Halide is a pro camera app for iPhone and iPad for natural-looking photos, manual control, RAW workflows, creative Looks, and built-in learning tools.

Halide preview

Overview

Halide is a pro camera app for iPhone and iPad that focuses on natural-looking photography, manual control, and RAW workflows. It is built for people who want the camera to behave more like a traditional camera and less like a heavily automated image processor.

At capture time, Halide can disable Apple’s computational photography with Process Zero, or switch to creative Looks that include film-style rendering and other controlled processing options. The app also supports manual exposure, focus assistance, RAW import from other cameras, and educational resources for learning the app and photography basics.

Core features

Process Zero

Process Zero disables iPhone processing so photos keep natural color and contrast instead of being heavily altered by automated image processing.

Looks and film simulation

Creative Looks are built into capture and developed with a Hollywood colorist, giving you film-like processing options and simulations that change how the photo is made.

Automatic and manual shooting

Halide supports both guided automatic capture and a full manual mode with shutter speed, ISO, and white balance controls.

Focus tools

Focus Peaking and Focus Loupe help with precise manual focus when you want more control over critical sharpness.

RAW file support

RAW import support lets you load files from other cameras and render them inside Halide, including DNG, CR2, CR3, NEF, RAF, ARW, and FFF formats.

Advanced capture and review tools

The app includes technical readout, DCI-P3 color metadata view, custom white balance, framing guides, macro mode, and an iPad photo lab experience.

Common use cases

  • Natural-looking everyday photography

    Shoot with reduced processing when you want iPhone photos to preserve a more natural look and contrast profile.

  • Manual capture sessions

    Take control over shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and focus when you need predictable results for difficult lighting or intentional creative exposure.

  • Editing and rendering imported RAW photos

    Import RAW files from another camera and make quick rendering adjustments without leaving the app.

  • Precision focus and composition

    Use focus peaking, the focus loupe, and framing guides to get sharper, more deliberately composed images.

  • Learning mobile photography

    Follow the in-app lessons or support resources to learn camera basics and Halide’s workflow over time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Offers both natural-photo capture and more stylized Looks in the same app.
  • Supports full manual control over key exposure settings.
  • Can import RAW files from multiple camera brands for in-app rendering.
  • Includes focus aids and framing guides that support more deliberate shooting.
  • Runs on both iPhone and iPad and includes educational material for learning the app.

Cons

  • Pricing details are not shown on the pricing page because it returns a 404, so plan structure cannot be confirmed from the site pages provided.
  • The source does not document integrations or export workflows beyond RAW import and in-app rendering.
  • Several support and feature details are presented at a high level on the homepage, so some advanced capabilities may need the App Store listing or manual for confirmation.

FAQ

What platforms does Halide support?

Halide is available on iPhone and iPad through the App Store. The site says it includes a free 1 week trial at signup.

What is Halide used for?

The site describes Halide as a camera app for natural photos, manual control, RAW shooting, and film-like Looks. It is aimed at people who want more control over how an iPhone or iPad camera captures and processes images.

Can I use Halide without computational photography?

Halide can disable iPhone processing with Process Zero, and it also offers creative Looks, including film simulation options such as grain, halation, and MTF.

Can Halide work with RAW files from other cameras?

Yes. The site says you can import RAW files from standalone cameras and render them in Halide, including files from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Leica, Fujifilm, and Hasselblad cameras.

How do I get help learning Halide?

Halide offers a 10-day email course, a YouTube channel, and a manual on its support page, plus direct contact with a small support team.

Quick Facts

Category
Photo & Video
Platform
iPhone and iPad
Primary use
Pro camera app for natural photos, manual control, and RAW workflows
Developer
Lux Optics Incorporated / Lux
Source domain
halide.cam
Pricing
Paid app; App Store listing says there is a 7-day free trial with annual membership or a one-time purchase