FrameScope Viewfinder vs LidarAC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
FrameScope Viewfinder
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FrameScope Viewfinder is a professional cinematography tool designed to help filmmakers, cinematographers, directors, and students visualize camera framing before stepping on set. Using accurate camera sensor data and real-world lens calculations, FrameScope allows users to simulate how different lenses and cameras will frame a shot in real time. CAMERA SYSTEMS: ARRI - Alexa 35, Alexa LF and Mini LF RED - Monstro 8k, V-Raptor 8k, Komodo-X 6k and Epic-X Dragon SONY - Venice, Venice 2, Burano and FX6 BLACKMAGIC - Ursa Mini 4.6k, Ursa Mini Pro 4.6k and Cinema Camera 6k Pro CANON - Cinema EOS c700 LENS: ARRI - Ultra Prime, Master Prime and Signature Prime ZEISS - Standard Prime(Super Speed) Supreme Prime, Supreme Radiance and CP.3 COOKE - Panchro, s/4, s/5 and s/7 LEICA - Summicron-C DZO - Aries Prime FF The most highly used Cameras and Lenses on Film Productions worldwide. Zoom Lenses and many more coming onboard soon! The app replicates the functionality of traditional optical director’s viewfinders while adding powerful digital tools for modern filmmaking workflows. FrameScope enables users to quickly preview shot composition, evaluate lens choices, and plan camera setups without needing physical equipment. Key features include: - Industry favorite professional cinema cameras and lenses - Real-time field-of-view simulation - Framing overlays for most aspect ratios - Intuitive controls designed for fast on-set framing and decision making. Users can select a camera system and lens combination to instantly preview the resulting field of view. The app accurately reflects how different sensors affect framing, allowing filmmakers to make informed creative and technical decisions. FrameScope is designed for professionals working in film, television, advertising, and digital content production. It is also an educational resource for film students and enthusiasts learning the relationship between focal length, sensor size, and composition. The interface prioritizes speed, clarity, and usability in real-world production environments. FrameScope Viewfinder is an essential tool for: • Cinematographers • Directors • Camera operators • Film students • Location scouts • Production designers • Content creators Whether planning a complex production or learning the fundamentals of cinematography, FrameScope provides an accurate and efficient way to visualize your shot before the camera rolls.
LidarAC
This app transforms your iPhone into a handheld controller for advanced focus pulling in video production. It integrates LiDAR data for real-time distance measurements, depth of field calculations, and precise focus tracking, enhancing your workflow with intuitive tools and haptic feedback.
- Real-time LiDAR distance data
- Depth of field visualization
- Custom lens profiles
- Focus scale modes
- Marker-based focus assistance
- Haptic feedback
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LidarAC – RX is the handheld control and monitoring interface for the LidarAC system, built to extend Tilta Nucleus M and N setups for modern focus workflows. The idea is simple: bring tools normally found on high-end hand units to the Nano by using an iPhone. The system consists of two Modes. RX acts as the handheld interface and connects to the Nucleus Nano II via Bluetooth. TX runs on a second iPhone mounted on the camera (iPhone 12 Pro or newer) and provides LiDAR-based distance data. RX already enhances the Nucleus on its own with custom lens profiles, focus scaling, and marker tools. The full potential unlocks when paired with TX, adding real-time distance data directly into the focus workflow. Instead of relying on raw motor values, the system translates focus into usable distance context. Depth of field is calculated and visualized in real time, helping focus pullers make faster and more confident decisions, especially in dynamic scenes. Lens profiles allow precise mapping between LiDAR data and lens behavior, including aperture-based depth of field. Camera profiles handle CoC and sensor offset, ensuring accurate results in real-world setups. The focus scale is fully interactive and can switch between a flat mode and a focus wheel inspired mode. Values can either be mapped visually like on the lens for intuitive pulling, or displayed linearly to better understand spatial relationships within the scene. Marker and tracking tools make it easy to set, follow, and recall focus points. Features like spot measurement, 2D and 3D tracking, and a top-down LiDAR view provide clear spatial awareness on set. Haptic feedback increases as you approach a marker, giving intuitive confirmation without looking away. Key features: • Real-time LiDAR distance data for people, faces, and eyes • Spot distance measurement • 2D and 3D tracking points • Top-down LiDAR scene view • Custom lens profiles with depth of field visualization • Multiple focus scale modes (linear, lens matched, logarithmic) • Marker-based focus assistance with haptic feedback
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: LidarAC at Free against FrameScope Viewfinder's $9.99. FrameScope Viewfinder's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
LidarAC is free to download; FrameScope Viewfinder costs $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
FrameScope Viewfinder ships an update every 2 weeks, LidarAC every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | FrameScope Viewfinder | LidarAC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 11 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 — better | 17.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 33 MB | 16 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | John Mark Santos | Luis Arndt |
In-app purchases
FrameScope Viewfinder
No in-app purchases
LidarAC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is FrameScope Viewfinder free?
Is LidarAC free?
Do FrameScope Viewfinder or LidarAC have ads?
Which is updated more often, FrameScope Viewfinder or LidarAC?
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