Finding truly free iPhone camera apps that offer professional-level RAW and manual controls is a rarity. Luma Camera & Presets, developed by Rafal Kopiec, aims to meet the needs of demanding mobile photographers without the usual drawbacks of bloated features or paywalls. The app provides full manual control, allowing users to shoot in RAW, adjust ISO, white balance, and shutter speed, and bypass Apple’s processing. Although the user interface may seem stark and quirky, it’s designed for clarity and purpose, without unnecessary distractions. Luma offers a unique preset and LUT system that allows users to apply creative styles directly in-camera, providing a preview of the final output before capturing the image. While not as polished as Halide, Luma is genuinely free, with no subscriptions or gated features, and plans to keep its core features accessible to all users. Future computational features may be offered as a one-time paid add-on. Rafal Kopiec, the creator, emphasizes the app’s focus on user-controlled photography, aiming to address the overprocessing often seen in iPhone cameras. Luma’s development reflects a commitment to simplicity and user empowerment, with future plans to introduce optional computational photography features.
Is Luma Camera the ultimate free alternative to Halide for RAW photography on iOS?
