Comparison

CineTemp vs LightCalc.io

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

Head to head
About

CineTemp

This tool helps filmmakers and cinematographers measure color temperature and ND values using their iPhone camera. It offers real-time readings, a luminance histogram, and a library for saving shot notes and metadata to ensure color consistency.

Highlights
  • Color temperature readings via iPhone camera
  • ND calculation via iPhone camera
  • Real-time measurements with multiple lenses
  • Luminance histogram
  • Location-aware shot library
  • Scene comparison tools
Read full description

KEY FEATURES: • Approximate color temperature readings through your iPhone camera • Approximate ND calculation through your iPhone camera • Real-time values using wide, telephoto, and front-facing lenses • Luminance histogram • Location-aware shot library with custom notes and metadata • Scene comparison tools to assist with color consistency Perfect for: • Location scouting • Pre-production planning • On-set color adjustments • White balance optimization • Multi-camera coordination Created by filmmakers for filmmakers, CineTemp is designed to simplify your workflow and support your creative vision. While it’s not total replacement for dedicated hardware, CineTemp offers an intuitive way to make informed color decisions. The app seamlessly integrates with most iPhone cameras, and the customizable interface keeps essential tools at your fingertips. Save and organize your readings with automatic time, date, and location tagging to streamline your pre-production process. Join the creators using CineTemp to elevate their craft. Download now and explore an innovative approach to color temperature measurement.

About

LightCalc.io

Features
Read full description

LightCalc is the on-set lighting tool built for cinematographers, gaffers and lighting professionals. Stop doing mental maths under pressure - get the right exposure, the right fixture, and the right setup in seconds. Exposure Calculator Input your camera settings - T-stop, ISO, shutter angle, frame rate, ND filters - and instantly see the illuminance your scene needs. Switch between lux and foot-candles with one tap. Ambient Light Meter Use your iPhone camera as a live lux meter. Point at any surface to get a real-time ambient reading and feed it directly into your calculations - no separate hardware needed. Fixture Comparison Compare up to four lighting fixtures side by side at any distance. Adjust count and dimming per fixture and see relative output at a glance. Power & Distance Solver Know exactly what dimming level or distance you need to hit your target exposure. Works with your chosen fixture, modifier, diffusion and gel. Full Fixture Library Access a curated library of professional fixtures and modifiers. Plus users can add their own custom fixtures and diffusion materials - synced across web and mobile. Projects Save your setups and reload them on the next shoot. Your lighting data travels with you. Built for the Set Dark UI, fast inputs, haptic feedback - designed to be used in low-light environments with one hand while holding a light meter in the other. LightCalc requires an active LightCalc Plus subscription. Manage your subscription at lightcalc.io. Privacy Policy: https://lightcalc.io/privacy-policy | Terms of Use: https://lightcalc.io/terms-conditions

Screenshots

CineTemp4 screens
LightCalc.io4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: LightCalc.io at Free against CineTemp's $19.99. CineTemp's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and chart position (#18 vs unranked). On update cadence, 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

LightCalc.io is free to download; CineTemp costs $19.99 up front. LightCalc.io sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $34.99 per year. CineTemp asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
CineTemp versus LightCalc.io: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCineTempLightCalc.io
Price$19.99Free — better
Rating4.9 (29 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews93.8% of reviews—
Number of ratings29 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#18 — better—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.618.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB48 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTKNYEMatthias Streicher-Feldhofer

In-app purchases

None

CineTemp

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

LightCalc.io

Subscriptions1
  • LightCalc Plus$34.991 Year

Questions

Is CineTemp free?
CineTemp costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is LightCalc.io free?
LightCalc.io is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do CineTemp or LightCalc.io have ads?
Neither CineTemp nor LightCalc.io shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CineTemp or LightCalc.io?
CineTemp ships an update every 3 weeks, and LightCalc.io every 3 weeks. Most recently, CineTemp was updated on October 15, 2026 and LightCalc.io on October 16, 2026.

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