Film choice makes a bigger difference than you might realize. Picking the wrong film stock can leave you frustrated with results that don't match your expectations or your budget.
Coming to you from Cody Mitchell, this informative video ranks color film stocks based on what's best for beginners, factoring in cost, ease of use, and visual results. Mitchell sets clear ground rules upfront, highlighting that he's only covering color film and only the films he regularly uses himself. He dives straight into evaluating Kodak's popular Portra series, placing Portra 400 right at the top in his "S tier." It delivers consistently beautiful images with soft pastel colors, particularly when you give it a little extra light. But Mitchell acknowledges Portra 400 isn't exactly cheap. Next, he breaks down Portra 160 and Portra 800—one being less flexible due to the lower ISO, and the other expensive but highly versatile—explaining clearly why they sit at lower, but still respectable, tiers.
When Mitchell evaluates other Kodak films, he notably gives ColorPlus 200 an "S tier" status as well, calling it his favorite affordable option. Its colors stand apart from Gold 200 with a more natural, vibrant look at nearly half the cost of Portra. Kodak Ultramax 400 doesn't make the cut for the highest rating but still receives praise for its versatility and affordability—ideal qualities for beginners who may still be figuring out their personal shooting styles.
Stepping outside Kodak's lineup, Mitchell takes time to discuss Cinestill films—400D and 800T. Cinestill 800T ranks highly thanks to its versatility, great nighttime performance, and noticeable character with halation effects around bright lights. In contrast, Mitchell ranks the newer Cinestill 400D somewhat lower, mentioning a subtle brownish tone in scans that's less appealing for the price you're paying.
He also shares insights into Fuji films, notably Pro 400H. Mitchell admits it was a favorite, especially for its distinct handling of greens, but points out the downside—it's discontinued, making it significantly pricier since stores are running low. Fuji Superia X-TRA 400, however, is another story; though discontinued, it's still accessible at decent prices online. This makes it an attractive entry-level option even if the colors aren't quite professional level.
Mitchell also touches on Ektar 100, known for strong, saturated colors great for landscapes but less suitable for portraits. He places it lower given how inflexible it can be for beginners, and for its slightly higher price. Similarly, Lomography 800 ends up mid-tier for its solid performance yet fails to surpass alternatives like Portra 800, especially considering similar price points.
The video doesn't ignore slide films completely, mentioning Kodak Ektachrome 100, a challenging choice for beginners—notoriously sensitive to exposure mistakes—but able to deliver striking images when properly handled. Mitchell ranks Ektachrome lower due to its unforgiving nature and expenses, despite personally enjoying it at times.
Beyond simple rankings, the conversation Mitchell sparks on choosing film stocks is helpful. There isn't one universally "right" answer; situations, budgets, and aesthetics all factor in deeply to these choices. His direct evaluation offers guidance without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity.
Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mitchell.
