Missing EXIF data in Photomator vs. Apple Photos (SAME file)

The EXIF data may not actually be missing from the file. It may just be that Photomator isn’t displaying that particular EXIF field.

Photomator describes its Show Info panel as showing basic metadata and camera settings, but it doesn’t say that it displays every EXIF tag.

Since Photos can see the EV value after export, that strongly suggests the value is still embedded in the image and Photos is simply displaying more of the available metadata.

I’d report that to the Photomator developers as a metadata-display issue, especially if you can reproduce it consistently with files from your D7500.

I would alter the workflow. If you import the pictures to Photos, then you can edit them in Photomator without altering the original file and so, retain all the original metadata. Photomator uses the Photos Library, and the ability to edit is with Photomator is built in. Just use the Menu Image>Edit with… If PHotomator isn't already a choice, you can choose "Other" and include it.

I use two Libraries-- one for all my Nikon Z8 jpgs, and the other for the favorite ones that I might want to show people. The Favorites Library is the one connected to iCloud Photos.

No. This is what I found in a search:

Photomator does not natively read or display the specific EV (Exposure Value) or Exposure Biasmetadata fields in its Info panel. [1]

While it extracts standard technical details from your camera's EXIF data to show basic exposure metrics—specifically Aperture (f-number), Shutter Speed, and ISO—the application lacks comprehensive metadata management tools. It cannot read, filter, or edit deep metadata attributes like exposure compensation tags.