The ever-growing list of film simulations available in Fujifilm cameras is one of their most loved features.
Fujifilm has long been celebrated as the manufacturer of some of the world’s most-used film emulsions. Fujifilm wisely brought this analog legacy with them when they made the transition to digital. Many of these are available in digital form as film simulations across Fujifilm’s X-series and GFX-series cameras. Some say these film simulations are the special sauce that makes Fujifilm cameras so endearing. They each have unique characteristics and were created to emulate the look of the Fujifilm emulsions with which they share their name. Fujifilm X-series and GFX-series cameras give the ability to apply these film simulations to your images in-camera. You can also “re-process” your images in-camera using different film simulations. Better yet, you can even see the effects of each one in real-time through the EVF or the rear LCD while photographing. Our latest original infographic explores the various Fujifilm Film Simulations and how they compare to one another.
ACROS
The ACROS film simulation was created to mimic the look and feel of Fujifilm’s NEOPAN 100 ACROS film emulsion. When Fujifilm first added ACROS onto their roster of Film Simulations, black and white fanboys lost their minds in excitement. The sharpness, clarity, and gradation are ramped up a notch compared to the standard Monochrome mode. Another characteristic that sets ACROS apart from Monochrome is the addition of subtle graininess to your images. Green, Red, and Yellow variants of the base ACROS film simulation are also available in-camera. They were designed to simulate the effect of using color filters over your lens, a technique popular amongst analog photographers.
ASTIA
The ASTIA film simulation was created to mimic the look and feel of Fujifilm’s FUJICHROME ASTIA film emulsion. ASTIA delivers more vibrancy and saturation compared to PROVIA, which is the default film emulsion on all Fujifilm X-series and GFX-series cameras. It shares some similarities with the Velvia film simulation but produces gentler contrast. It’s an excellent choice for portrait photography, but can be used for other genres as well.
CLASSIC CHROME
Although Fujifilm never made a film emulsion called CLASSIC CHROME, this film simulation was designed to replicate the look of imagery seen within the printed pages from days past. Images shot using the CLASSIC CHROME film simulation packs a ton of contrasty shadows and take on a vintage, desaturated aesthetic. It’s a favorite amongst documentary and street photographers.
CLASSIC Neg.
CLASSIC Neg. is short for Classic Negative. Just like CLASSIC CHROME, CLASSIC Neg. wasn’t created to simulate a specific film stock that Fujifilm had produced in the past. Rather, CLASSIC Neg. was patterned after the average negative film emulsions that were used by the masses. Like CLASSIC CHROME, images shot with the CLASSIC Neg. film simulation also exhibits a desaturate aesthetic, although less so by comparison. The shadows are also richer as well.
ETERNA
This one is for the cinephiles. The ETERNA film simulation was created to emulate the look and feel of the eponymous cinema film emulsion. Images shot using the ETERNA film simulation take on muted tones and flat contrast. It was designed with video shooters and post-production color grading in mind, but some photographers have taken a liking to it as well.
PRO Neg. Std
Short for PRO Negative Standard, this film simulation produces images that are more subtle and muted when compared to PROVIA. Contrast is subdued and complemented by beautifully rendered skin tones. It’s a versatile film simulation well suited for portraits and still life.
PRO Neg. Hi
Short for PRO Negative Hi, this film simulation is a variant of PRO Neg. Std. Skin tones appear softer, by comparison, but colors are more saturated and shadows more dramatic. It’s still not as saturated as PROVIA, however. PRO Neg. Hi is a popular choice amongst fashion and portrait photographers thanks to its ability to highlight delicate details.
PROVIA
The PROVIA film simulation is the default film simulation on Fujifilm’s X-series and GFX-series cameras. It was created to mimic the look and feel of Fujifilm’s FUJICHROME PROVIA slide film. It’s a great all-around film simulation that’s suitable for many genres of photography.
Velvia
The Velvia film simulation was created to mimic the look and feel of Fujifilm’s FUJICHROME Velvia slide film. It’s the natural choice for photographers after vivid, vibrant colors that pack a punch. Velvia delivers rich colors and deep contrast and is ideally suited for landscape photography.
We’d love to know which film simulation is your favorite, and what genre you like to use it for. Let us know in the comments below.