PhotoBuddy equivalent


Daoyin

Senior Member
Nov 25, 2008
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I have been using PhotoBuddy to assist in exposure, sunrise and DoF calculations etc. Unfortunately it is only on iOS. Does anyone know of an Andriod equivalent with the same level of functionality? Preparing to jump ship.

Thanks.
 

play.google.com
 

Thanks for responding.

Have roamed the site before posting here. There seems to be a lack of variety of such multi-fuctional app with Andriod. The only one that came close is Photo Tools Pro butI am hoping for a better trawl.

Anyone else?
 

I'm not up to date with the recent Android apps, but when I was still using Android, there was not really a good photo app. Many developers don't want to make apps for Android because they need to compile the app for different hardware. iOS only has one set of hardware so it's much easier.

If you use a Canon DSLR, you can consider using the Magic Lantern firmware, which has many features that aid in exposure [exposure simulation (can turn on LV FPS override and exposure override to see very dark scenes like before sunrise/after sunset/with 10 stop ND filter, live histogram, zebras, spotmeter, false colour, waveform], and DOF calculations (hyperfocal distance, lens focus distance and corresponding near and far DOF - provided the lens reports the focus info)
 

I'm not up to date with the recent Android apps, but when I was still using Android, there was not really a good photo app. Many developers don't want to make apps for Android because they need to compile the app for different hardware. iOS only has one set of hardware so it's much easier.

If you use a Canon DSLR, you can consider using the Magic Lantern firmware, which has many features that aid in exposure [exposure simulation (can turn on LV FPS override and exposure override to see very dark scenes like before sunrise/after sunset/with 10 stop ND filter, live histogram, zebras, spotmeter, false colour, waveform], and DOF calculations (hyperfocal distance, lens focus distance and corresponding near and far DOF - provided the lens reports the focus info)

Thanks for the response.

Yeah, that's what I am finding out. Google play store may have over 700,000 apps but it looks like there are few in this area.

Unfortunately I am a Nikon user.
 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/...GwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5waG90b2J1ZGR5LmRyb2lkMjIiXQ..

Not sure what is the difference between this one with the iOS one though.

Thanks for the response.

It has the same name but not the same function. This app is just another of those that helps your phone take a picture. What I am seeking is an app that helps the photographer with DoF, obtaining exposure parameters (i.e. for a given ISO and aperture what is the speed etc), sun rise/set moon for a given location, ND calculations, bulb stop watch, colour etc etc. Very useful for those wanting to go deeper and out of "auto" mode.

Anyone else with experience using an Andriod app for this purpose here?
 

I'm a bit puzzled .. you want to go out of Auto but still you leave the calculations to a tool and just key in whatever the app comes up with? I understand the need for DoF calculations, I use DoF Calculator for Android. But everything else can be done using your camera meter and some brain work. Counting down stops for ND is not rocket science. Shooting RAW eliminates the need for WB games (it's changing throughout sunset / sunrise anyway). Sundroid gives you the sunset / sunrise details for any location (very complicated for SG), but also for the moon. Android 4.2 has a stop watch built in, alternative free offers are plenty.
Sure, it's 3 apps instead of one. But if you want to get away from Auto mode then replacing the cams internal app with a smartphone app is not that smart after all..
 

I'm a bit puzzled .. you want to go out of Auto but still you leave the calculations to a tool and just key in whatever the app comes up with? I understand the need for DoF calculations, I use DoF Calculator for Android. But everything else can be done using your camera meter and some brain work. Counting down stops for ND is not rocket science. Shooting RAW eliminates the need for WB games (it's changing throughout sunset / sunrise anyway). Sundroid gives you the sunset / sunrise details for any location (very complicated for SG), but also for the moon. Android 4.2 has a stop watch built in, alternative free offers are plenty.
Sure, it's 3 apps instead of one. But if you want to get away from Auto mode then replacing the cams internal app with a smartphone app is not that smart after all..


Thanks for the feedback. You hit it on the nail as I am seeking suggestions for an "all in one" Andriod app. May have to settle for Photo Tools based on the lack of feedback. I will take a look at Sundriod if need to go the three app route.

Can understand why you are puzzled. But haven't used "auto"..... since the days when there wasn't an "auto" selection mode.

Hope it clarifies my quest. Thanks again.
 

I was in the same situation as you Daoyin. I was an iphone photo buddy user.

When I switched over to Android, I was looking for the same kind of app too. Unfortunately there is none. But I seldom use the other tools, only once in a while. So I am using 2 apps now. DoF Calculator and Sun Surveyor.
 

I was in the same situation as you Daoyin. I was an iphone photo buddy user.

When I switched over to Android, I was looking for the same kind of app too. Unfortunately there is none. But I seldom use the other tools, only once in a while. So I am using 2 apps now. DoF Calculator and Sun Surveyor.

Ah, I see others have gone down this route already. Trying out Photo Tools (seems to be the only Android app around so far). The interface not as slick as those on iPhone on first glance.