Pro manual camera

slay vs Halide

A serious manual camera for iPhone. Here is how it compares to slay, the composition-first camera for iPhone.

FeatureslayHalide
Live composition guides14 guidesNo
Manual exposure and RAWCore camera controlsFull manual plus RAW
Focus peaking / histogramNoYes
Best forFraming and compositionExposure control and RAW
PriceFree · Pro from $1.99Paid pro app

Where Halide is great

Best for: Shooters who want RAW, manual focus, and full exposure control.

  • Manual exposure, focus and white balance
  • RAW capture for editing flexibility
  • Focus peaking and histograms
  • A thoughtful, pro-grade interface
  • Centered on exposure, not composition
  • No teaching guides on the viewfinder
  • A steeper learning curve for beginners

Where slay wins

Composition, taught live as you shoot.

  • A composition-first interface
  • Guides that show you exactly where to place the subject
  • Simplicity that anyone can pick up in minutes
  • Free to start, with an optional Pro plan

The verdict

If you already nail exposure and want to fix your framing, slay is the complement. If you live in manual mode, use Halide.

slay vs Halide: FAQ

Is slay a Halide alternative?
Only if your goal is composition. Halide is a manual camera built for exposure and RAW, while slay focuses on framing with 14 live composition guides.
Can I use slay and Halide together?
Yes. Many photographers use Halide for manual or RAW shots and slay when framing matters most.

Frame it perfectly, every time.

Free to download. Slay Pro from $1.99/month.

Get slay on the App Store

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