Comparison

DevClock vs vDarkroom

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

DevClock

This app assists with black-and-white film development in a darkroom. It allows users to create custom timers, follow step-by-step development processes, and view information in low light with a red mode. Features include local notifications and Live Activities for timer status.

Highlights
  • Quick timer for countdowns
  • Film and developer setup
  • Guided process timing
  • Red mode for low light
  • Local notifications and haptics
  • Live Activities support
  • Custom process plans
Features
Read full description

DevClock is a focused darkroom companion for black-and-white film work. Build quick timers, follow film development steps, and keep your process readable in low light. DevClock is designed for practical darkroom use: large controls, high-contrast timing screens, red mode, local notifications, haptics, and Live Activities for supported iOS devices. Key features: • Quick Timer for simple countdowns • Film and developer setup for black-and-white workflows • Guided process timing for develop, stop, fix, and wash steps • Red mode for darkroom-friendly viewing • Local notifications and haptic reminders • Live Activities for timer status on supported devices • Custom process plans • English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese interface options Important note: built-in development times are intended as useful starting points, not guaranteed processing instructions. Always confirm critical film, developer, temperature, and agitation choices against your own workflow and official manufacturer guidance. DevClock is local-first. It does not require an account, does not use analytics, does not include ads, and does not track you.

About

vDarkroom

Read full description

vDarkroom moves the complete traditional darkroom workflow — capture, exposure, development, enlargement — to iPhone, in pursuit of a faithful silver-halide experience. · Capture: record RAW (Bayer RAW 14-bit / Apple ProRAW) to retain the sensor's fullest tonal data for reuse downstream. Supports physical aperture stops on the iPhone 18 Pro / Pro Max main lens (f/1.48 · 1.8 · 2.8 · 4.0). · Exposure: meter the captured data with zone, centre-weighted or spot metering, then expose the selected film; a graduated ND filter and black-and-white contrast filters are also available. · Development: six developers (D-76, Rodinal, HC-110, Microphen, DD-X and more) with fine adjustment of temperature, time and agitation. · Enlargement: ten papers and processes (silver-gelatin RC/FB, cyanotype, platinum, vandyke, salt, multi-coat gum, digital), with multigrade contrast, enlarger aperture and exposure time, and a round black card for local burn and dodge. · More: 25 classic films, bracketed HDR, neutral-grey marker, 8K and lossless PNG export, silver-halide grain model. Free features: HEIF capture, 1080P/2K export, JPG, three metering modes, six developers, four films, silver-gelatin papers and cyanotype. Pro (one-time unlock): RAW capture, 4K/8K export, lossless PNG export, bracketed HDR, black-and-white filters, graduated ND, round black card, all films and alternative-process papers.

Screenshots

DevClock4 screens
vDarkroom4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DevClock at none against vDarkroom's 6. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Both are free to download. vDarkroom sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. DevClock asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
DevClock versus vDarkroom: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDevClockvDarkroom
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequency—Every 5 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer思圆 潘雷光 单

In-app purchases

None

DevClock

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

vDarkroom

One-time6
  • Kodak Film Pack$1.99
  • Ilford Film Pack$1.99
  • Retro Film Pack$1.99
Show 3 more
  • Fuji Film Pack$1.99
  • Alternative Process Pack$1.99
  • vDarkroom Pro$9.99

Questions

Is DevClock free?
DevClock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is vDarkroom free?
vDarkroom is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do DevClock or vDarkroom have ads?
Neither DevClock nor vDarkroom shows ads.

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