35mm Color Film: Reviews

Updated April 2005

If you're still shooting with a film camera, your pictures are only as good as the film you buy. We consulted over a dozen reviews, most of which are written by digital photography experts, though we also found reliable reviews from consumer publications as well as user reviews on Amazon. Like many purchases, when shopping for film, it's important to consider how you'll actually use it - whether indoors, outdoors or for portraits.

FONT
PRINT

Compare All

Best general-purpose film

Kodak High Definition

*Est. $6 Learn More

Reviewers say that Kodak High definition, formerly known as Kodak Royal Gold, is the best general-purpose film for the average consumer, and the 200 speed will take you from indoor birthday parties to vacation snapshots… expandwith equal success. It is also available in ISO 400 for shooting sports and action scenes. Photography enthusiasts say this fine-grain film is easy to develop, with true colors. This film works equally well in both point-and-shoot and SLR cameras, experts say. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

PHOTOgraphic.com: Defunct PHOTOgraphic, since absorbed by Shutterbug, simply lists ten films from slowest to fastest, among them Kodak Royal Gold, ancestor to Kodak High Definition.

PHOTOgraphic.com: Defunct PHOTOgraphic, since absorbed by Shutterbug, says Kodak Royal Gold 200, ancestor to Kodak High Definition 200, is good for general use.

JafaPhotography.com: Nearly every product seems highly recommended, so it's hard to tell which products are better than others.

Epinions.com: A handful of owner reviews gives the earlier Kodak Gold Max 200 a high average score, with no ratings below four out of five.

Best professional-grade film

Fujicolor Superia Reala 100

*Est. $7 Learn More

Professional photographers choose this film for its especially fine grain and high color saturation, which helps render beautiful outdoor landscapes and nature photographs. If you know you're going to squeeze off a few… expandrolls of Grand Canyon scenery, Fujicolor Superia Reala 100 is your best choice. Plus, experts say this film can easily be converted to slide format. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

Popular Photography: Although this chart won't tell you what film is best, it will help you determine what film is most likely to meet your needs.

PHOTOgraphic.com: Defunct PHOTOgraphic, since absorbed by Shutterbug, simply lists ten films from slowest to fastest, among them Fujicolor Superia 100.

PHOTOgraphic.com: Defunct PHOTOgraphic, since absorbed by Shutterbug, says Fuji Superia Reala 100 is a good choice for portraits in natural light.

JafaPhotography.com: Nearly every product seems highly recommended, so it's hard to tell which products are better than others.

PhotographyReview.com: About 100 user reviews give Fujicolor Superia Reala 100 an extremely high average score.

Amazon.com: A handful of user reviews gives Fuji Superia Reala 100 an extremely high average score.

Best film for portraits

Kodak Portra 160NC

*Est. $4 Compare Prices

Kodak Portra 160NC is a top pick of experts such as Photo.net's Philip Greenspun as a good choice for weddings and portraits. Portra 160NC renders definition in skin hues as well as tones and detail in the blacks and… expandwhites of wedding fabric. It can also be used for landscapes because of the sharp grain allowing for maximum detail. Color print labs are especially familiar with developing this film. collapse

See Our Full Review

Expert & User Review Sources:

Photo.net: Reviewer Philip Greenspun discusses better print films as well as films to be avoided.

Popular Photography: Although this chart won't tell you what film is best, it will help you determine what film is most likely to meet your needs.

PHOTOgraphic.com: Defunct PHOTOgraphic, since absorbed by Shutterbug, includes Kodak Portra 160NC & VC among those best for portraits.

PHOTOgraphic.com: Defunct PHOTOgraphic, since absorbed by Shutterbug, simply lists ten films from slowest to fastest, among them Kodak Portra 400VC.

Photo Techniques: Professional photographer and author Ctein, who is known for his articles on darkroom technique, discusses nearly a dozen print films that he has field-tested, including Kodak Portra 160NC and VC.

PhotographyReview.com: About two dozen user reviews give Kodak Portra 160NC an extremely high average score.

Where to buy:

See All Stores

Buy from
Amazon

for