# FilmMeter vs ZoneCalc

The clearest difference is update cadence: FilmMeter at every 2 days against ZoneCalc's every 3 weeks. FilmMeter also leads on monetization model (free vs freemium) and ratings volume (63 vs 2). ZoneCalc's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. FilmMeter sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and ZoneCalc sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ZoneCalc holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: FilmMeter has 63 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

FilmMeter ships an update every 2 days, ZoneCalc every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FilmMeter | ZoneCalc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filmmeter/id6753060069/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zonecalc-zone-system-meter/id6772102746/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **63** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 96.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 143 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [宗 侯](https://appshunter.io/developer/1841159038) | [Juergen Suk](https://appshunter.io/developer/6772102748) |

## What reviewers say

### FilmMeter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/filmmeter/id6753060069)

This app transforms your iPhone into a professional light meter for film photography. It offers real-time metering, LiDAR ranging for accurate focus, and comprehensive film roll management. Features include reciprocity calculation, ND filter compensation, and an exposure log to streamline your shooting workflow.

**Highlights:** Real-time light metering, LiDAR ranging and depth of field, Film roll and camera management, Reciprocity and ND filter compensation, Long exposure timer, Exposure logging

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy me a coffee | $0.99 | one-time |
| Buy me lunch | $2.99 | one-time |
| 请我吃块蛋糕 | $9.99 | one-time |
| 赞助开发 | $19.99 | one-time |


### ZoneCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zonecalc-zone-system-meter/id6772102746)

This app assists photographers in precisely calculating exposure and tonal placement using Ansel Adams' Zone System. It offers features for metering, reciprocity correction, and development adjustments, with options for multi-point measurements and data export.

**Highlights:** Zone System exposure calculation, Multi-point metering, Reciprocity correction, Development adjustment recommendations, Film-specific development times, Calculation history and export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ZoneCalc Pro | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FilmMeter free?

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

### Is ZoneCalc free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FilmMeter or ZoneCalc?

ZoneCalc is rated higher. FilmMeter averages 4.8 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while ZoneCalc averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do FilmMeter or ZoneCalc have ads?

Neither FilmMeter nor ZoneCalc shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FilmMeter or ZoneCalc?

FilmMeter ships an update every 2 days, and ZoneCalc every 3 weeks. Most recently, FilmMeter was updated on October 14, 2026 and ZoneCalc on October 12, 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.*