X Sim Lab vs LightCalc.io
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Develop Fujifilm RAF files
- Apply custom film simulation recipes
- In-camera processing
- Manage recipe collection
- Crop and export as JPEG
- iPad-only workflow
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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.
LightCalc.io
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | X Sim Lab | LightCalc.io |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $17.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.5 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Monthly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 65 MB | 48 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Daniel Pangerl | Matthias Streicher-Feldhofer |
In-app purchases
X Sim Lab
No in-app purchases
LightCalc.io
- LightCalc Plus$34.991 Year









