Halide

What is Halide?

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.

What can Halide do?

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.