Best Camera Apps With Manual Controls For iPhone

In this blog, we discuss the best camera apps with manual controls that let you play with depth of field, create mesmerizing effects, and turn ordinary scenes into extraordinary compositions.

If you’ve ever felt a pang of frustration with your default camera app’s limitations, you’re not alone. It’s like having a Ferrari but stuck in first gear. Not quite the exhilarating ride you envisioned, right? 

Next time you’re chasing the golden hour, capturing zooming cars, or exploring intricate details in a flower’s petals, think beyond the restrictions of your default camera app. Sure, it does its job, but it’s the difference between riding a bike and flying a jet.

Go Beyond Auto Mode with The Best Manual Control Camera Apps for iPhone 

What you need is an iPhone raw manual control camera app to turn your iPhone into a mini DSLR. Let’s discuss the six best camera apps with manual controls so you can forget the default settings and make this shot uniquely yours. 

1. ProCamera. Professional Camera

ProCamera puts you in the driver’s seat as it seamlessly transitions between simplicity and sophistication, giving you a DSLR-like experience right at your fingertips. Do you prefer Auto, Semi-Auto, or full Manual mode? Doesn’t matter as this app caters to every style. Plus, it grants you independent focus and exposure control with the added benefit of manual focus and focus peaking for those precise shots. 

When it comes to lenses, this manual control camera app supports all variations from ultra-wide to LiDAR. The app also boasts compatibility with multiple photo formats, including RAW, ProRAW, TIFF, JPG, and HEIF. For those looking to experiment, ProCamera offers 48 MP photos on iPhone 14 Pro and up, providing incredible detail.

What marks it as one of the best camera apps with manual controls is the fact that it brings a barrage of features to enhance your photography game.

From a self-timer and ProTimer intervalometer to OIS image stabilization, live histogram, and optical/digital zoom up to 24x, every aspect is covered. You can dive into ProRAW/RAW editing with EDR support, explore depth editing for that bokeh effect, and choose from over 80 photo filters.

Download ProCamera. Professional Camera ($14.99)

2. ProCam 8 – Pro Camera

Meet ProCam 8, your new go-to iPhone camera app with manual controls. You can explore a wide range of shooting modes that read like a photographer’s wish list.

From the standard Photo mode to the dynamic Burst Mode, and even a Slow Shutter for those dreamy long exposures, it’s a playground for your creative instincts. Plus, the Portrait Mode ensures everyone gets a slice of the artistic pie.

When it comes to releasing that photo shutter, the options are as diverse as your shooting scenarios. A Self-Timer for those group shots, an Anti-Shake feature to keep things steady, and a Screen Shutter/Big Button mode for easy handling. And let’s not forget the Interval option, adding a touch of automation to your time-lapse ventures. All this marks it as one of the best camera apps with manual controls.

Now, let’s talk about frame rates and resolutions for videos because why should photos have all the fun? From the standard VGA to the jaw-dropping 4K Max, it caters to every videographer’s dream. And the high frame rate options? A cinematic playground awaits, giving you the power to dictate the tempo of your visual storytelling.

Download ProCam 8 – Pro Camera

3. Pro Camera by Moment 

For those seeking a balance between simplicity and advanced features, Pro Camera by Moment hits the sweet spot. With a focus on affordability, this app brings the essence of DSLR and mirrorless cameras to your fingertips.

Plus, it offers unparalleled lighting controls, smoother video capture, extended exposure options, enhanced focus capabilities, and richer sound quality. All of this marks it as one of the best camera apps with manual controls.

For those seeking a powerful yet user-friendly camera app, this camera app with raw photography features and an intuitive interface allows seamless switching between controls.

Filmmakers will appreciate the tailored features, including color profiles, bitrates, dual-channel audio meters, real-time waveforms, and quick access to frame rates. On the photography front, shooting in RAW (even in bursts), split focus/exposure, and full manual control over settings like exposure, ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus redefine the iPhone photography experience.

But hey, Pro Camera’s simplicity extends to everyone, not just pros. The interface is designed for speed and ease of use, complemented by getting-started tips, video tutorials, and responsive customer service. Plus, the app’s commitment to user feedback is evident through its open communication channels.

Download Pro Camera by Moment

4. Obscura — Pro Camera

Obscura stands out for its intuitive design and powerful manual controls. Speaking of design, it’s not just visually appealing but a thoughtful blend of aesthetics and ergonomics. Plus, it ensures a seamless experience for both novices and seasoned photographers alike.

As for navigation, everything is strategically placed for easy access. Therefore, it’s the perfect iPhone raw manual control camera app for those spontaneous moments.

Moreover. the tactile experience, enhanced by gestures and haptics, keeps you immersed in the photography process, letting you concentrate on your subject without any distractions.

From photos and videos to Live Photos and portraits, it’s got you covered. And you can capture images in RAW, ProRAW, HEIC, and JPEG formats (on supported devices). That’s a buffet of options catering to every photographer’s preference, making it one of the best camera apps with manual controls.

When it comes to tweaking settings, Obscura hands you the reins, offering exposure, focus, white balance, ISO, shutter speed, and flash. 

Want a grid for precise composition? A spirit level for that perfectly aligned horizon? A histogram for exposure insight? Focus peaking and a focus loupe for sharpness aficionados? It’s all there. 

Download Obscura — Pro Camera

5. Fjorden Camera

Fjorden Camera is a sleek companion designed for swift, one-handed shooting that doesn’t compromise on advanced features. Venturing into manual camera controls, this app empowers you to take charge of your shots, making it one of the best manual control camera apps for iPhone.

You can adjust exposure effortlessly with exposure compensation, fine-tune ISO and shutter speed, and conquer diverse lighting scenarios with white balance settings. The best part is that you can use preset or go fully manual. 

Moreover, navigating the intricacies of focus is easy peasy. Enjoy the convenience of face detection or delve into precise focusing with assisted and manual focus options. Plus, the addition of focus peaking adds a layer of precision, ensuring your subjects are crystal clear. However, what sets Fjorden apart is its thoughtful design. The inclusion of composition tools aids in framing your shots perfectly.

And it boasts a digital zoom function that doesn’t compromise on image quality, giving you the flexibility to get up close and personal with your subjects. Moreover, the one-handed UI is a stroke of genius, ensuring that every adjustment is within reach, allowing you to capture moments without missing a beat.

Download Fjorden Camera

6. RAW+ Pro DSLR Manual Camera

Always in the driver’s seat, RAW+ boasts manual exposure that puts you in complete control. The icing on the cake? Full support for RAW and ProRAW formats, ensuring your shots retain their pristine quality, especially on compatible devices like the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max.

Moreover, navigate breezily with shutter and ISO controls always at your fingertips via user-friendly, oversized sliders. And yes, the aperture is fixed on the iPhone, but with RAW+, you’ll find it doesn’t cramp your style.

What about focus? Manual focus override is ready to step in at any moment. Feel the need to fine-tune your shots? Custom white balance settings are a tap away, allowing you to adapt to various lighting conditions effortlessly. Now, let’s talk about options offered by this camera app you can control manually on iPhone.

In the settings menu, you can toggle advanced features on or off, giving you a tailored photography experience. It’s all about adapting the app to your preferences, not the other way around. Thus marking it as one of the best camera apps with manual controls. 

Download RAW+ Pro DSLR Manual Camera

Control the Visual Narrative

Whether you’re adjusting exposure to conquer challenging lighting or playing with depth of field to infuse artistry, these apps let you own every shot. You see, the best camera apps with manual controls are all about breaking barriers and experimentation.

More than that, it’s about discovering that the journey of capturing moments is just as exciting as the moments themselves. 

Now, we want to hear from you. Which manual control camera app has become your go-to? Are there any hidden gems we missed? Let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.