Accuracy of a phone light meter?

[hypersparkle]

Anyone ever downloaded a light meter app for their smartphone? I got one on my Pixel and am curious to see how accurate these light meter readings are. I'd love to hear your experiences and if you have a favorite app. For now, I'm using one of the free ones.

[Dollythehun]

I did. It worked poorly, if at all.

[estación seca]

The application must be written specifically for the camera chip in your phone (charge capture device or CCD) and your phone's software, or there is no chance it will work. Compare your phone model and software version to the list of supported devices in the application.

[ArronOB]

If you have access to a digital SLR camera then it’s probably the most accurate way to measure light levels without purchasing a dedicated light meter.

Generally the method is to point the camera at a sheet of white paper and look up the iso/aperture/shutterspeed settings in tables. Google has all you need to know.

[estación seca]

It is also possible you might be able to find a very small photographic light meter from the 1960s or 1970s. Once upon a time, even very fine and expensive cameras did not have built-in light meters. Many photographers had a tiny case attached to their camera strap, holding a light meter about half the size of a matchbox, or less. They operated on electricity generated by light striking the sensor, so did not need batteries, and should last for many decades (centuries?)

[stompy]

The lightmeter apps are accurate. As long as you know what you are doing. If you use it in reflected light mode make sure you point the camera on the phone at something 50% gray. I like to use the palm of my hand (I have dark skin). If you have lighter skin take a reading and add+1 stop. The more accurate why is to do incident light mode. You will have to buy a small attachment that goes over the phone lens to get a accurate reading. If you want a rough estimate switch to incident mode and point the lens at the sky. Make sure the sky is uniform (this is important). Either blue sky or uniform cloud.

Whatever method read the light at ISO 100. The EV value you get can then be converted to lux or FC. Heres a good link

Conversion Chart

I've used this method to shoot slide film on old cameras. It works. even on my crap phone. Should be no problem for what you are trying to do