newer. Please note that on iPad 6-gen, certain advanced features such as Erase, Sky AI and Relight AI are not available. To access all features, you need to purchase one of the plans below: 1 Week subscription 12 Months subscription (+7 days free trial. Once the trial is over, you will be charged a yearly subscription) Lifetime license Subscriptions auto-renew at the cost of the chosen package, unless canceled 24-hours in advance prior to the end of the current period. The subscription fee is charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. You may manage your subscription and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase. Privacy Policy: https://skylum.com/legal Terms of use: https://skylum.com/legal-eula

Screenshots

mood.camera4 screens
Luminar4 screens

Verdict

The call

mood.camera and Luminar both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 93% of mood.camera's written reviews are positive against 42% of Luminar's. mood.camera also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 9 days). Luminar's advantage is chart position (#135 vs unranked) and ratings volume (4.7K vs 545). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Both are free to download. mood.camera sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Luminar sells 11 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for mood.camera against 4.8 for Luminar. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Luminar has 4.7K ratings behind it against 545, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 93% of mood.camera's written reviews are positive against 42% of Luminar's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

mood.camera ships an update every 4 days, Luminar every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
mood.camera versus Luminar: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parametermood.cameraLuminar
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (545 ratings) — better4.8 (4.7K ratings)
Positive reviews93.3% of reviews — better41.5% of reviews
Number of ratings5454.7K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 9 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#135 — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Vision Pro — better
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size46 MB667 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlex FoxSkylum

Customer experience

mood.camera

All ratings545 ratings
Positive94.3%
Neutral2.2%
Negative3.5%
Written reviews733 reviews
Positive93.3%
Neutral3.4%
Negative3.3%

Luminar

All ratings4,700 ratings
Positive95.1%
Neutral1.3%
Negative3.5%
Written reviews809 reviews
Positive41.5%
Neutral13.6%
Negative44.9%

User reviews

mood.camera

From 545 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Smooth interface
  • 👍 Great presets and customization
  • 👍 Realistic film emulations
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
  • 👍 Convenient mobile photography

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
  • 🐛 Exposure issues (underexposure)
  • 🔋 Processing times could be improved
  • 🚫 Cannot import or edit existing photos

Luminar

From 4.7K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Powerful editing tools
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
  • 🎨 Great AI-powered features
  • 💡 Convenient mobile editing

Room to improve

  • 🔒 Subscription-only model
  • 🐛 Buggy and slow performance
  • 💰 Expensive subscription
  • 🔙 No option to save mid-edit

Bugs and requests

mood.camera

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Focus issues with telephoto lens
  • Inconsistent color rendering, especially for skin tones

Requested features

5 requests
  • Live preview of filters
  • Manual shutter speed control
  • Ability to apply filters to existing photos
  • Option to save original and filtered photos
  • Video mode with film-style effects

Luminar

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes and freezes
  • Issues with saving and exporting
  • Inaccurate AI-powered tools

Requested features

4 requests
  • Batch editing and presets
  • Raw file support
  • Masking and local adjustments
  • Export options (PNG, TIFF)

In-app purchases

3 purchases

mood.camera

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly pass$1.991 Month
One-time2
  • Lifetime Access$14.99
  • Early Adopter Access2 variants$14.99
11 purchases

Luminar

Subscriptions8
  • 1 Week2 variants$4.997 Days
  • 1 Month$14.991 Month
  • 6 Months$25.996 Months
Show 5 more
  • 12Months with monthly payment$39.991 Year
  • 12 Months7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • 1 Year7 Days trial$39.991 Year
  • Prime subscription$69.991 Year
  • 12 Months + Prime7 Days trial$79.991 Year
One-time3
  • Lifetime2 variants$69.99
  • Lifetime Web + Desktop$99.99
  • Lifetime Access: Mobile + Desktop$179.99

Questions

Is mood.camera free?
mood.camera is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Luminar free?
Luminar is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, mood.camera or Luminar?
mood.camera is rated higher. mood.camera averages 4.8 out of 5 from 545 ratings, while Luminar averages 4.8 from 4.7K ratings.
Do mood.camera or Luminar have ads?
Neither mood.camera nor Luminar shows ads.
Which is updated more often, mood.camera or Luminar?
mood.camera ships an update every 4 days, and Luminar every 9 days. Most recently, mood.camera was updated on October 24, 2026 and Luminar on October 24, 2026.

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