# NightCap Camera vs Solar Eclipse Timer

The clearest difference is price: Solar Eclipse Timer at Free against NightCap Camera's $2.99. Solar Eclipse Timer also leads on review sentiment (68% vs 51%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). NightCap Camera's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and rating (4.3 vs 3.8). On update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Solar Eclipse Timer is free to download; NightCap Camera costs $2.99 up front. Solar Eclipse Timer sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. NightCap Camera asks for nothing beyond the download.

NightCap Camera holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NightCap Camera has 3K ratings behind it against 561, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 51% of NightCap Camera's written reviews are positive against 68% of Solar Eclipse Timer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

NightCap Camera ships an update every 3 weeks, Solar Eclipse Timer monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | NightCap Camera | Solar Eclipse Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.3 (3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nightcap-camera-long-exposure/id754105884/reviews)** | [3.8 (561 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3K** | 561 |
| Positive reviews | 51.0% of reviews | **68.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#12** | — |
| Size | 10 MB | 231 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [RTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1804158489) | [Foxwood Astronomy, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1180239027) |

## What reviewers say

### NightCap Camera

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nightcap-camera-long-exposure/id754105884)

**Currently charting:** #12 Top Paid · Photo & Video, #117 Top Paid (US App Store)

Capture stunning low-light and night photos and videos with advanced features like long exposure, AI-powered controls, and specialized astrophotography modes. Achieve DSLR-like results and unlock your device's full potential in challenging lighting conditions.

**Highlights:** Low light and night photo/video capture, Long exposure and motion blur effects, Astrophotography modes (stars, aurora, ISS, meteors), AI camera control for automatic settings, Manual gesture-based adjustments, 4K time lapse recording, ISO Boost for brighter low-light shots

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great for astrophotography
- 👍 Excellent night/low light photography
- 💡 Powerful manual controls
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Produces high-quality results

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes on newer devices
- 🐛 Focus issues on iPhone 7+
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 👎 Unintuitive user interface
- 👎 Disappointing results for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Photos not saving properly
- Meteor mode not working as expected
- Compatibility issues with iOS 8 and iPhone 6 Plus

**Requested features**

- RAW image support
- Bluetooth remote shutter control
- Ability to save settings
- More exposure options
- Improved timelapse features


### Solar Eclipse Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865)

This app provides precise countdowns and reminders for solar eclipse phenomena, aiding both casual observers and photographers. It works offline and offers features like automatic partial-phase image timing and a dedicated photographer mode.

**Highlights:** Offline eclipse timing, Precise contact time calculation, Photographer mode, Automatic partial-phase image timing, Geolocation and manual coordinate entry, Audio and notification tests

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total - 7/2/19; Chile, Argenti | $1.99 | one-time |
| Total - 12/14/20; Chile, Argen | $1.99 | one-time |
| Total – 12/4/21; Antarctica | $1.99 | one-time |
| Hybrid – 4/20/23; Australia | $1.99 | one-time |
| Total – 4/8/24; USA, Mexico | $1.99 | one-time |
| Solar Eclipse Timer | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate timing and announcements
- 👍 Enhanced eclipse viewing experience
- 🎉 Worked flawlessly for 2017 and 2024 eclipses
- 💡 Helpful for photographers and non-photographers
- 🔊 Useful audio cues and prompts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
- 🔍 Confusing or cluttered user interface
- 🔋 Audio prompts not working in some cases
- 🗺️ Inaccurate location detection or totality information

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing when loading timing data
- Notifications not working when camera is in use
- Incorrect contact times displayed for some locations

**Requested features**

- Customizable reminders or timers
- Automatic time zone and location updates
- Lunar eclipse support
- Improved onboarding and tutorial
- Countdown timer with graphical depiction


## Frequently asked questions

### Is NightCap Camera free?

NightCap Camera costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Solar Eclipse Timer free?

Solar Eclipse Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, NightCap Camera or Solar Eclipse Timer?

NightCap Camera is rated higher. NightCap Camera averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3K ratings, while Solar Eclipse Timer averages 3.8 from 561 ratings.

### Do NightCap Camera or Solar Eclipse Timer have ads?

Neither NightCap Camera nor Solar Eclipse Timer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, NightCap Camera or Solar Eclipse Timer?

NightCap Camera ships an update every 3 weeks, and Solar Eclipse Timer monthly. Most recently, NightCap Camera was updated on October 29, 2026 and Solar Eclipse Timer on October 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*