Fujifilm knows film. The clue is in the name. And they’ve spent a lot of time and effort bringing classic film traits to life in the current range of digital cameras.
Each Film Simulation mode* has unique properties to help you express your creativity without the need for time-consuming post-production. Varying degrees of Saturation and Tonality are composed with just the right balance to bring each Film Simulation mode to life.
The camera’s Electronic Viewfinder can show the effects of the selected Film Simulation mode before the shot is taken, and if you shoot RAW, the in-camera RAW processing function allows any of the Film Simulations to be applied post-capture, broadening your shooting options.
Which Film Simulation mode is best for your shot?
I cannot tell you this, but I can recommend certain Film Simulation types that lend themselves to particular photography subjects. However, just treat this like an initial guide and explore for yourself to find your own style.
Portraits
I would recommend Astia or Pro Neg. Std. Astia’s soft tones are perfect for capturing beautiful skin tones. Pro Neg Std. takes the look slightly further by also lowering the colour saturation.
Click on any of the images for a larger view.
Street photography
I recommend Classic Chrome or Monochrome. Photography is often called the “Art of omission”. Classic Chrome and Monochrome settings omit the element of colour in order emphasise the story you want to tell.
Landscapes / Seascapes / Cityscapes
I recommend Velvia. At the opposite end of the scale from Classic Chrome, Velvia uses colour as the main element. It adds more depth and the colours become more vibrant. There are certain emotions that only image colour can deliver and this is where Velvia comes in.
Image comparison
The images below were all created using the X-T1’s in-built RAW file converter and are all JPGs straight out of the camera.
Colour
Mono
Conclusion
All of the Film Simulation profiles have been developed (pun intended) by people with years of experience working with film to allow you to really alter the feel of the image without the need for lots of time-consuming post processing. Try it yourself and let us know how you get on in the comments below.
Bonus Tip!
If you’ve got a big enough memory card, set your camera to save “RAW+JPG” and then use the in-camera RAW File Converter to convert the same image into different Film Simulation modes after the shot has been taken.
* The number of Film Simulation modes available on your camera will vary.
Reblogged this on Fabrice Denis Photography and commented:
TUTORIEL : UTILISATION DES MODES DE SIMULATION DE FILM
Reblogged this on jayar damasin and commented:
The best film simulations: The Fujifilm Simulation!
You didn’t recommended Provia for anything. Is it there just to clutter up the camera’s menu?
Hi Chris,
No not at all. PROVIA is the “closest to life” colour render that the camera does. The only reason it’s not been recommended here is I don’t really see it as a specific Film Simulation mode, but more of the default starting point. Each different Film Simulation modes takes the images slightly away from the default in different directions (see the diagram at the top). To me, “Film Simulation” is about adding something different, possibly even slightly un-natural, to the image in order to bring out a specific feeling that you as the photographer are trying to portray.
I’m quite excited about using Classic Chrome on my X30, but is it really only useful for street scenes? I would like to try it in the countryside too. Any thoughts on that?
Regards, Pete.
Hi. I think it works really well in the country. It gives a lovely “rustic” desaturated look which is great to make that old barn or bit of abandoned farmyard equipment look a bit older. Personally I just love using it when the world is already a bit “Classic Chrome”. For example, the last few weeks where we’ve been having nice weather in the UK, I’ll be out in the evening and see fields or the river in that late afternoon sun. Using Classic Chrome just exaggerates what is already there and helps the viewer experience what I was experiencing when I took the shot.
Just what I wanted to hear! Thanks for the fast reply too. Regards, Pete.
If I only shoot RAW, would any mode affect the RAW file, or is it only the JPEG?
Hello. The Film Simulation modes only affect the JPEG files. If you use Adobe Lightroom you can simulate some of them.
Please update this post with the X-T2 and ACROS when possible.
Is there any difference between selecting the film simulation in the camera or afterwards in the camera raw converter?
No difference at all.
Just a question- how can select a film simulation when I’m in a App or shutter mode?
I like to play around with the film simulations on my xt-1 but in the fuji- raw development program I can’t find which setting I’ve used, only in the camera when viewing the picture.
Great article. Loved the chart showing the various film simulations for the Fuji digital cameras.
very eager to get better results with your tips