7 Color Negative Films For The Budding Shutterbug

The photography world is still not over the recent news of Fuji discontinuing its peel-apart instant film. But this news has raised awareness and gives everyone more reasons to shoot in analogue. Since analogue can be tricky for beginners, the color negative film is the best type to use for its no-fail quality and rich-in-color results. We've gathered a list of color negative films that every newbie should try.

Kodak Portra 400

The Kodak Portra 400 35 mm stands comfortably with the professional standard, so you can expect exceptional color saturation and a high degree of sharpness with each shot. Shooting in moderate light is possible in high speed with its 400 ISO, and the film reproduces color superbly with impressive grain, even at 400. On the 160, the grain is even finer, while 800 isn’t bad at all. While not cheap, the quality more than makes up for it. Designed for wedding and portrait photographers, the low-contrast, low-saturation film is the successor to Vericolor III Professional. The film is made for capturing the details in both black and white objects under daylight, while simultaneously maintaining pleasant skin tones.

Fuji Color Superia 200

The Fuji Color Superia is designed to be a “snappy” general-purpose film, offering less super-saturated colors and more midtone contrast. If you wish to bring the saturation and contrast down a touch, you can underexpose slightly; no more than 2/3 of a stop or you risk a slight grain penalty. The grain is smaller and tighter like most films designed for slightly higher contrast and saturation. With the Superia, you'll want to be more careful shooting people, however, as colors can be too strong and 'popping.' But if you like this style, the Superia will serve your purpose.

Kodak Ektar 100

Those looking for the ultimate color negative film can find it in the Kodak Ektar. Fine-grain attributes allow for minimal film grain on exposures, making tack-sharp photos with top-notch color reproduction and great contrast. The Ektar has qualities similar to slide films and is the cheap alternative, so you'll probably either really like it or hate it. If you're seeking extreme saturation and sharpness, then Ektar is a good choice.

Agfa Vista 400

AgfaPhoto Vista 400 35 mm film is great for doing crisp shots that are easy to pull off. Designed with a speedy ISO 400, you can shoot fine 35 mm photos with ease wherever and whenever you are. The wonderful color saturation and contrast make this the perfect go-to film for a day trip. With vivid color capture, suitability for most light conditions, as well as the ability to shoot fast-moving subjects, the Agfa Photo Vista 400 35 mm is a very flexible film.

Fuji Pro 800Z

The Fuji Pro 800Z Color Negative 35 mm film produces professional-quality photos with vibrant colors, smooth grain, sharpness, and faithful color reproduction. You can depend on this film to shoot 35mm photos with impressive textures that are almost grain-free. It is able to capture natural skin tones even in unfavorable lighting conditions because of the high 800 ISO. Boasting great colors with high fidelity, smooth textures, excellent grays, the film is a fine choice for fashion shots, portraits, and wedding shots.

Kodak GOLD 200

Kodak's GOLD 200 is has a versatile combination of striking color saturation, fine and seamless grain, and high image sharpness. Its nominal sensitivity of ISO 200/24° lets you work with ease in a wide variety of lighting conditions and the wide exposure latitude can allow for exposing up to two stops under or three stops over. The Kodak GOLD 200 is also ideal for scanning or enlarging your photographs without losing the quality of the original image. It is a safe and reliable film for either indoor or outdoor use.

Lomography Color Negative

Last but not the least, Lomography's very own color negative film boasts vivid color saturation, smooth fine grain and resolution. Available in 100 ISO, 400 ISO, and 800 ISO, the Lomography Color Negative 35 mm and 120 guarantees brilliant results, making this film a reliable all-rounder.

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