The 12 Best Nikon Apps of 2018

Nikon SnapBridge is a free app that works with both Android and iOS. It's compatible with Bluetooth/Wi-Fi enabled cameras. The app allows for camera control, location information, and fast image transfers from camera to mobile device. 

What We Like:

• The convenience of instant transfers
• The ability to add hashtags, copyright info, and location information in the app so that photos are ready to share
• The ability to switch between up to five Nikon cameras

What We Don't Like:

• SnapBridge adds GPS and clock information to photos, so if privacy is a concern, you'll want to disable that feature.

Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility allows users to connect to their Nikon cameras using Wi-Fi to browse photos on the camera's memory card and easily share photos to Instagram and other sites. Users can also access their camera's live view and take photographs remotely.

This is a free app that is downloadable for both Android and iPhone users. 

What We Like:

• Free
• Makes sharing on social media seamless
• When used in conjunction with the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter, it can turn older DSLR cameras into smart cameras.

What We Don't Like:

• The UI is a bit dated.

Nikon SnapBridge 360/170 is meant to be used with KeyMission 360 and 170 cameras. The app allows users to control the camera, taking images or recording video footage. Users can add captions and tag photos with date, time, and location information. 

Nikon SnapBridge 360/170 is compatible with most iOS and Android devices. It is a free download.

What We Like: 

• The ability to control the KeyMission camera from a smart device
• The ability to crop images and extract stills from videos
• How easy it is to catalog travel adventures using the device 

What We Don't Like:

• Nikon's KeyMission 170 camera may not work with iOS 10.
• Bluetooth 4.0 or later is required for the app.

Nikon Image Space is an app that allows users to easily store, manage, and share images once they've been taken. It's a nice way to back up your photographs in the cloud, and it integrates seamlessly with SnapBridge.

Nikon Image Space is free for up to 2GB upon sign up and 20GB with a registered Nikon ID from a product. It is compatible with all platforms.

What We Like:

• Nikon Image Space provides backup of photos so that they are not lost should something happen to your SD card, device, or hard drive.
• It's easy to share from the app.
• Nikon Image Space stores shooting data, location info, and comparisons with photographs.

What We Don't Like:

• Information on whether additional storage space past 20GB could be purchased couldn't be located; it seems like an avid photographer or a professional would run out of space fairly quickly.

Rather than carry your camera's manual with you, Manual Viewer 2 allows you to have a copy of the manual wherever you are, so long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. This app is free and available for both Android and iOS systems.

What We Like: 

• Look up key information about your camera(s) on location
• Take multiple manuals for equipment with you without having to lug it all around.

What We Don't Like:

• It can take a good while to download the manuals, so you'll probably want to download the applicable one(s) shortly after installing the app. USB.

If you have a Nikon camera that you use for some things and a Canon that you use for others, it may be worth it to use an app that allows you to use either DSLR. 

Camera Connect and Control is available for Android devices. It has a free trial version; lite version for $.99, and a professional version that may be purchased for $7.99 in the app once a camera has been connected at least one.

What We Like:

• The ability to use this app to control your DSLR via USB or Wi-Fi.
• The capability for sharing from camera to other apps
• The ability to use "Partymode" to immediately share images as they are shot 

What We Don't Like:

• Ads in the free version

Turn your phone or table into a remote control or trigger for your Nikon DSLR camera. This app allows you to finally get a family photo without having to enlist a professional or a neighbor. The app allows you to control shutter speed, aperture, etc. from your mobile device. 

DSLR Remote Control works with Android devices. It has a free version and a pro version ($99.99)

What We Like:

• The ability to take professional photos without using a selfie stick
• Control of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO from a mobile device
• Live view
• Movie recording

What We Don't Like:

• In-app adds
• Not wireless (It needs a USB cable)
• Cost of the pro version

While this app can only be used on devices using USB OTG support, it provides a lot of features for professional photographers. Features include Wi-Fi support for Wi-Fi enabled cameras, automated focus bracketing, geotagging, live view, time lapse, and more. 

Helicon Remote is for use with Android 4.0.2+ and a USB OTG. The free version does not allow shooting in raw format. A license can be purchased for $47.55. 

What We Like:

• This app offers a lot of great features, including advanced exposure bracketing and time-lapse shooting.
• You can combine various features with focus stacking.

What We Don't Like: 

• Not really something not to like, but you will need to make sure you have a USB OTB adapter if your camera does not have a USB OTB port. 

Magic Nikon Viewfinder is a helpful app for photographers, cinematographers, directors, and even marketers who want to figure out what the best angle is or the best shooting location might be. You can choose your camera and lens combo so you can get an accurate preview of how the photo will look.

Magic Nikon Viewfinder works on Android devices. there is both a free and a premium version available for $1.59 in-app. 

What We Like:

• The app is simple to use.
• You can save future shots for the future with all the detail necessary.
• No need to lug around heavy and expensive equipment when scouting locations

What We Don't Like:

• Users with older devices report that they have some problems with the app.

NikonLenses is an app that helps users to choose the best Nikon lens for the job. It lists all of the F-Mount lenses as well as the details. Each lens has a detail page that has links to reviews, purchasing link, and rental link. 

What We Like: 

• This app provides a comprehensive guide to Nikon's lenses.
• The app provides a link for renting lenses for one-off use from third parties.

What We Don't Like

• The app is geared toward users in the United States, which is great, but it excludes users who are traveling abroad or living abroad from being able to take advantage of some of the conveniences. 

Light Meter is handy for those who need help calculating the right settings for the light. This app, while not specific to Nikon, is a help to Nikon DSLR users who want to use their manual settings with success. 

Light Meter is for Android devices. There is a free version and a paid $2.99 version. 

​What We Like: 

• Light Meter makes calculating F-stops and iso settings a breeze.

What We Don't Like:

• The app can be buggy on some phones.

Given an exposure and settings, this app will calculate equivalent exposures. When you set your parameters, the third will be calculated automatically. This app is great for novice and experienced photographers alike. 

Exposure Calculator is an Android App.

What We Like:

• The app is free and ad-free.
• The app calculates night settings.
• Exposure Calculator makes it easy to set up photographs when learning to use manual settings.

What We Don't Like: 

• Not so much a "dislike" but a limitation to note - this app does not work with a camera, it's independent from the camera and users need to enter the settings on their device manually.