Comparison

SetMyCamera vs James Owl Calc

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

Head to head
About

SetMyCamera

This app provides advanced tools to help photographers of all levels master camera settings and create stunning images. It offers features like depth of field calculators, light metering, and composition assistance, supporting both digital and film cameras.

Highlights
  • Depth of field calculation
  • Light metering
  • Composition assistance
  • Print size calculator
  • Field of view visualizer
  • Flash configuration
Features
Read full description

Are you ready to take your photography to the next level? Look no further than SetMyCamera! With SetMyCamera’s advanced tools, you will be able to create visually stunning images with exceptional technical expertise. Imagine capturing award-winning photos in no time! SetMyCamera is your secret weapon for taking control of camera settings. SetMyCamera offers various base versions, each of which can be upgraded to the full feature set. For a complete list of features, head over to SetMyCamera.com. This basic version has all the essentials to start exploring camera settings. What is SetMyCamera? SetMyCamera is the ultimate photography app for all your photography needs. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, use digital or film cameras, capturing videos or photos, SetMyCamera has you covered. SetMyCamera offers a range of features, including depth of field, composition assistance, light metering, print resolutions, flash settings, and more. You can even learn about reciprocity, field of view, angle of view, depth of field, f/stop, shutter speed, ISO, and hyperfocal distances. SetMyCamera also supports accessories like filters, diopters, bellows, speed boosters, extension tubes, and teleconverters. SetMyCamera has an in-app tutorial to help you get started. Settings are easily adjusted using a thumbwheel or slider, and animated graphics make learning a breeze. Here are some SetMyCamera features: Traditional depth of field: This feature helps you find the perfect depth of field by entering aperture (f/stop) and subject distance. An animated graphic shows what you are setting. Reverse depth of field: This unique feature lets you set the perfect aperture (f/stop) or lens focal length by entering the near and far in-focus distances. An animated graphic helps you visualize the settings. Light meter: This handy tool measures the available ambient light, whether it’s the light the camera sees or the light that falls on the subject. It even includes a sunny 16 light guide. Photo shoot notes: The built-in notes database is perfect for your photo shoots to make your photography experience easier and more organized. Print size calculator: This tool helps you convert your photos into high-quality prints based on your camera. Field of view visualizer: This feature enables you to preview your photo capture. It utilizes your iPhone or iPad’s camera and offers various options, including histograms, the rule of thirds, hot spot detection, and adjustable exposure settings. Angle of view calculator: This tool helps you position your camera according to the lens and subject, considering the camera distance. Flash configuration: This tool eliminates the guesswork when setting up flash photos. Exposure value, neutral density filter, and reciprocity calculations: SetMyCamera can also calculate these values for you. Shutter speed recommendations: This tool helps you choose the right shutter speed to avoid blurry photos. Standard conversion information: SetMyCamera includes standard conversion information for cameras and field information. A wide range of cameras and settings: SetMyCamera has an extensive list of pre-defined cameras or you can define your own. Included is support for both Imperial and Metric units. User-Friendly: Customizable interface with selectable themes including dark mode, and support for over 30 languages. SetMyCamera is compatible with iPhone and iPad. On iPhone, an Apple Watch app is included. A MacOS version is available for your desktop or laptop. Some features may require in-app purchases. For a comparison chart of included features, visit https://setmycamera.com/products/compare/. What others say: “SetMyCamera assists depth of field calculations and serves as a great teaching tool” – MacWorld SetMyCamera respects your privacy and doesn’t collect user data. For more information, visit SetMyCamera.com. https://setmycamera.com/SMC_PP/SMC_PrivacyPolicy.html https://setmycamera.com/SMC_PP/SMC_TermsOfUse.html

About

James Owl Calc

This tool helps landscape photographers calculate precise camera settings for long exposure shots. It recommends ND filter combinations, aperture, and ISO based on your current settings and desired effect. Features include tutorials and camera-specific adjustments.

Highlights
  • Precise exposure calculations for ND filters
  • Reverse calculation mode
  • Smart adaptive technology for light changes
  • Built-in countdown timer with audio alerts
  • Camera-specific settings
  • Long exposure technique tutorials
Features
Read full description

James' Long Exposure Calculator is the ultimate companion for landscape photographers seeking to master the art of long exposure photography. Designed by professional photographer James Yu, this powerful tool eliminates guesswork and transforms your creative vision into precise camera settings. Whether you're capturing silky smooth waterfalls, dreamy misty seascapes, or ethereal cloud streaks, this app delivers professional-grade calculations tailored to your specific equipment. Simply input your current settings and desired effect, and the advanced algorithm will recommend the perfect ND filter combination, aperture, and ISO values to achieve stunning results every time. Key features include: Precise exposure calculations for any ND filter strength Reverse calculation mode - start with your desired exposure time Smart adaptive technology that accounts for changing light conditions Built-in countdown timer with audio alerts Camera-specific settings for maximum accuracy Detailed tutorials for various long exposure techniques Clean, intuitive interface designed for field use The app supports all major camera brands and ND filter types, from ND8 to ND64000. Take your long exposure photography to the next level with James' professional insights and techniques refined through years of experience. Whether you're a beginner exploring long exposure or a seasoned professional seeking efficiency, James' Long Exposure Calculator provides the precision and guidance you need to create breathtaking images that stand out from the crowd.

Screenshots

SetMyCamera4 screens
James Owl Calc4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: James Owl Calc at 100% against SetMyCamera's 44%. James Owl Calc also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.4) and in-app purchases (none vs 10). SetMyCamera's advantage is ratings volume (142 vs 4). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. SetMyCamera sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.29 per 3 months. James Owl Calc asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

James Owl Calc holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SetMyCamera has 142 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of SetMyCamera's written reviews are positive against 100% of James Owl Calc's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SetMyCamera ships an update every 3 weeks, James Owl Calc weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
SetMyCamera versus James Owl Calc: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSetMyCameraJames Owl Calc
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (142 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews43.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings142 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBluestone PondJames Zhen Yu

Customer experience

SetMyCamera

All ratings141 ratings
Positive85.8%
Neutral2.1%
Negative12.1%
Written reviews238 reviews
Positive43.7%
Neutral5.0%
Negative51.3%

James Owl Calc

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

10 purchases

SetMyCamera

Subscriptions4
  • SetMyCamera to ProPlus3 Days trial$3.293 Months
  • SetMyCamera to ProPlus3 Days trial$4.493 Months
  • SetMyCamera to ProPlus 1 year7 Days trial$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • SetMyCamera to ProPlus 1 year7 Days trial$14.991 Year
One-time6
  • upgrade to SetMyCamera$2.99
  • Upgrade to SetMyCameraDF$4.99
  • Upgrade to SetMyCameraMx$6.99
Show 3 more
  • upgrade to SetMyCamera$8.99
  • Upgrade to SetMyCameraPro$9.99
  • SetMyCamera to ProPlus NE$39.99
None

James Owl Calc

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SetMyCamera free?
SetMyCamera is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is James Owl Calc free?
James Owl Calc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SetMyCamera or James Owl Calc?
James Owl Calc is rated higher. SetMyCamera averages 4.4 out of 5 from 142 ratings, while James Owl Calc averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do SetMyCamera or James Owl Calc have ads?
Neither SetMyCamera nor James Owl Calc shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SetMyCamera or James Owl Calc?
SetMyCamera ships an update every 3 weeks, and James Owl Calc weekly. Most recently, SetMyCamera was updated on November 6, 2026 and James Owl Calc on November 4, 2026.

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