Field Tools is a free, open-source depth of field calculator for photographers on iOS.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
It removes the cognitive cost of manual focus calculations in the field by providing instant hyperfocal and near/far limit data.
For Photographers requiring quick, field-based depth of field calculations for specific camera and lens setups.
What does it look like?
Key features
Calculates hyperfocal, near focus, and far focus distances from a single screen interface.
Allows configuration and storage of multiple camera and lens combinations for quick switching.
Project source code is available under the Apache Software License via the developer project page.
How much does it cost?
The app is distributed as a free utility with no observable monetization or in-app purchases.
Velocity
Dormant developmentperformanceUX improvementsShow more...
Field Tools has been inactive for 1,472 days, showing no development momentum or updates in over four years. The last release was a minor update addressing a dark mode glitch and updating the minimum iOS requirement. There is no evidence of ongoing maintenance or feature development, categorizing the app as a zombie project.
Who built it?
User Sentiment
What do users think recently?
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
Not enough recent reviews to extract reliable themes yet.
Read the full review analysisCompetition
Competitive landscape for Field Tools
How's the Photo & Video market?
Field Tools maintains a niche position as a free, open-source utility in the Photo & Video category. The four-year update gap signals a maintenance-only posture, limiting its ability to compete with modern, actively updated photography tools.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
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Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for Field Tools
Where is it heading?
The photography utility market is consolidating around tools that offer cloud-sync and frequent feature updates. Field Tools remains stable as a legacy utility, but its lack of development activity leaves it exposed to OS-level changes that could break the core calculation engine.
- The four-year update gap indicates a maintenance-only posture, which limits the app's ability to capture new users in a competitive market.
The SWOT
- Open-source distribution establishes developer credibility and transparency within the photography community.
- Single-screen interface reduces cognitive load during field-based photography sessions.
- Transition to a community-led maintenance model to preserve the utility for the photography community.
Next best moves
Open-source the maintenance roadmap because the four-year update gap signals a zombie status → prevent total obsolescence
The counter-intuitive read
The lack of monetization is the app's primary strength…
Read the full takeBottom line
Field Tools provides a reliable, zero-cost utility, but the four-year development hiatus limits its long-term viability against actively maintained rivals. Transitioning to a community-led maintenance model would address the obsolescence risk and preserve the utility for its user base.
Unlock 2 critical frictions, 1 market threat and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is Field Tools free to use?
Does Field Tools work on the latest iOS versions?
Is the source code for Field Tools available?
Sources
- [1] App Store, source
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