Comparison

X Sim Lab 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

X Sim Lab

Develop RAF files from Fujifilm X Series cameras using custom film simulation recipes directly on your iPad. This app allows you to import files, apply in-camera processing, manage recipes, and export JPEGs without needing a desktop computer.

Highlights
  • Develop Fujifilm RAF files
  • Apply custom film simulation recipes
  • In-camera processing
  • Manage recipe collection
  • Crop and export as JPEG
  • iPad-only workflow
Features
Read full description

X Sim Lab — Your film lab. Anywhere. Develop RAF files from Fujifilm X Series cameras with your own film simulation recipes — right on your iPad. Authentic in-camera processing, no desktop needed. What it does: Import RAF files via USB-C from supported Fujifilm X Series cameras Gather shots from multiple sessions into a single film strip Apply film simulation recipes using the camera's own processing pipeline Manage and organise your recipe collection Crop and export as JPEG Complete your entire workflow on iPad — no computer required Check camera compatibility at x-simlab.app/cameras before downloading. Not all RAF-producing cameras are supported. Not affiliated with or endorsed by FUJIFILM Corporation. FUJIFILM and X Series are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation.

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

X Sim Lab4 screens
LightCalc.io4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: LightCalc.io at Free against X Sim Lab's $17.99. X Sim Lab's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18.0). On update cadence, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

LightCalc.io is free to download; X Sim Lab costs $17.99 up front. LightCalc.io sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $34.99 per year. X Sim Lab asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

X Sim Lab ships an update every 3 weeks, LightCalc.io monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
X Sim Lab versus LightCalc.io: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterX Sim LabLightCalc.io
Price$17.99Free — better
Rating3.5 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.4 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size65 MB48 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDaniel PangerlMatthias Streicher-Feldhofer

In-app purchases

None

X Sim Lab

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

LightCalc.io

Subscriptions1
  • LightCalc Plus$34.991 Year

Questions

Is X Sim Lab free?
X Sim Lab costs $17.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is LightCalc.io free?
LightCalc.io is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do X Sim Lab or LightCalc.io have ads?
Neither X Sim Lab nor LightCalc.io shows ads.
Which is updated more often, X Sim Lab or LightCalc.io?
X Sim Lab ships an update every 3 weeks, and LightCalc.io monthly. Most recently, X Sim Lab was updated on October 7, 2026 and LightCalc.io on October 1, 2026.

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