PlainCam vs Pure Camera

PlainCam is a minimal iPhone camera focused on photo capture and output control. It keeps the shooting interface quiet while keeping the essential controls close: viewfinder, shutter, flash, exposure compensation, grid, front/back camera switching, and rear physical lens selection. In Settings, you can choose JPEG, HEIC, and, on supported devices, RAW DNG, RAW + JPEG, or RAW + HEIC output. PlainCam does not require an account, does not upload photos, and does not include ads or social features. Captured photos are saved to the system Photos library. The in-app gallery is only used to browse photos saved by PlainCam. RAW availability depends on the current iPhone and lens hardware. If RAW capture is not reported as available, PlainCam does not present RAW as an output option.

Pure Camera brings authentic true photography to your iPhone. Images are rendered directly from the iPhone’s raw sensor data through a simulated film process rather than applying a filter to a preprocessed photograph. Most camera applications begin with a processed image and apply color grading. Pure Camera utilizes raw sensor data without multi-frame fusion, Smart HDR, sharpening, noise reduction, or upscaling. The result is a photograph developed through an authentic film emulation—incorporating gamma, color separation, interlayer effects, and grain—using traditional darkroom characteristics rather than post-processing adjustments. This unique approach produces authentic, unprocessed images.. Nine Film Stocks Options range from neutral, accurate profiles to saturated slide film, faded prints, motion-picture stock, and high-contrast black-and-white. Each profile is derived from genuine film properties rather than visual inspiration. Manual Control Users have full control over ISO, shutter speed, white balance, exposure compensation, and aspect ratio. Preferred settings may be saved to named banks and selected with a single tap, or the application may be left to manage exposure automatically. Grain as a Variable Grain is a selectable parameter rather than a fixed attribute. Settings include off, weak, normal, and strong; intensity scales realistically with exposure—subtle at low speeds and more pronounced at higher speeds. Reliable Viewfinder The preview is calibrated to match the final developed image, ensuring accurate framing rather than a generic live-view approximation. Pure Camera is designed for photographers who prefer traditional camera behavior: exposure, focus, and composition are user-defined, while the film handles the remainder authentically. Premium The application is fully functional but limited to the primary lens. Access to additional lenses is available via a one-time in-app purchase with family sharing enabled.