It's not that hard actually, it's just tedious. The easiest way to do it is use the CIImageProperties (http://developer.apple.com/library/mac/#documentation/Graphi...)

The better way though is to use a class like this: https://github.com/gpambrozio/GusUtils/blob/master/GusUtils/...

I see your point though - it's not trivial. I just happen to have a lot of experience in this area. I do a lot of video/imaging on the iphone.