Film – ExpertPhotography

11 Best 35mm Film Cameras in 2024 (For Beginners & Pros)

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:21:59 +0000

With film photography reaching new heights of popularity, now’s the time to get your hands on the best 35mm film camera. But what is the best? 35mm film cameras offer different features depending on your skill level and what you want. Some are fun, simple point-and-shoot cameras. And others have more manual settings for complete creative control.

We’ve included a film camera for everyone on our list. But the Kodak EKTAR H35 is the best 35mm camera to go for. It’s brand new from Kodak. It’s compact, lightweight, and affordable. And it gives you 72 images from a 36-exposure roll of film. Film photographers, young and old, will have fun with it!

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best 35mm Film Camera

Kodak Ektar H35

Canon AE-1

Olympus OM-1

What Are the Best 35mm Film Cameras?

Not long ago, film photographers looked like a dying breed. Analog photography had become an eccentricity for purists. And digital cameras have dominated the photography world for the last 25 years.

But now film photography is all the rage once again. Photography stores can’t get enough film in stock. And people are dusting off their old 35mm cameras.

But what is the best 35mm camera? There are plenty of 35mm cameras to choose from. But finding the best is about balancing your experience, objectives, and budget.

You might want something simple if you haven’t used a film camera before. But those with a little more experience can go for a 35mm camera with more controls.

We’ve included a wide range of cameras in our list. We have classic 35mm SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras. We have fantastic compact cameras. And we also have new cameras breathing life into the film photography scene.

Here’s a quick look at our selection of the best 35mm film cameras. We’ll look closer at each film camera in the section after. And you can also check out the FAQ section at the end. It has more information on 35mm film cameras.

Our Top Choice

Kodak Ektar H35

Produces 72 images from a 36-shot roll of film
It's a focus-free camera
Built-in flash for night photography
Lightweight, compact, and super easy to use

Best Classic SLR Camera

Canon AE-1

One of the all-time great SLR cameras
Built-in light meter for accurate exposures
Shutter Priority mode
Tough, durable, and stylish SLR body

Best Compact SLR Camera

Olympus OM-1

Compact and lightweight body for an SLR
Built-in light meter
Simple and straightforward manual controls
Complete with 50mm f/1.8 lens

Best Compact 35mm Camera

Canon Sure Shot Tele 80

Dual standard and telephoto lens
Automatic focusing
Built-in flash for night photography
Automated shooting modes

Best for Beginners

Kodak Ultra F9

Super simple, easy to use, and affordable
Fixed 31mm lens with f/9 aperture
Everything from 1 m to infinity in focus
Built-in flash with on and off switch

Best Classic Minolta Camera

Minolta X-700

Aperture Priority and full Program mode
Accurate TTL light metering in Manual mode
Bulb mode for long exposures
Stylish and retro SLR body

Best Classic Nikon Camera

Nikon FM 2

Strong and durable full metal body
Accurate light metering
Ultra-fast 1/4000 s shutter speed
Can operate in sub-zero temperatures

Best 35mm Pentax Camera

Pentax K1000

Simple, stripped back controls anyone can master
Built-in light meter
Rangerfinder aide in the viewfinder
More compact and lightweight than many SLRs from the same era

Best Reusable Camera

Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable Camera

Fixed 31mm lens for nice wide shots
Focus-free system means there's no manual focusing
Built-in flash gives you night photography options
Lightweight, compact, and affordable

Best for Professionals

Nikon F6

Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Program mode
Automatic focusing and film winding features
Control screen on the top of the camera
Beautiful pentaprism viewfinder

Best Disposable Camera

Kodak FunSaver

Taking pictures couldn't be easier
800 ISO film for better low light performance
27 exposures
A fun and affordable entry into film photography

11 Best 35mm Film Cameras

Now we’ll look at the best 35mm film cameras in detail. There are classic film cameras for photographers looking for a retro style.

You’ll find some of the all-time great SLR cameras on our list. And we’ve included new 35mm models that will inspire a new generation of film photographers.

1. Kodak EKTAR H35

Brand	Brand Kodak
Camera Type	Camera Type Compact and reusable
Focus Type	Focus Type Focus-free
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 2022
Other Key Features	Other Key Features 72 shots from 36-shot roll, built-in flash
Best For	Best For Anyone who enjoys film photography

The Kodak EKTAR H35 is a brand new 35mm film camera. Film shooters no longer have to rummage through second-hand stores to find a film camera that works.

It is a simple 35mm camera anyone can use. So it’s perfect as someone’s first film camera. But experienced filmer users will have a lot of fun with it too!

This model is unique among film cameras. It’s the only camera that gives you 72 photos from a standard 36-shot roll of film. It does this by exposing half a film cell for each shot. So it gives you two images in each cell.

This does have some consequences. All the photos have a portrait orientation, even when holding the camera in the landscape position. And you get two images on each print if you have them printed. But the results are still fantastic!

This is a focus-free camera. That means there are no manual focus features. And the camera doesn’t have an autofocus. The camera is set up so that everything is in focus all the time.

You can shoot a portrait or a landscape photo without changing any settings. This doesn’t result in the sharpest images. But it makes it super simple to use.

The Kodak EKTAR H35 has a built-in flash. It’s handy for night photography. And it allows you to get shots at parties and concerts.

The camera is lightweight and compact. It weighs next to nothing. And can even get it in your coat pocket. It’s an affordable film camera that produces fun photos. Everyone should have a go!

See our full Kodak EKTAR H35 review in this article.

2. Canon AE-1

Brand	Brand Canon
Camera Type	Camera Type SLR
Focus Type	Focus Type Manual
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 1976
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Built-in light meter, Shutter Priority mode
Best For	Best For Film photography lovers

For many, the Canon AE-1 is the best 35mm film camera ever. Canon produced it from 1976 to 1984.

It was the most popular commercial camera at the time. And now, photographers are once again appreciating the beauty of this classic film camera.

This was Canon’s first TTL (Through The Lens) metering camera. And the TTL system allowed Canon to create the built-in light meter.

We take features like this for granted in digital cameras. But this was a revelation 50 years ago. And it’s still a handy feature now. It’s really useful for learning the ropes with 35mm cameras.

The controls are basic. You have the shutter speed, and ISO controls at the top of the camera. And you change the aperture by turning the ring on the lens.

Those are your main exposure controls. And there’s very little to distract you. That’s why it’s such a great camera for learning about photography.

The camera does have Shutter Priority mode when you use specific lenses. This is a semi-automatic mode, making shooting even easier. You select the shutter speed. And the camera takes care of the correct aperture. Again, thanks to the TTL system.

The body of the Canon AE-1 is a mix of metal and plastic. The build quality is fantastic. But the internal plastic parts are prone to break if not looked after. Thankfully, these are easily repaired.

It does feel heavy by modern camera standards. But you also get the manual controls that make for a tactile experience.

Absolute beginners might find the Canon AE-1 heavy and clunky. But it’s the type of camera that makes you fall in love with film photography. It certainly had that effect on me. And you can read my full review of the Canon AE-1.

3. Olympus OM-1

Brand	Brand Olympus
Camera Type	Camera Type SLR
Focus Type	Focus Type Manual
Original Release Date	Original Release Date 1972
Other Key Features	Other Key Features TTL light meter, hot shoe connector
Best For	Best For Photographers wanting a compact SLR

In the 1970s, the Olympus OM-1 was dubbed the “working class Leica.” And Leica made and continues to make luxury cameras.

This model was an affordable and accessible camera for the masses. It’s a Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera. The analog version of the DSLR camera. But it has a durable yet compact body.

Like the Canon AE-1, it uses TTL metering. This allows for an accurate built-in light meter. You can see the light meter when you look through the viewfinder. It recommends the best aperture for your scene. So it’s a great feature for anyone shooting film.

One of the main reasons for this camera’ sustained popularity is its size. It’s smaller and more lightweight than most other SLRs before or since. It has simple exposure controls. And it’s easy to pick up and start shooting.

The Olympus OM-1 is where it all started for Olympus. And it set the standard for Olympus cameras in the future.

You can see similar traits in the best digital Olympus cameras today. It’s a perfect choice if it’s your first 35mm SLR. But it’s also a great option for experienced shooters who want a more compact camera.

4. Canon Sure Shot Tele 80

Brand	Brand Canon
Camera Type	Camera Type Compact
Focus Type	Focus Type Automatic
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 1995
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Standard and telephoto lenses, shooting modes and mode dial
Best For	Best For Film shooters wanting a compact 35mm camera

The Canon Sure Shot Tele 80 is unique in the world of compact cameras. With a standard and telephoto lens, it’s a true one-of-a-kind. It’s a sleek and stylish compact camera that takes 35mm film.

It has fantastic versatility for an analog camera. And it also has classic automated features that were common in the ’90s.

This Canon doesn’t have a zoom lens. But it does have two lenses with different focal lengths. The first lens has a 38mm focal length. It is ideal for wide shots, groups, and landscapes.

The second lens has an 80mm telephoto lens. It gives you more magnification, getting you closer to your subject. And it’s a great portrait lens.

Unlike zoom cameras, you don’t zoom from one focal length to another. Rather, you switch from one lens to the other. Many might fear this is complicated. But flicking a switch is all there is to it!

The camera also has several shooting modes. You have options for landscape, portrait, and night photography.

You select the mode you want by turning the dial at the back. And the camera sets the exposure settings to match that style of photography.

The Sure Shot Tele 80 also has accurate autofocusing. It’s less sophisticated than the AF systems you see on digital cameras. There’s no subject tracking or face detection. But it is reliable most of the time.

And the built-in flash is another feature film shooters enjoy. It’s perfect for nighttime photos or parties.

5. Kodak Ultra F9

Brand	Brand Kodak
Camera Type	Camera Type Compact / Reusable
Focus Type	Focus Type Focus-free
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 2021
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Fixed 31mm lens, 1 m to infinity focus
Best For	Best For Beginners and casual film shooters

The Ultra F9 is another new model from Kodak. Kodak is the biggest name in color film. And they’ve produced some fun film cameras over the years. This is one of the best. And it’s one of the best ways to start shooting Kodak film.

This is a compact camera with simple controls. And it’s a focus-free camera. So you don’t need to worry about focusing. Everything from one meter to infinity is in focus.

That doesn’t give you pinpoint sharpness. But the camera does produce images with an unmistakable film aesthetic.

It has a 31mm lens with a fixed f/9 aperture. This gives you a lovely viewing angle. And the aperture is wide enough to give you sufficient light in most daylight situations.

It has a built-in flash you can turn on and off with the front switch. And you have to wind and rewind the film manually.

The Kodak Ultra 9 is a fun and easy way to shoot film. It’s affordable and fits in your coat pocket. Plus, it’s great for beginners, young teens, and anyone who loves shooting film with friends.

6. Minolta X-700

Brand	Brand Minolta
Camera Type	Camera Type SLR
Focus Type	Focus Type Manual
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 1981
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Aperture Priority and metered manual modes
Best For	Best For Film photography purists

It was perhaps underappreciated at a certain time. But the Minolta X-700 has become one of the most popular SLR cameras with film purists.

The built quality is exceptional. And while this means it’s a bit heavy, all the knobs, cogs, and levers work wonderfully. Film photography is a joy with this camera!

The automated modes set it apart from the competitors. It has an Aperture Priority mode. There’s a Program mode, which is pretty much a completely automatic mode. And the built-in light meter also assists you in Manual mode.

You also get bulb mode, which allows you to hold the shutter open as long as you want. It’s perfect for night and long-exposure photography. But you’ll need a good tripod for the best results.

The Minolta X-700 is a true classic of 35mm film cameras. They weren’t produced in the same quantity as the Canon AE-1 or Olympus OM-1. So working models aren’t as plentiful.

But they’re well worth it if you can hunt one down. And you can also join the Minolta film community by following the Minolta Mornings Instagram page.

7. Nikon FM2

Brand	Brand Nikon
Camera Type	Camera Type SLR
Focus Type	Focus Type Manual
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 1982
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Full metal body and parts, 1/4000 s shutter speed
Best For	Best For Passionate film photographers

The FM2 was the camera that made Nikon a photography powerhouse. It was so popular that Nikon produced it from 1982 to 2001.

It’s a classic SLR camera with a full metal body. So you get a strong camera. It has a reputation as one of the era’s toughest and most durable cameras.

While the plastic inner workings of a Canon AE-1 are prone to break, the metal gears of the FM2 have no such problem. It is a heavy camera. But you know this camera was built to last.

This Nikon once had the fastest shutter of any 35mm film camera. You could set it to an ultra-fast 1/4000 s. This was unheard of in the 1980s. And it also has the best flash-sync system on the market. That made it the best for flash photography.

The Nikon FM2 was a landmark for Nikon cameras. And it made them the camera giants they are today. It is pricier than many classic SLR cameras from the same era. But it’s worth the extra cash if you want something solid and reliable.

8. Pentax K1000

Brand	Brand Pentax
Camera Type	Camera Type SLR
Focus Type	Focus Type Manual
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 1976
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Rangefinder focusing aide
Best For	Best For Beginners wanting a 35mm SLR

The Pentax K1000 is another absolute classic 35mm film camera. It’s similar to the Nikon FM2 in that it has a mostly metal body. But the K1000 was sold as a basic SLR for the masses.

It proved so popular it was in production for over 20 years. And over three million units were sold worldwide.

This Pentax has basic controls, even for an SLR camera. Shutter speed and aperture are basically all you can change on the camera. But that’s part of this film camera’s charm. It takes you back to basics.

It does have an internal light meter to help you get the right exposure. And the viewfinder has a rangefinder aide to help you get the perfect focus. It’s stripped back and streamlined.

The K1000 is one of the most accessible SLR cameras for beginners. The simple yet effective controls make it ideal for learning the ropes. But even experienced film shoots will appreciate the charm of this classic camera.

9. Ilford Sprite Reusable Camera

Camera Type	Camera Type Compact and reusable
Focus Type	Focus Type Focus-free
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 2021
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Fixed 31mm lens, built-in flash
Best For	Best For Casual film photography

Ilford is best known for its excellent range of black and white film stocks. But they also make these excellent reusable 35mm film cameras. They aren’t exactly state-of-the-art. But Ilford Sprite is a great gateway into film photography.

It is compact and lightweight. So you can take it anywhere. And it couldn’t be easier to use. It has a focus-free system. That means everything from one meter to infinity is always in focus. You won’t miss your shot trying to find focus!

It has a 31mm fixed lens. And the aperture is also fixed at f/9. It isn’t ideal for low-light situations. But it delivers good results in the daytime. You also have the built-in flash to shoot in the dark.

The Sprite is a fun and easy camera for film fans. Whether you’re experimenting with new film, shooting expired film, or making memories with friends, it’s a great camera. And a roll of Ilford HP5 Plus is the perfect partner.

10. Nikon F6

Brand	Brand Nikon
Camera Type	Camera Type SLR
Focus Type	Focus Type Manual and auto
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 1996
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, Program mode, autofocusing
Best For	Best For Professional film photographers

The Nikon F6 was one of the last great film cameras. Produced before the turn of the millennium, it was the last roll of the dice before digital took over. And it’s one of the most advanced film cameras.

This Nikon even looks like a DSLR camera. This one will set you back financially. But few cameras come close to it in terms of features and modes.

It has Shutter and Aperture Priority modes. And you can use Program mode if you want even more automation. Or you can enjoy the smooth manual features.

The light metering is incredibly accurate. And the control screen on the top gives you all the necessary information when working.

The camera also has autofocus features, which is impressive for a 35mm SLR camera. It also has automatic film loading, advancement, and rewind features. These can really save you time and energy when you’re shooting a lot of rolls.

The F6 film camera is an advanced SLR for professional film photographers. It delivers incredible results. And it gives you more control than any other 35mm camera. It is expensive. But it’s a brilliant 35mm film camera!

11. Kodak FunSaver Disposable Camera

Brand	Brand KODAK
Camera Type	Camera Type Compact and disposable
Focus Type	Focus Type Automatic
Original Release Year	Original Release Year 2000
Other Key Features	Other Key Features 27 exposures, 800 ISO film
Best For	Best For Parties, weddings, and holidays

The Kodak FunSaver is the classic disposable camera. It has a simple design and is super easy to use. Anyone can pick it up and take a picture. And the results are far more consistent than most disposable cameras.

It’s loaded with 800 ISO film. This doesn’t give you the pristine quality of 100 or 200 ISO film. And you might experience more grain. But it gives you better results in low light. Also, many people want grainy texture in their film photos.

The FunSaver is a fun and affordable way to get into film photography. You don’t have to be a film photography enthusiast. And you can use them for parties, weddings, or family holidays.

See our list of the best disposable cameras if you want more fun alternatives.

FAQs About the Best 35mm Film Camera

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you find the best 35mm film camera.

What Is the Best Classic 35mm Film Camera?

In my opinion, the Canon AE-1 is the best classic 35mm camera. Some might find it heavy. But that’s one of the reasons I like it. It feels like a real piece of photography equipment.

I also love the manual and tactile controls. There’s nothing too complicated. And it produces fantastic photos time after time.

The Minolta X-700 is another classic 35mm SLR camera. And you have the Pentax K1000 if you want something simple and easy to use.

You can also try the Canon Sure Shot Tele 80 if you want a compact 35mm camera. It has dual lenses and excellent shooting modes. It’s fun and versatile.

Kodak Ultramax 400 on a Canon AE-1 © Christopher Bryan-Smith

What Is the Best New 35mm Film Camera?

The Kodak EKTAR H35 is the best new camera all film lovers should try. It gives you 72 shots from a 36-shot roll of film. It’s compact and lightweight. And it’s easy enough for anyone to use.

Kodak is the only company putting much effort into producing new 35mm film cameras. So options for new cameras are limited. But another fun option for shooting film photography is the Kodak Ultra F9.

The F9 is more like a standard compact 35mm camera. But again, it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use. And the Ilford Sprite is a similar 35mm camera. Both are excellent ways to start shooting film.

What Is the Best Film to Use?

When it comes to choosing film, there are two paths you can take. You can use color film for color photos. Or you can use black-and-white film stocks for monochrome images.

Shooting black and white is a great way to learn the basics. And black and white films tend to be cheaper than color rolls. We recommend Ilford HP5 Plus for getting started. It’s affordable, forgiving, and gives you beautiful tones and contrasts.

Fujifilm C200 on a Canon AE-1 © Christopher Bryan-Smith

Color film doesn’t have the same variety as black and white. Kodak and Fujifilm are the two main manufacturers. But Kodak is raising prices, and Fujifilm is losing interest. Nonetheless, there are still some fantastic color films to choose from.

Kodak ColorPlus is a great place to start. Or you could go for Fujifilm C200. They are 200 ISO rolls that give you excellent quality and vibrant colors.

Kodak Ultramax 400 was my go-to film when I was learning the ropes. The 400 ISO makes it reliable in different lighting conditions. And it produced some of my most cherished photographs.

Conclusion: The Best 35mm Film Cameras

Rolls of film are flying off the shelves faster than ever. More people are looking for classic 35mm cameras. And companies like Kodak are even producing new film cameras. Film photography has hit another boom period. So don’t miss out!

You have plenty to choose from when picking a 35mm film camera. You can go for a classic film camera from the golden age of film photography. Or you can try one of the new ones from Kodak or Ilford.

We chose the Kodak EKTAR H35 as the best 35mm film camera. It’s simple and easy for anyone to use. It gives you 72 images from a standard roll of film. And it’s an affordable way to start shooting film photography.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best 35mm Film Camera

Kodak Ektar H35

Canon AE-1

Olympus OM-1

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15 Best Black and White Film to Buy (Ultimate Buying Guide)

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:29:46 +0000

The best black and white film allows you to create stunning images with your analog camera. But not all black and white film stocks are the same. They have different ISOs and use different emulsions that react uniquely to light. That means some film stocks are better suited to certain types of photography.

We’ll take you through all the best black and white film rolls available. And we’ll start by saying our top choice is the Ilford HP5 Plus. It’s the most versatile black and white film on the market. It has a 400 ISO and a fine grain structure. You can use it for everything from portraits to street photography.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Black And White Film

Ilford HP5 Plus

Foma Fomapan 100 ISO Black & White

Ilford FP4 Plus Black & White

What Is the Best Black And White Film?

Film photography is experiencing another boom period. Many photographers are putting down their digital cameras and picking up analog cameras instead.

Some young photographers avoid digital altogether. They are going straight for film cameras.

We’re far beyond questioning, “Is film dead?” We know film photography is alive and kicking. And there’s no better example of this than the black and white film market.

While color films remain limited, the black and white market is full of variety. Film photographers have plenty of stocks to choose from.

But before you buy, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to think about the size of the film. Do you need 35mm or 120mm film for your camera?

ISO is another important consideration. Every film has a set ISO. So you need to choose the one that’s right for your photography. You also have things like grain structure and flexibility.

Skip to the FAQ section to learn more about black and white film.

Here’s a full rundown of the best back and white film stocks. We’ll take a more detailed look at each film in the following section. And we’ve included examples to give you a better idea of what to expect from each roll.

Our Top Choice

Ilford HP5 Plus

Superb contrast and fine grain
Wide exposure latitude
Resists fading and discoloration
Versatile for use in any situation

Best 100 ISO Film

Foma Fomapan 100 ISO Black & White

Produces sharp, grain-free images
Wide range of tonal values
Deep tones and contrasts
Suitable for both amateur and professional use

Best Pro-Grade Film

Ilford FP4 Plus Black & White

Superfine grain structure
High sharpness and accuracy
Wide exposure latitude
Great tonal range and contrast

Best Low-ISO Film

Rollei RPX 25

Outstanding fine grain
Exceptional sharpness
Accurate detail reproduction
High-quality, professional grade film

Best for Grey Scale Tones

Ilford Delta Pro 400

Professional-grade black and white film
Wide range of tones and sharp details
Excellent for low-light photography
Compatible with many camera types

Best 200 ISO Film

Foma Fomapan 200 ISO Black & White

High resolution and sharp images
Wide tonal range and fine grain
High sensitivity and quick response times
Versatile and great for all types of photography

Best for Causal Photographers

Lomography Lady Grey B&W 400

Crisp black and white photos
ISO 400 for low-light shots
Versatile, flexible, and forgiving
Great for artistic photography

Best High-ISO Film

Ilford Delta 3200 Black & White

High sensitivity and wide exposure latitude
Deep blacks, rich tones and fine grain
Excellent for capturing fast action
Great for low-light photography

Best 80 ISO Film

Rollei Retro 80s

High-quality black and white film
Fine grain structure
High sharpness and contrast
Low 80 ISO gives you deep, silky blacks

Best Value 400 ISO

Fomapan 400

High-quality film for black and white photography
Very fine grain for detailed images
Wide exposure latitude for dynamic range
Fast ISO 400 speed for indoor and outdoor shooting

Best 50 ISO Film

Ilford PANF 50

Excellent value for a low ISO film
Extremely fine detail and clarity
Rich tones and high contrasts
Great for studio photography

Best Retro Aesthetic

Rollei Retro 400S

Visible grain for a retro look
Wide exposure latitude
Vibrant details and contrast
Ideal for scanning and enlargement

Highly Recommended 400 Film

Kentmere 400

Fine grain film for sharpness
Wide exposure latitude
Versatile ISO 400 speed
Consistent results from roll to roll

Best Kodak Film

Kodak T-MAX 100

High-quality, fine-grained results
Versatile exposure latitude
Wide tonal range
Versatile and easy to use

Best Kodak Film for Beginners

Kodak Tri-X Pan 400 B&W 35mm Film, 36 Exposures

Fine grain for sharpness and clarity
Wide exposure latitude for optimal performance
High speed for maximum flexibility
Ideal for low light and action photography

15 Best Black And White Film

The black and white film scene has never been more vibrant. Today’s film photographers have plenty of stocks to choose from.

You have different film rolls with a wide range of ISOs. Plus, several companies are producing reliable rolls of 35mm and 120mm film. We’ve included stocks from Ilford, Foma, and Rollei.

1. Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Film

Brand	Brand Ilford
ISO	ISO 400
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm, and large format
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Fine grain structure, medium contrast, excellent sharpness
Best For	Best For Everything from portraits to press photography

The Ilford HP5 Plus 400 is our top black and white film pick. Ilford is the master of black and white film. And their HP5 Plus is the most popular roll with film photographers.

The HP5 400 is the best all-around roll of film with incredible versatility. With an ISO of 400 and a fine grain structure, it works well in low-light conditions.

It gives you consistent results even when lighting conditions are inconsistent. The results outdoors are fabulous, with deep contrasts in natural light.

You can also use HP5 for indoor photography. The detail and brightness give you top results when shooting indoor events. And the higher light sensitivity allows you to shoot concert photography.

HP5 Plus 400 is the ultimate all-around black and white film stock. And you can also buy Ilford HP5 Plus in 120mm for medium-format cameras.

Ilford HP5 Plus film shot with a Canon A1. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

2. Fomapan 100 ISO Black & White

Brand	Brand Foma
ISO	ISO 100
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 24 or 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Flexible, high contrast, deep shades
Best For	Best For Portrait, landscape, and fine art photography

Fomapan 100 has been a revelation to me as a photographer. It’s one of the cheapest 100 ISO stocks available. And this led me to believe it was an inferior film.

How wrong I was. When I tried Fomapan 100 for the first time, I was blown away by the results. This film gives you glorious black and white images.

The 100 ISO gives you outstanding image quality with a smooth finish. The contrasts are dramatic without being overpowering. And you get a vast array of monochrome shades. The blacks are powerful, but they don’t consume your image.

You do need a decent amount of light. But it is more forgiving than other 100 ISO films.

You still get deep contrasts and rich shades. But you still get great results if the exposure isn’t exactly right. You still get details in light and dark areas.

Fomapan has kept its prices low. That means Fomapan 100 gives you excellent value for your money. It’s a brilliant film stock.

You can use it for stunning portraits and fine art photography. And it’s one of the best film stocks for landscape photography. Fomapan 100 is also available in 120 medium-format film.

Fomapan 100 shot with the Canon A1. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

3. Ilford FP4 Plus Black & White

Brand	Brand Ilford
ISO	ISO 125
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm, and large formats
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Deep tones, wide exposure latitude
Best For	Best For Portraits, fine art, and landscapes

Ilford FP4 Plus is the black and white film you need for professional results. The low ISO level gives you outstanding quality and detail.

It’s not as versatile as Ilford HP5. But it gives you beautiful results when you know how to get the best out of it.

It has a 125 ISO, which is unusual. Most film cameras don’t have a 125 ISO setting. While that might seem like a problem, it actually gives you more options.

You can set the camera to 100 ISO, and the results will be rich with a smooth finish. You can also set the camera to 200 ISO. This gives you a deeper finish with more greys and texture.

The strong contrasts make it perfect for dramatic black and white portraits. You can shoot outside on bright, sunny days. And it’s a fantastic film roll for studio photography.

Ilford also has stable prices. So you always get good value with its films. FP4 Plus is a film black and white photographers have to try. It’s also available in 120 medium-format film and large-format film.

Ilford FP4 Plus film shot with a Canon AE-1. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

4. Rollei RPX 25

Brand	Brand Rollei
ISO	ISO 25
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Pristine quality, no grain, rich tones
Best For	Best For Portrait, landscape, product, and fine art photography

Rollei has been making black and white film for decades. They don’t get as much attention as Ilford or Kodak. But serious film photographers are still passionate about Rollei film stocks.

The Rollei RPX 25 is one of the best low-speed options you can buy. It’s a panchromatic film with an ISO of just 25. Give it enough light, and you will have photos of exquisite quality.

The detail is intense. The darker shades are rich and smooth. And the finish has no grain, giving you a pristine texture.

It isn’t exactly versatile. But it’s great for fine art photography, portraits, or landscapes. And you might need to use a fast lens and tripod to get the best results.

The Rollei RPX 25 is a high-quality film for serious analog enthusiasts. It is also available as 120-format film.

Rollei RPX 25 film. © Sebastian Kopp

5. Ilford Delta 400

Brand	Brand Ilford
ISO	ISO 400
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Wide tonal range, soft contrasts, sharp detail
Best For	Best For Street, travel, portrait, and fashion photography

Delta 400 is another 400 ISO film from Ilford. It has a wider tonal range than the HP5 Plus. And it gives you a wider variety of grey tones throughout the grey scale.

There’s a lower contrast level, so the images have a softer impact. Some photographers prefer this as it allows for more detailed images.

It has a fine grain structure for a 400 ISO film. This gives you a softer texture with low levels of visible fine rain. And the fast ISO speed and detailed results make it one of the most versatile film stocks.

It’s popular with everyone from travel photographers to portrait photographers. Film shooters should always have a roll of Ilford Delta 400 in their camera backpacks. It’s also available as 120 medium-format film.

Ilford Delta 400 shot with a Minolta Hi-Matic F. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

6. Fomapan 200 ISO Black & White

Brand	Brand Foma
ISO	ISO 200
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 24 or 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Wide exposure latitude, versatile usage
Best For	Best For Casual photographers looking for more detail

Fomapan 200 is a funny old film. Many have asked if the world really needs a 200 ISO black and white film. But I think it does. It is a fantastic film stock for tentative photographers looking for more detail.

Many beginners stick with 400 ISO films. And Fomapan 200 is the perfect roll for experimenting with slower films.

This film is more forgiving than most 100 ISO stocks. Details aren’t lost to blackness if you don’t get the exposure spot on.

It does tend to produce flat and monotone images. But when you get it right, the results are fantastic.

The quality is close to that of Fomapan 100. But you have more flexibility with lighting conditions. It is a versatile film you can use for travel and street photography.

We recommend you try a roll of Fomapan 200. It is also available as 120 medium-format film.

Fomapan 200 shot with a Canon-A1. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

7. Lomography Lady Grey

Brand	Brand Lomograhy
ISO	ISO 400
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Wide tonal range, soft contrast
Best For	Best For Casual film photography

Lomography is an institution dedicated to the preservation of film photography. Their passion for analog photography is infectious. And they have created an entire community around the Lomography name.

The Lady Grey B&W 400 is their most versatile film stock. It’s a great starting place if you’re new to film photography.

The quality is consistent from roll to roll. And it’s forgiving if you’re still getting used to the exposure settings.

It isn’t only a film for beginners. Professional shooters are also using it more and more. You get a wide tonal range with soft shades of grey. The detail is good. But you do get a fairly strong level of visible grain.

Some might not like the grain of Lady Grey. But other photographers want a grainy texture in their photographs.

That’s one of the reasons Lomography Lady Grey B&W is growing in popularity. And if you care about the future of film photography, you should support the Lomography project.

Lomography Lady Grey © Christopher Bryan-Smith

8. Ilford Delta 3200

Brand	Brand Ilford
ISO	ISO 3200
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Strong grain texture, excellent low-light performance
Best For	Best For Low-light, sports, concert, and event photography

Ilford Delta 3200 is a professional film for low-light photography. It has a super-fast ISO of 3200. That means the film is very sensitive to light. So you can work in darker conditions.

The photos have a strong grain texture. And the grain is visible even when the images are exposed correctly. Despite the grain, the quality is excellent. The details are sharp. And you still get rich tones of grey.

The high ISO makes it popular with many photographers. You can use it for concerts and other music events. You can shoot indoor sports photography. And it’s a useful stock for photojournalists.

Many film shooters use it because they like the grain texture. But the Ilford Delta 3200 isn’t for everyone. And yet, it’s the best black and white film for low-light photography. It’s also available as 120 medium-format film.

9. Rollei Retro 80s

Brand	Brand Rollei
ISO	ISO 80
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Fine grain structure, deep contrasts, rich blacks
Best For	Best For Portrait, product, and landscape photography

Rollei Retro 80s is an excellent low-ISO film stock you have to try. It’s the only mass-produced 80 ISO black and white film on the market. And the affordable price makes it a great introduction to low-ISO film photography.

Other Rollei films with higher ISO tend to feature many greyscale tones. They give you low-contrast results. But Retro 80s, with its deeper black tones, gives you the best of both worlds. You get rich, silky blacks. But you also get lots of grey details in the lighter areas.

Most cameras will only have settings for 100 or 50 ISO, so an 80 ISO film is a tricky one. It’s best to set your camera to 100 ISO, but understand you’ll need a little bit more light.

Rollei have kept their prices low. Rollei Retro 80s isn’t their cheapest stock. But it’s still more affordable than most films from other brands.

Rollei Retro 80s shot with Fuji STX-2. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

10. Fomapan 400

Brand	Brand Foma
ISO	ISO 400
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 24 or 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Deep contrasts
Best For	Best For Casual film shooting, beginner and street photographers

Fomapan 400 is one of the best black and white film stocks just due to its price. While film prices are skyrocketing, Foma prices are staying low. So it is the best-value film on the market.

It isn’t as reliable as the Ilford HP5 Plus. But it does give you similar results. The images have deep contrasts, especially in natural light. And you only experience visible grain when very under-exposed.

It’s also less forgiving than the other 400 films, so you must set the right exposure.

It’s a versatile roll of film. Street photographers can burn through rolls of this stock. And thanks to the low price, they don’t go bankrupt in the process.

The low price also makes it a great film for learning the ropes. You can afford to make mistakes, allowing you to improve your skills.

You can stock your fridge with a few rolls of Fomapan 400. You can also get it as 120 medium-format film.

Fomapan 400 film shot with a Minolta Hi-Matic F. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

11. Ilford PANF 50

Brand	Brand Ilford
ISO	ISO 50
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm, large format
Other Key Features	Other Key Features High contrast, fine detail, rich tones
Best For	Best For Bright sunlight or studio lighting

To use the Ilford PANF 50, you need time and light. The low ISO level of 50 means you need a long exposure time and about as much light as possible.

It is a specialist film. It doesn’t work well with movement. And it won’t settle for anything less than bright light. It’s not very good for street photography. But it’s brilliant for dramatic portraits and fashion shots.

But if you meet its needs, the image resolution is stunning. The PANF 50 produces intricate levels of detail and no visible grain.

It’s an excellent film for fine art photography. And you also get 120 medium-format rolls of it.

Ilford PANF 50 film. © Sirio174

12. Rollei Retro 400S

Brand	Brand Rollei
ISO	ISO 400
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Wide tonal range, grain texture
Best For	Best For Photographers who want a film photo aesthetic

Rollei Retro 400S is another versatile 400 ISO black and white film. It has a visible amount of grain, especially when enlarged.

This will put some photographers off. But it’s one of the main reasons it remains so popular.

It has a wide tonal range. You get good detail from shaded areas. But you can still achieve strong contrasts in bright light.

It performs well outside in all conditions. And it can be used in a studio with minimal artificial lighting.

Retro 400S is one of the best stocks for getting a true film photo aesthetic. It has a visual quality that filters can’t quite get right.

The low price makes it a good option for beginners and prolific shooters. It’s versatile and inexpensive. And you can also buy it as 120 medium-format film.

Rollei Retro 400S film. © Aurelien Bouyssou

13. Kentmere 400

Brand	Brand Kentmere
ISO	ISO 400
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 24
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Good sharpness, fine grain structure
Best For	Best For Photographers looking for a new 400 ISO film

Kentmere 400 is another fantastic 400 ISO black and white film. It’s a consistent film. So you know what to expect from roll to roll.

It also delivers great results when learning to use an analog camera. Plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to get your hands on.

The quality sits somewhere in between the Ilford HP5 and Delta 400. There’s good sharpness and contrast. But you also get a good array of tones from the grey scale.

It’s a versatile roll of film. And it’s fast becoming one of the most popular stocks in Europe. Kentmere 400 is definitely worth a try.

Kentmere 400 shot with Fuji STX-2. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

14. Kodak T-MAX 100

Brand	Brand Kodak
ISO	ISO 100
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 36
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Wide exposure latitude, wide tonal range
Best For	Best For Professional photographers

Many might expect Kodak T-Max 100 to be higher on our list. It is a highly popular film that produces quality results. But Kodak’s scandalous price hikes have been pretty hard to swallow.

This has mainly affected their color film stocks. But the black and white films have also gone up. They’re now the most expensive black and white films on the market.

Prices aside, Kodak T-MAX 100 is a fantastic film. It has a wide exposure latitude. This means you can get away with overexposing or underexposing the film.

There’s a wide tonal range, especially for a 100 ISO film. The detail and finish are outstanding. And you can also get it in 120-size format for your medium-format camera.

Kodak T-MAX 100 film. © Mark Chaves

15. Kodak Tri-X Pan 400

Brand	Brand Kodak
ISO	ISO 400
Number of Exposures	Number of Exposures 24
Available Formats	Available Formats 35mm and 120mm
Other Key Features	Other Key Features Fine grain structure, medium contrast
Best For	Best For Film photography beginners

Kodak Tri-X Pan 400 is a popular black and white stock with film photographers. The fine grain structure gives you a smooth texture. And you get very few blemishes or imperfections for a 400 ISO film.

The medium contrast level gives you a good dynamic range. So you can use it in all lighting conditions.

And the results are consistently good. It’s one of the most forgiving black and white films around. That means it works well in changing conditions. And you can still get good results when learning the ropes.

The higher price will deter some users. But Kodak Tri-X Pan 400 remains a sought-after black and white film. It is also available as 120 medium-format film.

Kodak Tri-X Pan 400. © Alexander Markin

FAQs for the Best Black and White Film

Shooting black and white film is a fun and thrilling experience. But it can be a confusing topic when you’re just starting.

There are lots of technical terms. You have loads of brand names to remember. And finding a film that matches your needs as a photographer can be difficult.

We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help guide you.

Why Use Black and White Film?

The timeless quality of black and white photos excites our imagination. And they have a heightened sense of mystery and romance. Before the arrival of color film, everyone had to use black and white film.

Color film was a revelation when it was first released. But black and white photography continued in the background. And now, black and white photography is once again growing in popularity.

Color gives us a more true-to-life image. It captures the vivid tones and hues of our colorful world. But black and white photography has more depth.

And using black and white film also makes you work harder as a photographer. You can’t rely on color to dazzle the viewer. It forces you to look for other elements to make the shot interesting.

You need to look for areas of contrast. You have to find shapes and textures. And your composition has to be perfect, so using black and white film makes you a better photographer.

Which Brands Make Black and White Film?

Black and white photographers are lucky. Unlike color film, many brands make good-quality black and white film. There’s Kodak, Ilford, Fomapan, Rollei, and Lomography.

Kodak is one of the biggest manufacturers. They dominate the color film scene. And they also have a couple of good black and white options. But their price hikes are turning film shooters away.

Ilford is the biggest name in black and white film photography. Their HP5 Plus and Delta 400 are two of the most popular film stocks. They also produce other films with higher and lower film speeds.

All film photographers should try Fomapan films. You can get 100, 200, or 400 ISO film rolls. They’ve kept their prices low. So they offer excellent value for money.

And Rollei is another film brand offering excellent value. They have a wide range of films available. And they’re all set at a good price.

Finally, Lomography is a name all film shooters should know. It isn’t just a film brand. They have created a community around analog photography. And they have been working for decades to revive the film photography scene.

Lomography has some excellent films available. And you can join their online community and share your images.

Ilford FP4 Plus shot with a Canon AE-1. © Christopher Bryan-Smith

Why Is ISO Important in Film Photography?

You can change the ISO setting on digital cameras. But rolls of film have a set ISO that can’t be changed. Every film has a set ISO number.

The ISO number indicates how sensitive the film is to light. The higher the number, the more sensitive it is. This means a film with a low ISO needs more light to expose.

But while a low ISO needs more light, it does produce better image quality. A film with a higher ISO is more prone to having a grainy texture. Plus, you also lose detail and depth of tone.

Every film has strengths and limitations based on its ISO level. Low ISO films give you outstanding image quality. But it’s best to have bright light and long exposure times.

High-ISO films have fewer tones and more grain. But you can use them in low-light situations.

So ISO plays a large part in determining the best black and white film. If you want intense quality and a smooth finish, you need 100 ISO or lower film. Night photographers need something like a 3200 ISO film.

400 ISO sits right in the middle. They work well in different lighting conditions. And you might get the odd hint of grain. But the quality is still excellent. That’s why 400 ISO films are so popular with film shooters.

Where Can I Share My Black and White Film Photos?

The film photography scene has a thriving community. And there are many ways to share your black and white film photos with other enthusiasts.

Facebook is a great place to start. There are plenty of excellent groups where people share images, info, and tips.

Following hashtags like that also helps you find other film photographers to follow. You can also try a new app for photographers called Plates.

You can also become a member of the Lomography community. Their website allows you to share your work.

You can find other people’s film photos. You can find people using specific rolls of black and white film. And you can publish the films you like to use.

You need to digitize your photos to share them online. The best way to do this is with a photo scanner. You can get flatbed photo scanners. Or you can use dedicated film scanners for scanning negatives.

Rollei RPX 25 © Christopher Bryan-Smith

Conclusion: The Best Black And White Film

There’s a wide variety of black and white films to choose from. You have options from Ilford and Kodak. And you can also try film stocks from Foma and Rollei. You have every ISO you need to shoot any photo in black and white.

It’s hard to say which is the best black and white film. But Ilford HP5 Plus takes the top spot on our list. It’s a versatile film with 400 ISO. It gives you deep tones and sharp contrasts. And the quality is consistent from roll to roll. Ilford is the master of providing reliable black and white film!

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Black And White Film

Ilford HP5 Plus

Foma Fomapan 100 ISO Black & White

Ilford FP4 Plus Black & White

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17 Best Camera for Videography in 2024

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 13:46:26 +0000

The best camera for videography must have specific features. Technology for video and stills can be different. And cameras that may not have the most amazing photo specs might be built specifically for video. So we list a wide range of video cameras we have researched. And we look at all the key aspects that make them amazing video cameras.

Most cameras made in the last few years have video functions. You can now get handheld cameras that produce professional-quality video. Our number one camera is the Panasonic Lumix GH6. It is a compact camera with extremely high video resolution. And it has a range of extra features perfect for videography.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Camera For Videography

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Sony a7S III

What Is the Best Camera for Videography?

We present a nice mix of high-quality cameras for video. But you can jump to the end to read our buying guide. There we summarize the different photography niches and uses for video. And we recommend the best video cameras for each one.

Our Top Choice

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6

Incredible 5.7K max video resolution
Unlimited recording as its built-in fan prevents overheating
Great sensor-shift image stabilization
Compact body with weather-sealing abilities

Best for Pros

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Amazing 6K video resolution
Rare Super 35mm camera sensor
Narrow depth of field to capture accurate colors
Big 5-inch screen for a clear playback view

Best Sony Choice

Sony a7S III

Excellent 4K video at 120 fps
Great performance in low-light environments
Superb autofocus abilities
Microphone and headphone ports for filming

Best for Travel

Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 II

6K video recording at 30 fps
Great image stabilization to help in low light
Active Image Stabilization for walking shots
Fully weather sealed for outdoor shooting

Great for Pro Filmmakers

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Camera specifically designed for high-end filming
Excellent 13 stops of dynamic range
External controls give quick access to essential functions
Stores video files in professional video formats

Best for Beginners

Panasonic Lumix G100

Beautiful 4K resolution at 24 or 30 fps
5-axis image stabilization for photos and videos
Powerful MFT sensor for stills photography
Webcam functionality and excellent sound recording features

Best for Live Streaming

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II

Cinema 4K video resolution of at 60 fps
Features a number of convenient video streaming abilities
Durable body with great weather sealing for outdoor use
Can be charged through USB devices

Best All-Around Camera

Olympus OM-D E-M1X

Cinema 4K resolution
Good resolution with a great dynamic range
Autofocus has excellent subject tracking
"World's-best" in-body image stabilization of up to 7.5 stops with supported lenses

Editors Choice

Sony a7 IV

Powerful 4K video at 60 fps and live streaming
Super responsive autofocus
5.5 stops of image stabilization
Fully articulating rear screen

Best for Outdoors

Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H

Excellent-quality 6K video
Cooling vent allows longer filming time
Fantastic tools for recording video
Dual in-body image stabilization of up to 6.5 stops

Best Canon Choice

Canon EOS R5

8K video at 30 fps and Ultra HD abilities
Superb image quality with a 45 MP sensor
Body, face, eye, and animal autofocus tracking
High frame rate of 120 fps

Best Fujifilm Choice

Fujifilm X-T4

4K video (DCI or Ultra HD) up to 60 fps
6.5 stops of image stabilization
A fully articulating rear touchscreen
Sleek and stylish camera body

Best Nikon Choice

Nikon Z6 II

Fantastic 4K video at 60 fps and Full HD at 120 fps
Suberb low-light focus and dynamic range
Customizable display for videography
Lightweight and portable camera with amazing features

Best Amateur Filmmakers

Fujifilm GFX100S

Excellent 4K at 30 fps and HD at 120 fps
Lightweight and portable for a medium format camera
A good level of customization
6 stops of image stabilization

Best for Vlogging

Sony ZV-E10

No time limit on 4K video recording at 30 fps
Top-end autofocus system that's great with photo and video
Fully articulating screen and selfie modes
External microphones and headphones ports

Best for Action

GoPro Hero10 Black

Incredible 5.2K video resolution
HyperSmooth image stabilization for photos and videos
GoPro body is robust and extremely weatherproof
Excellent Wi-Fi connectivity settings

Great Value

DJI Pocket 2

2.7K video abilities
Superb resolution for such a small sensor size
Can track you as you walk around the room
Extremely portable camera body

17 Best Cameras for Videography

1. Panasonic Lumix GH6

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Megapixels	Megapixels 25 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 315
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25600
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 6K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Photographers who want professional video file handling

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 takes the top spot as the best camera for videography. That’s because of its amazing video resolution and many features.

One of the top features is its 7.5-stop dual image stabilization. That’s amazingly high. And it allows you to take smooth videos without using a rig.

The GH6 has all the great abilities of the GH5 II plus a lot more. Lumix cameras can shoot video in 5.7K at 60 fps (frames per second). And the camera also uses CF express cards to get the fastest possible processing.

It can record up to 120 fps in 4K. And it shoots 240 fps in Full HD. This is plenty to give you a smooth video experience, even when shooting fast-paced subjects!

The camera lets you internally record in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 codec videos. (Developed by Apple.) This is industry-standard quality. But you usually need an external camera screen to access these features.

The GH6 is for people serious about videography. It is for professionals who need a smaller, more portable camera in their kit bag. And it leads the market in handheld video abilities.

Panasonic is the master of hybrid cameras. Videographers should see our full list of the best Panasonic cameras.

2. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon EF
Megapixels	Megapixels MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25600
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 6K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 5
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Professional videographers

The Blackmagic 6K is the best video camera in their Pocket Cinema range. The camera features a Super 35mm sensor equal to a full frame camera.

The camera can capture a much narrower depth of field than its 4K sibling mentioned below. This also allows the camera to capture colors more accurately. And even more so when combined with the technology that handles the files.

Like the 4K version, it has a beautiful five-inch display screen. You can tilt this both upward and downwards. And it makes shooting awkward angles a breeze. Plus, it’s a touchscreen for convenient control.

Another great extra feature is the optional electronic viewfinder. It gives you a high-quality OLED display, ensuring you see everything in focus. The Blackmagic 6K also captures images in 21.2 MP image quality. So you can still take great stills as well!

There are some great Blackmagic Cinema camera bundles, too.

3. Sony a7S III

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony FE
Megapixels	Megapixels 12.1 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 759
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 102400
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Videographers who want a compact but powerful camera

Sony’s a7S III is high on this list due to its excellent video features and light weight and size (3.1 lb / 1.4 kg). It’s amazing how far technology has progressed for a handheld, cinema-quality camera. Even 10 to 15 years ago, a device bigger than this couldn’t capture 4K video at 120 fps!

The image quality in this camera may seem low. But its backlit sensor makes the 12.2 MP seem like a lot more. And it also has an extended ISO of up to 409,600 to help with exposure in low light.

Another aspect that sets Sony apart is its S-Cinetone color science. This has been adopted from their more serious film cameras. And now it’s featured in these small, handheld cameras. It is spectacular for natural skin tones and detail in shadows and highlights.

You can tell the a7S III is aimed at filmmakers. It has small details like a video shooting button next to the regular shutter release. Sony designed it for video recording. And it just makes practical sense.

4. Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Leica L
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 779
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51200
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 6K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Travel videographers and bloggers, handheld walking and tracking shots

The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is another great mirrorless camera for video on our list. It has cinema-quality video capabilities. But you can also take great photos.

Its full frame sensor lets you shoot incredible 6K video. And that video resolution has a 30 fps frame rate. This is in a 4:2:2 color format for more definition.

You can also record 4K at 60 fps for supersmooth footage. And there’s a 120 fps option in full HD. That gives you breathtaking slow-motion footage. This gives you fantastic options for everything from recording sports to cinematography.

Its advanced video autofocus (AF) is one of the top selling points for videographers. It has accurate face detection and subject tracking.

Its AF is highly reliable for photography. But it’s even more impressive when recording video. It locks onto subjects and tracks them even in busy environments.

The Active Image Stabilization system gives you a whole new level of smoothness. It reduces camera shake when recording handheld. And it stabilizes your video when recording walking or tracking shots.

You no longer need a camera stabilizer or gimbal for these shots. It’s a revelation for videographers. And the photography specs are also impressive. That’s why it’s one of the best hybrid cameras on the market.

A 24.4 MP resolution from a full frame sensor isn’t record-breaking. But it does have a 50 ISO setting that helps you maximize image quality. You also have five-axis stabilization for better exposure control.

The Lumix S5 II is lightweight and compact for a full frame camera. This also makes it the perfect video camera for travel. It’s a durable camera with thorough weatherproofing.

Plus, it fits nicely in your travel camera bag. You’ll worry more about the size of the lens rather than the size of the camera body!

5. Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Megapixels	Megapixels 8.8 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points Full Screen Coverage
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25600
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 4
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Photographers who want professional video file handling

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K is the first camera on our list for filmmaking. This camera is for professionals familiar with film industry equipment. Or it’s for those comfortable with manual video settings.

It looks like a DSLR. But its buttons and functions are all geared toward filmmaking. It may take some time for photographers to adjust to them. But videographers will feel right at home.

My favorite feature is the huge five-inch screen. Blackmagic understands video shooters need to pay more attention to detail. So they put a minimal amount of buttons on the back.

Instead, they expanded the screen size. So many features are touchscreen buttons or found on other parts of the camera.

I like the ND filter buttons that are within reach of your thumb. They are extremely helpful for controlling light in tough situations.

You can also save all files in open formats with the Pocket Cinema 4K. This means you don’t have to waste time transcoding them in the editing process.

And all the files are compatible with all post-production software. So you can use the editing software that works best for you!

6. Panasonic Lumix G100

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 49
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25600
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Best For	Best For Beginners and video content creators

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is the perfect entry-level videography camera. It’s small and compact. It’s great for photography, video, and streaming. And it has excellent features for top-quality media production.

It’s also the most affordable camera on this list. So this is the camera beginner videographers need.

Despite its compact size, it delivers fantastic video results. You can record with crystal-clear 4K resolution. And you have a choice of 24 or 30 fps frame rates at full resolution.

You also have faster frame rates if you drop down to Full HD. This includes a smooth 60 fps option.

The five-axis image stabilization works for photography and video. It reduces camera shake, letting you take walking shots without external stabilization.

There’s a rotating touchscreen that’s ideal for shooting vlogs. And you have ports for external microphones for sound recording. Plus, the camera tracks sound, giving you 360-degree audio.

This camera is also great for photography. It uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor. And it gives you an image resolution of 20 MP. That’s excellent for a camera of this size.

It gives you fantastic detail and vibrant colors. And it beats most smartphone cameras by some distance. (You can read our article on the best Micro Four Thirds cameras.)

The AF system is excellent for stills and videos. The camera has Wi-Fi connectivity. And you can also use it as a webcam. That’s why it’s on our list of the best streaming cameras.

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is a versatile little camera. It has fantastic features for video production. And it’s very beginner-friendly. It’s the best videography camera for beginners.

7. Panasonic Lumix GH5 II

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Megapixels	Megapixels 20.33 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 225
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25600
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 6K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 30 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Streaming in a high-quality format

The Pansonic Lumix GH5 II was one of the first hybrid cameras that focused its development on videography.

It can shoot Cinema 4K image quality at 60 fps. And this is recorded in the industry standard 4:2:2 color format and 10-bit quality. So there is no compromise in the color handling.

This camera is also geared to tackle high-quality live streaming. It can connect both with and without wires to your devices. So you can shoot 4K video at 30 fps in a live format.

The other standout feature with the GH5 II is that you can charge it through a USB power supply. This extends your battery life and gives you one less problem to think about. It’s great for studio-based shoots that can sometimes consist of long hours.

And another good reason for choosing a Panasonic camera? Its lenses are developed in conjunction with Leica.

Good glass always makes a huge difference in image quality and sharpness. And Leica lenses guarantee high-quality glass.

8. Olympus OM-D E-M1X

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Micro Four Thirds
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Micro 4/3
Megapixels	Megapixels 20 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 121
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 25600
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 60 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Videographers who want a versatile video camera

Right off the bat, Olympus claims to have the “world’s-best” image stabilization. This, combined with its incredible weatherproofing, makes the OM-D E-M1X an ideal outdoor camera.

The weatherproofing includes rubber rings for the input plugs. And you can attach a mic and a monitor to the camera without worrying about rain or dust. So if you plan to shoot video out on location most of the time, this could be the right camera for you.

My favorite video feature is the focus indicator. The autofocus is great. But when you want to get creative, the focus indicator helps you get the focus as sharp as possible.

It has a cropped sensor. But despite that, the image quality and high dynamic range are well up to industry standards.

Plus, it features log format recording. This helps with color grading or adding colors afterward.

Olympus uses its OM-Log400 format. It helps you counteract difficult lighting conditions. (Olympus has useful video comparisons on its website.) This gives you great flexibility when it comes to editing.

It isn’t the smallest or lightest Micro Four Thirds camera on our list. So this may not be the best camera for a walking companion. But the Olympus OM-D E-M1X has many helpful video features. And it performs well in many situations.

9. Sony a7 IV

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Megapixels	Megapixels 33 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 759
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51200
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Videographers who want great photos as well

Sony’s Alpha 7 series is now one of the top camera ranges on the photo market. Plus, it has continued updating its video capabilities. So they have become some of the best film and video cameras you can buy.

One new feature of the Sony a7 IV is its backlit sensor. This captures cleaner and crisper images for both photos and video. This full frame sensor allows you to record 4K video at 60 fps and 30 fps in 7K oversampling.

Oversampling records video in full resolution. But it allows you to “resample” them to the video resolution you need.

Of course, it has Sony’s great optical image stabilization in this camera. Its active mode image stabilization helps a lot when you can’t hold the camera steady.

Its Eye AF focuses on your eye or any other subject you choose. It even detects and tracks the eyes of animals. This feature alone makes it one of the best video cameras for wildlife.

But users have reported issues with the a7 IV‘s Eye AF. So Sony released a firmware update to fix it.

I’m a big fan of the focus map it gives when filming. It visually shows what is in and out of focus. So it turns a complex process into a simple one. This is handy for professional shoots with a big team and when there’s pressure to get shots right every time.

10. Panasonic Lumix S1H

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Leica L
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 225
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51200
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 6K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3.2
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Videographers working on location

Panasonic’s Lumix S1H is a hybrid camera. It treads the fine line between photography and videography.

The RAW video capture produces files ready for professional film editing. But you must connect to a recording monitor, like the Atomos Ninja V.

You can get 12-bit RAW data in this setup and shoot at 6K at 30 fps. This is seriously impressive, especially considering its size and weight.

Panasonic has developed a new tilt and free-angle (articulating) screen. It’s a welcome feature for videography where you get the best of both options. And they installed a new heat management system.

Panasonic claims it is one of the first full frame cameras with a cooling fan. This cooling fan helps reduce vibrations for smoother video. It lets you record longer videos. And it does wonders for the camera’s battery life.

Panasonic has also spent a lot of time making its new cameras as weatherproof as possible. So the S1H is a great companion if you plan to go to an outdoor shoot location. Or it’s great if you’re a hiker looking for a great video camera.

11. Canon R5

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Canon RF
Megapixels	Megapixels 45 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 1053
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51200
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 8K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3.2
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Videographers who want high-quality videos

The Canon R5 is one of the best full frame cameras on our list because of its fantastic video quality. It can shoot at a whopping 8K at 30 fps and 4K at 120 fps.

It has incredible in-body image stabilization. And it allows up to eight stops of difference. It’s a shame you cannot use this when shooting in 8K. Luckily, the digital in-body stabilization does work when you shoot in 4K.

Its groundbreaking autofocus system guarantees a sharp subject. Its AI system can recognize faces, eyes, cats, dogs, birds, and even motor vehicles.

The EOS R5 also has dual card slots, taking both SD and CF express cards. So you should have enough room for all your photos, even on the longest of shoots.

I’m a big fan of Canon’s 8K time-lapse settings. And Canon’s great Connect app supports this. It allows remote shooting—even for videos! So if you plan to shoot by yourself, this can be a welcome relief.

Here is our full review of the Canon EOS R5.

12. Fujifilm X-T4

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fujifilm X
Megapixels	Megapixels 26 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12800
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Videographers who want a stylish design

The X-T4 has embedded itself as one of the top Fujifilm cameras. It is one of the best APS-C cameras on the market. And it doesn’t just have a stylish camera body. It also has pretty great video abilities.

You can push this camera for Full HD video recording at 240 fps. But it can only shoot 4K at 60 fps. Full HD at 240 fps allows a smooth slow motion of around 10x the difference.

You can also set up the Fujifilm X-T4 in a full video camera rig. This means you can plan in-depth shoots and get professional results. My favorite part is that you can apply Fuji’s film simulations while shooting videos.

Plus, aspects like the flip-out LCD screen are extremely helpful for difficult angles. But the most important feature? The five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is a godsend for handheld shots.

13. Nikon Z6 II

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Full Frame
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Nikon Z
Megapixels	Megapixels 24.5 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 273
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 51200
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3.2
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Nikon photographers

The Nikon Z6 II isn’t Nikon’s newest mirrorless camera. But it has excellent features and performance for video recording. The camera allows you to shoot 4K at 60 fps and Full HD at 120 fps.

The area where you notice the Nikons Z6 II’s capabilities most is in the sharpness of its videos. Zoom into a video still and compare it with some of Nikon’s newer mirrorless cameras. The Z6 II still performs better!

I like how you can change autofocus speeds and tracking sensitivity while recording. It’s helpful if you’re trying to achieve certain styles and cannot focus manually. And, of course, you still get AI autofocus detection for humans and animals.

The Z6 II also has dual card slots. One of them is for CF express memory cards. This is handy for big video files, meaning you’ll spend less time processing them.

I also think Nikon’s customizable display works well for video work. Depending on your skill level, you can make your interface as simple or as complicated as you like.

14. Fujifilm GFX100S

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format Medium Format
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fujifilm G
Megapixels	Megapixels 102 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 12800
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 60 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3.2
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Videographers who want a wide dynamic range

The Fujifilm GFX100S is a mirrorless camera with a medium format sensor. (A bigger sensor makes it trickier for the camera to process high-quality video.)

It can only capture 4K video at 30 fps. But the larger sensor improves the sharpness, color, and dynamic range of the final product.

This camera lets you shoot in two different aspect modes. You can even capture video in 12-bit RAW (a compressed file) straight to an Atomos Ninja V external monitor. This is a professional level of control found in filmmaking.

The GFX100S is for those who want to dip their toes into high-quality filmmaking. The video recording user interface is also user-friendly. So it’s perfect for photographers who are transitioning to working with film.

It has a big price tag. But it’s an amazing camera that takes excellent images. And it has great video capabilities. Plus, it’s fairly light and portable for a camera with many functions.

15. Sony ZV-E10

Camera Type	Camera Type Mirrorless
Sensor Format	Sensor Format APS-C
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Sony E
Megapixels	Megapixels 24 MP
Autofocus Points	Autofocus Points 425
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 32000
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 120 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 3
Best For	Best For Videographers who want an affordable point-and-shoot camera

The Sonys ZV-E10 is a small point-and-shoot camera. It’s aimed specifically at streamers and vloggers. It’s small, light, and packed with great video features (4K at 30 fps and HD at 120 fps).

There is also a button near the shutter that automatically blurs the background for you. This is great for bringing attention to yourself in a busy crowd. And there’s also quick access to slow-motion and quick-motion video options.

Its AI autofocus settings are also great. The ZV-E10 can track faces, eyes, animals, and other subjects. But what’s great for a streamer or vlogger is their product AI. It notices if you hold a product to the camera.

Plus, it quickly changes the focus. This can save content creators a lot of time and frustration when recording. And it helps makes videos look smooth and professional.

The ZV-E10 is ideal for vlogging. It seamlessly connects to smartphones or computers. And you can even charge the camera while recording for endless streaming.

And finally, you can use a good selection of Sony E-mount lenses with this camera. So you can shoot a variety of visual styles.

16. GoPro HERO 10 Black

Camera Type	Camera Type Compact
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1/2.3”
Lens Mount	Lens Mount None
Megapixels	Megapixels 23 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 5K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 240 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 1.8
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Videographers who shoot extreme sports

GoPro is another well-known brand that’s specifically geared toward videography. They produce handheld cameras designed for action or sports environments. But you can easily use them almost anywhere.

The GoPro HERO 10 packs a punch. You can record videos in 5.3K at 60 fps and 4K at 120 fps. These specs are needed if you want to capture fast-paced action as smoothly as possible.

Their HyperSmooth image stabilizing technology ensures your shot is very smooth. And its horizon leveling has improved greatly from its previous version. So even the bumpiest footage appears smooth.

GoPro cameras also provide a wide range of mounts. You can attach the cameras to any sports equipment imaginable. So rest assured, the camera is well-secured.

And finally, you may choose a GoPro for its rugged body and weatherproof capabilities. The HERO 10 Black is waterproof down to 33 feet. So it can handle wet weather. But even if you’re not in extreme conditions, this camera delivers great video.

17. DJI Pocket 2

Camera Type	Camera Type Compact
Sensor Format	Sensor Format 1"
Lens Mount	Lens Mount Fixed
Megapixels	Megapixels 64 MP
In-body Stabilization	In-body Stabilization 1
Maximum ISO (Native)	Maximum ISO (Native) 6400
Video	Video 1
Max Video Resolution	Max Video Resolution 4K
Max Video Frame Rate	Max Video Frame Rate 60 p
Screen Size	Screen Size 1.8
Weather Sealing	Weather Sealing 1
Best For	Best For Travel videographers, taking quick videos on the go

The DJI Pocket 2 is an affordable, travel-sized camera for a videographer on the go. It is for those who don’t want to spend time with custom settings. And it is for recording videos quickly and with great picture quality.

DJI is well-known for leading the industry in commercial drones. With the Pocket 2, they have put their condensed camera technology into a handheld gimbal.

This isn’t a camera for professional filmmaking. But it may be handy to capture select scenes for location scouting.

This camera also works well for travel or creative videos in the city. I say this because the gimbal gives you effortlessly smooth shots.

The ActiveTrack feature also assists you in your shots. It lets you lock the focus onto a subject. Then it tracks it in real time while recording. The camera’s head will turn and tilt with the subject!

Plus, the Pocket 2 also comes with time-lapse and panorama settings. And the Story Mode feature also fits well with travel videographers and city explorers.

Story Mode creates a short movie for you automatically. And it combines your videos with music selections to create smooth-looking short movies. So it’s a welcome feature for those who don’t want to edit their videos.

There are also combo packages with extra features. These are geared towards creators like bloggers and filmmakers.

A Pocket 2 in white has a sling strap and a Do-It-All handle. And a Pocket 2 in black has a micro tripod, a wireless mic transmitter, and a wide-angle lens.

A Buying Guide for Video Cameras

With the influx of video, more and more technologies accommodate quick-and-easy film features. We now have commercially available video cameras that offer amazing quality. This easy access to video is beneficial in many ways.

First, video cameras are for anyone who wants to capture their day-to-day life. That’s why we recommend the Sonys ZV-E10. Maybe it’s for a wedding or birthday. Or it just might be short 10-second clips for your social media.

Videos can also act as a witness. It has made everyone with a video camera a journalist or activist. It has been extremely helpful in streaming live events and breaking news.

A camera like the DJI Pocket 2 can also be great for these situations. Both the ZV-E10 and DJI have simple point-and-shoot settings.

Besides Sony and DJI, there’s one other video camera for travel on our list. The Panasonic Lumix S5 is the best one. These are all compact and travel-ready.

We also use cameras to communicate through the internet. There are small webcams for team meetings to big setups for content creators. And popular video-only social media platforms like TikTok have popped up too.

The best camera for vloggers on our list is the Sony ZV-E10. And the best one for streaming is the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II. These make it easy to film yourself and connect to your streaming services.

Lastly, video cameras are used by those who want to get into filmmaking. Many creatives want to make visual material to share stories with the world.

This can be advertisers who are showcasing a product or service. It could be documentary filmmakers out in the street. Or perhaps you do want to make a feature-length film. Higher-end cameras with more manual control options are needed.

Action and sports filmmakers want light, weatherproof, and durable cameras. That’s why we recommend the GoPro HERO 10 Black.

Fashion or music videographers may want a high-quality camera with a sharp focus. They should check out the Olympus E-M1X.

It’s best to identify what functions are most beneficial for your genre of filmmaking. But for beginner filmmakers, we recommend the Fujifilm GFX100S. And we think the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or 6K and the Sony a7S III are best for professionals.

Conclusion

The photography market has taken a big step in the videography world. New video technology fits hand in hand with still photography. And the best part about video in photo cameras? The prices tend to be lower than regular film cameras.

Before you buy a camera, consider what subjects or topics you plan to shoot. Determine if you want a simple point-and-shoot camera like the Sonys ZV-E10 or DJI Pocket 2. Or if you want to jump in with professional video cameras like the Blackmagic cameras. There are options across the spectrum if you want to dip your toe into creating videos!

Our top choice is the affordable Panasonic Lumix GH6. It has a superb 5.7K video resolution and great extra features. So if you want the best video camera at a good price, go for the GH6.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Camera For Videography

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Sony a7S III

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7 Best Photo Scanners in 2024 (To Digitize Your Prints)

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:30:48 +0000

Photo scanners come in many sizes with different resolutions, features, and prices. Freedom of choice is a luxury, but it can be hard to know which scanner is best for you. We’ve “scanned” through hundreds of photo scanners to find the very best, factoring in the different user requirements.

If you want to buy a scanner, we recommend this Epson FastFoto FF-680W photo scanner. It has excellent image resolution, so your photos don’t lose their magic. You can scan in batches for superfast photo scanning. And it can deal with photos of all sizes. It’s the best photo scanner for digitizing your photos.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Photo Scanner

Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless Photo Scanner

Plustek ePhoto Z300 Photo Scanner

Epson Perfection V600 Color Scanner

What Is the Best Photo Scanner?

The best photo scanners to digitize prints are on our list below. There are scanners for batch scanning, professional scanning, and portable scanning. And there are ones for film and negative scanning, and so much more!

Before we discuss each scanner in detail, here is a quick roundup of our favorites and why we like them.

Best Batch Scanner

Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless Photo Scanner

Bulk scan allows 36 photos per minute
Scans photos up to 8 x 10"
Enhances and restores photos
Wireless connectivity

Best All-Rounder

Plustek ePhoto Z300 Photo Scanner

Efficient design has a photo feed
Scans a 4 x 6" photo in two seconds
Enhances and restores photos
Simple to use without complicated functions

Affordable High-End Scanner

Epson Perfection V600 Color Scanner

Very high 6400 dpi resolution
Scans 35mm and medium format film
Enhances and restores photos
Large 8.5 x 11.7" scanning area

Great Resolution, Low Price

Epson Perfection V19 II

High 4800 dpi resolution
Enhances and restores colors in old photos
One-click scanning with searchable PDF filing
Scans when in upright position

Pro Grade Scanner

Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner

Very high 6400 dpi resolution
Scans 35mm, medium format, and large format film
Professional-grade scanning technology
Improved productivity with film holders

Great Resolution, Low Price

Canon CanoScan LiDE400 Scanner

High 4800 dpi resolution
Large 8.5 x 11.7" scanning area
USB powered
Cloud sync enabled

Quality Batch Scanning

Canon imageFORMULA RS40 Photo Scanner

1200 dpi digitized images
Batch scanning with 40-photo capacity
Scans photos and documents of all sizes
Comes with basic photo editing software

What to Look For in a Photo Scanner

Analog photography is in the midst of a revival. So many photographers are going back to film cameras.

As a result, more people are looking for the best photo scanner to digitize prints. And manufacturers have taken note and produced some excellent machines.

Many photographers will be happy with a single-purpose scanner. These are dedicated to scanning and have no other functions, like printing or copying. All on our list are “flatbed” or “tray-fed” scanners.

If you’re looking for a more versatile scanner, an all-in-one unit is what you need. A multifunction printer has printing abilities. But it’s also equipped with a flatbed scanner.

They duplicate photos well. But the scanning quality usually isn’t as good as single-function scanners.

Other models have more film-friendly features. They have hardware for scanning slides and film negatives. These home photo labs are for serious film photography buffs. And they often have printing capabilities too.

If you’re a film photography enthusiast wanting to save money on scanning costs, our list of the best film scanners is essential reading.

The price can vary a lot with scanners. Single-function scanners are often at the cheaper end of the spectrum. And as you add more features, the price tends to go up. But some specialist units can have high prices.

7 Best Photo Scanners

1. Epson FastFoto FF-680W

Brand	Brand Epson
Model	Model FF-680W
DPI (Dots per Inch)	DPI (Dots per Inch) 1200
Key Features	Key Features Bulk scan 36 photos per minute, enhances and restores photos, wireless connectivity

The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is a specialist photo scanner for home use. It’s one of the best batch scanners for digitizing your back catalog, and it’ll have your photo albums scanned and filed in no time.

It uses a document feeder system rather than a flatbed for scanning. So it’s aimed at photos, but you can also use it for A4 document scanning. And Polaroid pictures aren’t a problem either, thanks to the adjustable document feeder.

The automatic document feeder holds 36 photos at a time. It scans the whole set of 36 automatically, leaving you free to get on with other things.

You don’t have to insert a new print for each scan. It pulls the next photo through, scanning one photo after another. So it’s the fastest photo-scanning solution there is. It so handles different sized photos in the same batch, so you can scan images from different albums all at once.

A max dpi of 1200 is more than enough for most home scanning needs. There are scanners with higher dpi levels, but images scanned by the FF-680W still have excellent picture quality. Higher dpi’s also slow down the scanning process, and speed is one of this scanner’s secret weapons.

The Picture Perfect Imaging System improves old photos with color restoration and enhancement. The software also removes red-eye and dust spots for better-quality photos. This is a big help with old prints, revitalizing them so they look better than they did when originally printed.

It’s a wireless machine with Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can scan directly to computers and mobile devices without tethering. You can even have scans sent to a Dropbox or Google Drive account directly from the printer.

You can accompany the FF-680W printer with the FastFoto app on your smartphone. It receives scanned photos, and you can add text and effects or create slideshows. This also makes it easy to share pictures directly on social media.

2. Plustek ePhoto Z300

Brand	Brand Plustek
Model	Model Z300
DPI (Dots per Inch)	DPI (Dots per Inch) 600
Key Features	Key Features Efficient design allows for feeding photos, can scan a photo in less than two seconds

Photo scanners don’t get much more straightforward than the Plustek ePhoto Z300. It’s a basic scanner without complicated functions. This could be the right photo scanner for you if you want to digitize photos without investing in professional equipment.

There are no options for scanning film. But it supports several photo sizes (3 x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 8 x 10 inches). You can also scan letters and A4 documents.

You need to feed each photo into the scanner one at a time. That might sound time-consuming, but it only takes two seconds to scan a 4 x 6-inch photo. So you’ll have full albums done in no time. And it has a scan resolution of 600 dpi.

The software includes image-enhancing functions. The simple interface lets you restore faded photos or enhance colors and details. And you also have options to do minor edits and organize your photos.

The ePhoto Z300 is a simple and affordable solution to your photo scanning needs. And it’s compatible with both Windows and macOS systems.

3. Epson Perfection V600

Brand	Brand Epson
Model	Model V600
DPI (Dots per Inch)	DPI (Dots per Inch) 6400
Key Features	Key Features Large format scanner for prints, 35mm film, and medium format film

The Epson Perfection V600 is the best photo scanner for serious film enthusiasts. It’s a single-function scanner without printing or copying features. But it’s a fantastic scanner for people with a passion for film.

It’s a flatbed scanner that allows you to scan A4 documents. But the main appeal is its ability to scan photo prints, slides, and film negatives.

It has the option for 35mm and medium format (120mm) film. And once you scan the negatives, you have excellent options to enlarge them.

The scanning quality is superb, with a 9600 dpi resolution. And the scan quality is improved by digital ICE (Image Correction and Enhancement) technology. It removes dust spots and scratches. And it’s for both photo prints and negatives.

The software also has one-click photo fix options. It restores faded color in older photos. Combine this with the ICE technology, and you get pristine digitized photos.

The Ready Scan LED light powers the Perfection V600. It’s energy-efficient and doesn’t require any warm-up time. You can start scanning straight away without needing to wait.

4. Epson Perfection V19 II

Brand	Brand Epson
Model	Model Perfection V19 II
DPI (Dots per Inch)	DPI (Dots per Inch) 4800
Key Features	Key Features High-rise removable lid, Epson Scansmart Software, PDF converter, restore faded color on old prints

Slim, compact, and lightweight, the Epson Perfection V19 II is ideal for the home office. A sleek, professional design helps it blend in with your other devices without ruining your decor. It’s also one of the most affordable scanners on the list, allowing you to digitize your photo library without maxing out your budget.

The flatbed design allows you to scan everything from photos to books to documents. You can scan documents up to A4 size, so you’ll have no problem scanning photos. You can even scan more than one photo at a time to speed things up. The lid can also be raised or removed, allowing thicker objects to be scanned.

With a maximum scanning resolution of 4800 dpi, the V19 II enhances the quality of printed photos. They’ll look better on screen than they do in real life. The native scanning software also restores colors to old, faded photos, bringing vitality to ancient images with just a few clicks.

There’s no LCD screen, but the commands are so simple you don’t need one. One-touch scanning means you can get started straight away without navigating annoying, overly complicated menus. It’s also a plug-and-go system, so you don’t need to waste time updating drivers.

The V19 II automatically generates PDF files when scanning documents. It also gives them sensible names you can easily search for on your computer. That means you can scan a whole bunch of documents at once without making a mess of your filing system.

Measuring only 36.6 x 25 x 3.8 cm / 14.4 x 10 x 1.4 cm, it takes up very little space. And if you are lacking space, you can stand the scanner upright. You can squeeze it into tighter areas, and it still scans when standing up. It even has a built-in stand to keep it upright.

You don’t need to worry about the scanner becoming a drain on your electricity bills. It gets all the power it needs from the USB connection with your computer.

The Epson Perfection V19 II is the best value scanner on this list. It’s an affordable device that’s perfect for the home, allowing you to scan and enhance old photographs quickly and easily.

5. Epson Perfection V850 Pro

Brand	Brand Epson
Model	Model V850
DPI (Dots per Inch)	DPI (Dots per Inch) 6400
Key Features	Key Features Professional-grade scanning for photos, 35mm film, medium format film, and large format film

The Epson Perfection V850 Pro is one of the best photo scanners for professional photographers. It has stand-out scan quality and fantastic photo-centric features. It has everything a film photographer could want in a photo scanner.

It works well as a document scanner, with a flatbed scanner big enough for A4 sheets. But the photo scanning is where the V850 Pro stands out. You get film holders for 35mm and medium format film.

The scan resolution is 9600 dpi and has exceptional color quality and tonal range. And the high dynamic range brings out the detail in dark and light areas. So you get high-quality scans for both photos and film negatives.

The digital ICE technology puts this in the league of professional-level photo scanners. Digital ICE fixes defects in your photos, removing scratches and spots. And it restores faded colors and detail with very impressive results.

The Perfection V850 Pro uses patented ReadyScan LED lights and a dual-lens system for scanning. It isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the best photo scanners for serious professionals.

6. The Canon CanoScan LiDE400

Brand	Brand Canon
Model	Model CanoScan LiDE400
DPI (Dots per Inch)	DPI (Dots per Inch) 4800
Key Features	Key Features USB powered, cloud sync enabled, large 8.5 x 11.7 inch scanning area

The Canon CanoScan LiDE400 is an excellent photo scanner for home use. It’s a slim-line scanner with a flatbed for scanning photos and documents. It’s simple and straightforward. And the scan quality won’t disappoint.

Photo scanners aren’t much more streamlined than this one. It takes up very little space in your home office. Plus, it’s versatile. It scans photos, documents, and thicker media like books. And documents can be saved as editable PDF files.

With a scan resolution of 4800 dpi, your digitized copies will look as good as the original prints. And it enhances colors and removes blemishes automatically.

The different scanning modes are intuitive. And they make storing and organizing your photos easy.

You have options for documents, photos, and customized scans. And you can direct the files to specific locations on your device. Or you can scan directly to OneDrive or Dropbox.

The LiDE400 is an energy-efficient machine. It connects to your computer with a USB. And that’s all the power it needs! Plus, the photo scanner wastes no time warming up.

7. Canon imageFORMULA RS40

Brand	Brand Canon
Model	Model RS40
DPI (Dots per Inch)	DPI (Dots per Inch) 1200
Key Features	Key Features 40-photo batch printing, CaptureOnTouch software included, duplex scanning, handles all types of photos

The Canon imageFORMULA RS40 is one of the best photo scanners if you’re digitizing large amounts of photos. The batch scanning capabilities allow you to scan hundreds of images without much user input. It’s also a versatile scanner you can use for document scanning.

Scanning with the imageFORUMLA RS40 can actually enhance the image quality of your printed photos. You can choose the scan quality, with options from 150 to 1200 dpi. That means you can scan any type of photo from old holiday snaps to professional photos.

With a 40-photo capacity auto feeder, you can scan bundles of images without much effort. That means you can leave it to scan 40 photos while you work on something else. It’s a huge time saver, especially if you have mountains of photos to archive.

It can also handle photos of different shapes and sizes. Standard photos measuring 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 8 x 10 inches are no problem. But it can also scan Polaroid pictures, postcards, and panorama images.

When it comes to other types of documents, the RS40 is just as versatile. Your standard A4 document is a walk in the park. And it can scan letters, legal documents, invoices, and even ID cards.

You also get the CaptureOnTouch photo software. It’s basic photo adjustment software, so it can’t compete with Adobe Lightroom or other advanced programs. But it can help you reduce signs of fading and aging in the images. It can make subjects sharper and you can remove red-eye.

The Canon imageFORMULA RS40 is an excellent photo scanner for the home or office. It delivers professional-level digital renditions. And you can use it for all types of batch scanning.

FAQs on the Best Photo Scanners

This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions regarding photo scanners. We hope this information helps you find exactly what you need.

What is DPI?

Simply put, DPI is the scanner’s image resolution. It stands for Dots Per Inch, and the higher the number the better the resolution of a scanned image.

This is similar to the megapixel (MP) count on a camera’s sensor, only scanners use the word dot rather than pixels. Sensors with a higher MP have a better resolution, meaning images are more clear and have sharper detail. The same is true with scanners that use a higher dpi.

Dpi is one of the most important specifications when you’re looking for a photo scanner. It provides a good indication of the quality of the scanned images. However, bigger isn’t always better. It depends on the types of photo scanning you’re doing.

If you’re digitizing old photos, you won’t need the scanner with the highest dpi. You’ll be spending more money than you need to. Something with a max dpi of 4800 is more than good enough for this type of scanning.

You might need more if you’re a professional scanning images for work. A 6400 dpi will give you high-resolution images suitable for publication and enlargement.

You should also be aware that scanner listings usually only note the maximum dpi. The scanner will have lower dpi options for quicker scanning.

Which Scanner is Best for Batch Scanning?

The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is our top choice and its batch-scanning abilities are one of the main reasons for that.

You can load a full 36-photo deck into the feeder, and the scanner takes care of the rest. Press start and off it goes. You don’t need to press anything else until the all 36 prints have been scanned.

The time it takes to scan a 36-photo batch depends on the dpi setting you’ve chosen. The higher the dpi, the slower it will scan. But the automation means you’re free to do other things.

The Canon imageFORMULA RS40 is another top scanner for batch-scanning. It can hold up to 40 photos, which is more than one film’s worth of images. And like the FF-680W, once you start the process the scanner doesn’t stop until all 40 photos are scanned.

It’s also quick, scanning up to 40 items in just one minute. Of course, you have to scan with the lowest dpi setting to hit those speeds, but it’s still quick even at max resolution.

Which is the Best Film and Negative Scanner?

The Epson Perfection V600 is the best flatbed scanner for film and negatives. You can’t use any old flatbed scanner when scanning film negatives. But the V600 is fully equipped for the job, which is good news for film photographers.

It comes with dedicated holders for 35mm slides and 35mm and medium format negative strips. The scan software also renders the scans as proper photographs, not merely scanned negatives. They are fully formed, usable, high-resolution images.

Professional film shooters might prefer the Epson Perfection V850 Pro. With its higher dpi and better, more complete software package, it gets the best out of your film negatives. You won’t need to go to a lab to have your films scanned ever again.

If you’re looking for a dedicated negative scanner, check out our full article on the best film scanners for photographers. We look at all the best film scanners in detail, so it’s a must-see for film photographers.

Conclusion: The Best Photo Scanner

Having researched hundreds of scanners, we’re happy to recommend all of the scanners on this list. They are each uniquely good at what they’re built for.

The Epson FastFoto FF-680W is the best photo scanner on the market. With its batch-scanning features, you can scan whole libraries in no time. And its high-quality scanning means you will have glorious versions of your beautiful photos.

Our Top 3 Choices for The Best Photo Scanner

Epson FastFoto FF-680W Wireless Photo Scanner

Plustek ePhoto Z300 Photo Scanner

Epson Perfection V600 Color Scanner

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VueScan vs SilverFast: Which is Better to Scan Film Photos?

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 08:00:32 +0000

Today we’re going to compare the two big names in photo scanning software—VueScan vs SilverFast. Maybe you’re are a photographer who shoots film. Or maybe you’re a beginner who found their family’s old archive of negatives. Either way, scan software is the most important factor when scanning photos.
Both scanning software approaches the scanning process with their own features and outlines. I will use both software on the same image so we can have a direct comparison between the two images and processes. I will be scanning film photos with a dedicated film scanner, the Epson Perfection V850 Pro.

Features To Look For In Scanning Software

Now let’s look at some of the most important features in the VueScan vs SilverFast face-off. Or any other scan software, for that matter!

An Intuitive User Interface

This may be the most important feature to keep users returning to their service. A simple interface will streamline your scanning and make it feel effortless.
I always think a good scan software will act like a checklist. Almost laying the important aspects out so clearly that you simply go down a list. Software tends to get confusing when certain important actions aren’t laid out. This can lead to endless searching or Googling until you have found the right action.

How Well They Handle Color

Each scan software will handle colors in different ways. This is due to many factors. It’s mainly because the scanner acts as a camera. As we know, each camera handles color differently through its sensor and processing capabilities. A scanner creates a RAW scan of your photo. Therefore, you will get different results from different programs that process these RAW scans.
Both VueScan and SilverFast have film simulation functions. These features account for the color profile of different types of film. Because the scanners produce RAW files, the colors are bound to be off. You will have to do some editing in Adobe Photoshop. But, the film simulation feature can help reduce the amount of time you spend.

The Image Quality

Image quality is also an important factor. Of course, this is more likely to depend on the type of scanner you have. But the scan software does still process the RAW data differently. So you will get a slight difference when using different software.
You usually measure the image quality for a scan software in sharpness and grain reduction. This can differ in scan software. But it’s only visible in very fine details that take some zooming in to see.

VueScan vs SilverFast

SilverFast is produced by LaserSoft Imaging software that comes from Germany. Whereas VueScan is a Hamrick software, a US-based company. Right off the bat, we have a Europe vs US comparison.
Let’s dive into a range of different aspects. Then we will see how each program compares against one another.

How Much Do They Cost?

Each software approaches its pricing in two different ways. VueScan has the product on sale for a flat rate. With this purchase, you can use the software on up to 4 different computers. This is handy if you have many spaces to scan from or multiple scanners.
SilverFast is different. You can only buy the software for the scanner model you have. This also limits the software to one computer. This may be a big problem if you have multiple devices and scanners. It is also slightly more expensive than VueScan.
This point alone may be a deciding factor because SilverFast does restrict you. But it’s not an issue if you only have one scanner.

How Easy Is It to Use the Interface?

Let’s start this section by looking at VueScan’s user interface. When you first open the program, you see a simple screen that feels easy to find your place. You can start putting in your settings from the top down. As you work your way down the list, the list will change to introduce the options valid for you.

The red box highlights the list you will work through

With VueScan, it is simply a case of selecting options from the menus. This is easy, but gives you less fine-tuning when it comes to the color and other editing features. This is done with short sliders. But you can also input values if you need to.
The film simulation section doesn’t have as many options as SilverFast. But it’s easy to edit the scanner’s color space and color profile.

This is an example of the color options you get in VueScan

SilverFast is completely different. It has a small selection to work through on the top left. This section is easy to navigate. But the interface starts to get a little confusing when it comes to the extra features.
The extra features are situated around the inside of the display screen. Clicking one of these features will bring up the control box in your left workspace. This can be confusing as a red dot indicates the active features. These can be lost easily. And it often leads you to start scans with extra features you don’t want. This can add extra time to your scans and even potentially change the image quality.

The red box indicates the section you will work through

I am a fan of the visual material they introduce into this user interface. The histogram is very helpful. Being able to see and adjust this gives you an idea of the highlights and shadows in your image. It also allows you to make changes that would save you time later. I don’t often use editing features much in the scan software. But, small tweaks on SilverFast do save me time.

The red boxes highlight where the extra features are

How Well Does Each Program Handle Color?

When working in scanner software, you don’t want to adjust the colors too much inside the program. This is because the color handling isn’t as accurate as other dedicated programs like Adobe Photoshop.
Each software has different methods of processing the information it picks up. This results in different colors. Let’s have a look at how each program deals with colors. I scanned both results without any film color compensation.
VueScan gives images that seem to have a cooler tone to them. They also appear less saturated and flat. Scanning flat is always a good idea as it generally saves more information from the negative. This allows you to have more control when further editing your images.
I find it much harder to fine-tune the color using the tools available on VueScan. This isn’t too much of an issue. It’s probably good as it forces me to take the image into editing software for sharper edits. But when I want to make small adjustments, it doesn’t feel as accurate.

Scanned in VueScan with no extra features

A SilverFast scan tends to come out on the magenta side. This makes colors look more vibrant and saturated. This is a bit of a pain because these shades make color correcting trickier. SilverFast does have a lot easier ways to adjust the colors in-program. This is done by using Global CC or Selective CC. The features let you edit color tone and casts in small steps.
For a scan without any further editing, I prefer the results from SilverFast. This is because VueScan gives colder results. If you’re scanning family images, you don’t want them to look like cold documents. But because you only scan negatives once, you may as well spend time correcting each picture. This may be easier with the cold scanned image you get from VueScan.

Scanned in SilverFast with no extra features

How Good Is The Dust Removal Technology?

Both scanning software has the technology to reduce dust. As we all know, or you will soon find out, flatbed scanners are a magnet for dust. My Epson scanner needs a good wipe down each time before use. Even after a wipe, I still find dust spotted across the screen. This dust is even more annoying to remove manually when working with larger formats like medium format film.
Both software allows for more accurate dust removal if your scanner has an infrared feature. For VueScan, under the Filter scan settings, you will find the first dropdown menu titled Infrared Clean. It gives you a choice of three intensities. For this test, I will use medium intensity.
If you zoom into the results from the VueScan dust reduction, you can see evidence of the larger strand of dust blending into the background. This is hard to notice and is pretty much invisible when viewing the image at 100%.
With the VueScan infrared scan, it is hard to find dust that made it through the removal process. This is a job done well that’s accurate enough for batch scanning through many negatives. You can take these scans and touch up relevant bits in Photoshop if you want a more accurate edit.

VueScan without dust removal

Vuescan with dust removal

When zooming into the SilverFast dust reduction, it’s pretty hard to notice. At 600%, you can notice the smoothing isn’t completely liquid. You can notice a bit more pixelation than the VueScan dust reduction. The smoothed section also isn’t as pixelated as the rest of the scanned image. This makes it stand out more.
Again, the result is impossible to see at 100%. This will please those who want the dust reduction to reduce the amount of time spent editing.

SilverFast without dust removal

SilverFast with dust removal

To my eye, this technology works well in both programs. They do the job accurately and don’t need any intervention. They would be fine to use for use on the internet. But you may want to reconsider using this if you are scanning photos for print. If you make big prints, it may be noticeable. And that could have a huge impact on how people view your image.

Does Multi-Scan Make A Difference?

VueScan and SilverFast both provide a feature that scans your image more than once. This is usually done with different exposure settings to bring out more details in the highlights or shadows. This feature will almost double your scan time, but it may be better if you want as much information as possible.
VueScan calls this feature “samples,” and you can change the number of samples under the Input section. Here, you have a choice to pick between 1 and 16 different sampling intensities.
For this test, I will select a sampling intensity of 10. When we look at the results, there is almost no difference between the two images. There may be a small difference in the shadows, but it is very slight and hard to notice.

VueScan with no extra sampling

VueScan with extra sampling

This is the same for SilverFast. In this program, the feature is called “multiple exposure,” and you can find it in the inner list of features. Again, the difference is so slight that it is almost invisible to the eye.

SilverFast with no multiple exposure

SilverFast with multiple exposure

You can leave out these features if you look for speed during a batch scan. But you may want to use these if you want to get as much information out of the image as possible. This will be useful for images with high contrast.

Scanning Software Alternatives

Epson Scan is the go-to free scan software that comes with Epson scanners. This Epson software produces pretty good results compared to VueScan and SilverFast. The issue with Epson Scan is that it doesn’t give you as much control as the other two programs. The user interface feels dated, and its dust reduction software isn’t great.
On a positive note, Epson Scan does produce the fastest scan times out of the three. The scan quality still keeps up with the others. And best of all, it’s free!

Conclusion

In the battle between VueScan vs SilverFast, I would say that both programs are top quality. But each fits a particular style. VueScan takes the edge for your everyday scanning needs. It is the easiest to get accustomed to and makes the scanning process as seamless as can be. This program also allows for further control. So, it is a program that both amateurs and professionals can use.
SilverFast may be more confusing and slow in comparison. But I enjoy the control this software gives you. This software would suit professionals more due to the way that you can easily adjust color temperatures and other elements. I am consistently happy with the results, and I don’t mind the extra time it takes.
So after this article, we can see a direct comparison between these two programs. Find the features that are most important to you and get scanning through your archive!

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Pulling and Pushing Film for a Creative Look (Step by Step)

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 16:05:54 +0000

If you’re venturing into film photography, you might have come across the terms pushing or pulling film. But what exactly do they mean?

There’s a lot of information out there on the subject. Much of it is confusing, and some are just plain incorrect. We’re here to clear up the situation.

This is our ultimate guide to pushing film and pulling film. You’ll be the master of your film rolls by the end of this article.

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Understanding ISO and Pushing Film in Film Photography

Before we get to the details of pushing and pulling film, we need to look at ISO. It’s one of the most fundamental aspects of film photography. And ISO is one corner of the exposure triangle.

The ISO refers to the film speed. It’s a label used to identify how sensitive a roll of film is to light. A lower ISO number means the film is less sensitive to light than a roll with a higher ISO number. So, a roll of ISO 200 film is less sensitive than a roll of ISO 800 film.

A roll of film with a high ISO is more sensitive to light, which means they work well in low-light situations. But the sensitivity comes at a cost to image quality. The higher the ISO, the more film grain you’ll see on the image. Lower ISO films produce images with little to no grain.

On a digital camera, you can change the ISO with the click of a button. It takes no time, and you can do it between shots. But it’s not so easy with film photography.

Each roll of film has a fixed ISO that you can’t change. The only way to change the ISO is to change the film cartridge. Once that roll is in your camera, you can’t change the ISO until you’ve finished the entire roll.

This is one of the reasons film has fallen behind digital photography over the last few decades. Film cameras don’t have the same flexibility for settings like ISO. But you’re not entirely powerless when using film. And that’s where pushing and pulling film comes into play.

What Is Pushing and Pulling Film?

Pushing and pulling film is where you treat a roll of film as if it has a higher or lower film speed. Rather than following the procedure of the ISO speed on the film box, you under or overexpose the film.

There are two parts to this process. You have the in-camera part of the procedure, where you shoot the film. Then there’s the pushing and pulling in the development stage. You can push and pull with both color and black and white film.

Pushing Film

Pushing film is where you treat a roll of film as if it has a higher ISO. If the box speed is ISO 200, you set up and shoot as if the ISO is 400 or 800.

We measure ISO in “stops.” If you push a film from 200 to 400 ISO, you’re pushing the film one stop. You’re pushing two stops if you shoot a 200 film at 800 ISO.

Changing the camera settings to push a film is simple. When you load your film, set the ISO one or two stops higher than the speed on the box. This will trick your camera into thinking the ISO is higher than it actually is.

If your film camera is an entirely analog camera with no automated features or exposure assistance, you can use a light meter. Set the ISO you want on the light meter and shoot accordingly.

But if your camera has an internal light meter and automated settings, all you need to do is set ISO one or two steps higher. The camera will think the ISO is whatever you set it to, changing the shutter speed and aperture.

Setting your camera up like this will underexpose the film by giving the film less light when taking the shot. And then you compensate for this by developing the film for a longer period.

Pushing film increases the contrast in your images. It deepens blacks and dark colors, giving you a stronger film grain texture.

Pulling Film

As you might imagine, pulling film is the opposite of pushing film. Rather than pushing the film up a few stops, you’re pulling it down a few stops. If you’re using an 800 ISO film, you shoot the film at 400 or 200 ISO. Then you develop the film for a shorter time.

The camera process is the same for pulling as it is for pushing film. You trick your camera by setting the ISO speed you want rather than the speed listed on the box. And if the camera isn’t automatic, you adjust the shutter speed and aperture as recommended by the light meter.

A pulled film is overexposed rather than underexposed. You’re giving the film more light than the box speed recommends. The reduced development time compensates for the extra light during the exposure.

Pulling film reduces contrast in your image. It can bring out details in shadows or poorly lit areas of your shot. It will mute colors and can reduce the grain of higher ISO film stocks.

Pulling film is far more common with black and white film. You can pull color negative film, but we don’t recommend it. Color film doesn’t react well to underexposure. Your images will be dark, and the colors won’t be vibrant.

Developing Pushed & Pulled Film

Under or overexposing your film in the camera is only half the battle. Whether you’re pushing or pulling film, you need to compensate for the change in ISO during the development process.

If you take your rolls to a film lab for development, you’ll need to let them know the films have been pushed or pulled. It’s best to explain this to the shop assistant. But if you send your film in the mail, leave a note and mark your film.

To mark the films, you’ll need a permanent marker. Indicate how many stops you’ve pushed or pulled by writing directly on the film canister. A note of “+1” shows you’ve pushed the film one stop. Writing “-2” indicates you’ve pulled the film two stops.

Here’s some guidance for developing pulled or pushed film if you’re a DIY photographer.

Push Developing

When you push film, you’re underexposing it. So, if you develop the roll as usual, all your images will be underexposed. You need to compensate for the extra light by increasing the time in the processing fluid.

We’ll use Kodak T-Max 400 ISO photographic film as an example, developing in a solution ratio of 1+4.

The film will need 6.75 minutes in the solution if you develop it according to the box speed. If you push it one stop to 800 ISO, it will require 8 mins. If you’re pushing two stops to 1600, it will need 8.5 minutes in the solution.

Pull Developing

When you’re pulling film, you’re reducing the amount of developing time. You’re compensating for the in-camera overexposure of the film.

For this example, we’ll use Kodak T-Max 3200. When exposed at the native ISO, it would need to be developed for 9.5 minutes.

When we pull the film down one stop to 1600 ISO, we need to reduce the time to 7 minutes. If we go down to 800 ISO, it only needs 6 minutes in the solution.

Reasons for Pushing and Pulling Film

The main reason to push or pull film is to gain more creative control when using analog equipment.

Pushing film increases contrast giving you more depth when working in flat light situations. And you achieve a strong grain texture with low ISO film stocks.

Pulling film decreases contrast. It can be helpful if you’re working in an environment with high light contrasts. It pulls details from bright or dark areas. And pulling a high ISO stock reduces grain.

You can also pull film when using expired film. The film emulsion loses its strength after the sell-by-date. And overexposing it when shooting is a way of bringing the life back into your shots. The general rule is to pull one stop every ten years past the expiry date.

You might also need to pull your film if you’re using an old camera model. For example, I have a Minolta Hi-Matic F, which has automatic exposure settings. When I shoot at the ISO stated on the box, the photos are dark and foggy. Pulling the ISO by one stop clears things up.

When you pull expired film or because the camera is old, you can develop in the usual way. But you might need to push or pull develop if you make an in-camera mistake. If you shoot a film at the wrong ISO setting by mistake, you can rescue it in development.

Conclusion

Pushing and pulling film can be confusing, especially if you’re new to film photography. But it’s a simple process once you get to grips with it. And it’s a great technique that gives you extra options when shooting film.

Film photography can’t rely on the settings options of digital cameras. Techniques like pulling and pushing film take some practice. But that’s part of the magic of analog photography!

To choose the best ISO (and other settings!) for pushing or pulling film, check out our Photography for Beginners course!

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8 Best Photo Scanner Apps in 2024 (For iOS and Android)

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 17:23:30 +0000

Do you have a few old photos you want to share online but don’t own a scanner? Don’t worry. Nowadays, you only need a smartphone to digitize your printed memories. We’ve compiled a list of the best photo scanner apps you can choose from to scan multiple photos.

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8 Best Photo Scanner Apps to Use

Let’s dive into our picks for the best smartphone photo scanner apps. We list photo scanner apps for Apple iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and rank them, starting with the ones with the best reviews.

1. Adobe Scan

Download: iOS | Android

Adobe Scan is Adobe’s answer to Microsoft Lens (second on our list). It’s mainly used for scanning documents and converting them into PDFs. But of course, creating PDF files isn’t the only feature of Adobe Scan. You can also use it to scan photos and save them as JPEG files.

Adobe Scan uses artificial intelligence (AI) called Adobe Sensei. It automatically corrects the perspective of your scanned document and sharpens the image.

But the best part about this app is that it removes glare and shadows. That’s useful, especially if you’re working with glossy prints.

We admit that all the Adobe Scan features we mention also exist in other options. So, what makes this app different? Well, it lets you scan and fill out forms digitally. So, if you have a document you need to sign, open the app and add your signature using your phone screen!

2. Microsoft Lens

Download: iOS | Android

Microsoft Lens is an all-in-one photo scanner app. It has all the features you’d expect from a regular desktop scanner. It doesn’t just save images as JPEG files. You can also convert your pictures to other formats, such as PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word.

This Microsoft app can convert images into files. This makes it a useful document scanner in various situations, from classrooms to offices.

It even has a feature that transmutes handwriting into a digitized format. But what makes Microsoft Office Lens one of the best photo scanner apps is its high-quality scans.

Unlike other options, it produces highly detailed documents. As a result, you’ll be confident using this app in a professional setting.

3. Clear Scanner

Download: iOS | Android

Clear Scanner is one of the best photo scanner apps primarily because of its user-friendly interface.

Also, unlike other options on our list, you don’t have to pay to use all its features. That’s why we think it’s the best choice if you’re a student who needs a reliable scanner.

Clear Scanner lets you scan both images and documents. And even though it’s free, it has an advanced feature that automatically detects a photo’s edges.

You can then convert the files into PDF or JPEG files. The app lets you share your files via many platforms, including Dropbox and Google Drive.

Plus, if you have an iPhone, you can even print your file wirelessly through Cloud Print! That’s a valuable add-on, especially if you need to make copies of your scanned images.

4. SwiftScan

Download: iOS | Android

If you want a simple photo scanner app, Swiftscan is the perfect choice. But when we say simple, we don’t mean it’s basic. It has many features that make it stand out from the rest.

You use Swiftscan to scan pictures and documents. Apart from that, it has edge-detect technology that lets it automatically crop your files. It also lets you save your scans in either JPEG or PDF formats.

But what makes SwiftScan stand out is its security features. It lets you encrypt sensitive files so people can’t steal them.

It also includes password protection with Touch and Face ID support. This is a perfect add-on for files you want to limit access to.

5. Photo Scan by Photomyne

Download: iOS | Android

Photo Scan by Photomyne is one of the best photo scanner apps because it can scan multiple photos using AI. This unique feature is not found in the other options on our list, except Adobe Scan.

So, how does the AI work? If you open a photo album, the AI automatically recognizes all the images and saves them as individual files. So it’s a great app if you have hundreds of prints to digitize.

Photomyne’s AI scanning process is so meticulous that it accurately finds image borders. You don’t have to crop the photos because it does it for you.

Besides its ability to scan pictures, Photomyne lets you apply effects to your images. It can even colorize old black-and-white photos!

6. PhotoScan by Google Photos

Download: iPhone | Android

If you’ve tried scanning your photos using your phone before, you know eliminating glare is difficult. The specks of light on glossy prints are particularly challenging. They won’t go away until you shoot from a lower angle, which gives you skewed results.

Enter Google Photo Scan. What makes it different from other photo-scanning apps is that it offers glare reduction.

This Google Photos app takes four separate scans of a single image. The app then combines all these images into one sharp and glare-free file.

You’d think this was only available on Android, but you can also download it for free on iOS. That’s great news, considering it’s the best option for smartphone photo scanning.

7. Pic Scanner Gold

Download: iOS

Launched in 2013, Pic Scanner Gold was one of the first photo scanner apps to scan multiple photos simultaneously.

Like other photo scanning apps, Pic Scanner boasts various editing features to retouch your old photos. And it also lets you remove red-eye and even clean up blemishes.

But what makes Pic Scanner one of the best photo scanner apps is its Recolor tool. It’s a neat feature that restores the color in faded images.

After scanning, Pic Scanner lets you create instant albums you can quickly share with family members. You can also create personalized cards and slide shows!

The price of Pic Scanner Gold is $7.99. This is a bargain, especially since it’s a one-time purchase, not a subscription.

It also has all the features you need for a photo scanner app. You won’t need another one once you have this on your smartphone. Unfortunately, it’s only available for iOS platforms.

8. FilmBox by Photomyne

Download: iPhone | Android

Photomyne has some of the best photo scanner apps for Android and iOS. This is why we have two of their products on this list.

Apart from Photomyne’s all-in-one scanner (listed below), they also have FilmBox. This app is specifically designed to scan color and black-and-white film negatives.

It automatically converts film strips into positive prints you can view on your phone. But Filmbox is even more impressive because it can scan regular images and slides.

This app also has all the features to edit and color-correct your scanned photos. Thus, you can ensure your digitized files appear as accurate as your physical pictures.

Conclusion: Best Photo Scanner Apps

So there you have it. The best photo scanner apps for both iOS and Android! Most of the options on our list are all-in-one scanners that do everything you’ll ever need. So it’s genuinely a matter of choosing which one you find the easiest to use.

A good portion of the apps on our list are free. But even the apps that require payment have trial versions. So you can try them out before buying them.

Highly Recommended

Capture It All

Looking for more than just a photo scanner app? Learn how to capture it all with this video course. Take your iPhone photography to the next level!

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How to Easily Digitize Photos from Film to Digital

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 17:33:52 +0000

Knowing how to digitize photos is a great skill to have. The advancement of digital technology has made moving and storing photos painless and easy. You can take a picture on your camera and have it stored on your computer in just a few minutes.

But if you’re using a film camera, it’s not so easy. And what about all those old photos stored in the cupboards and drawers? These photos only exist in their physical form.

We can help you bring your photo library into the 21st century. Whether they’re old memories or brand-new prints, this article will show you the best ways to digitize photos.

High-Quality Scanning

Epson Perfection V850 Pro scanner

Digitize photos with ease and convenience using a professional-quality scanner with advanced optics and dual-lens scanning. Get unparalleled scans with 6400 dpi resolution and remarkable tonal range for smooth gradations and fine shadow detail.

Why Digitize Photos?

Film photography is still a popular medium for photographers. Admittedly, it’s not as popular as it once was, but film is far from dead. There are people all over the world still shooting film today.

In the battle between digital and film, convenience is one of the main points of contention. And digital photography claims victory in this area. With the click of a few buttons, you can take a picture on your camera and share it on the internet.

With film photography, this process is a lot less simple. But digitizing your photos is definitely something you should do. It’s an excellent way to share your images with others or on social media.

If you have shoeboxes full of old photos tucked away, digitizing them is another way of storing them. You don’t have to worry about damage or decay. Instead, you can keep your memories safe from sticky fingers and spilled cups of coffee.

Digitizing your photos will also allow you to use editing software like Photoshop and Lightroom. And if you’re using old prints, the software can be used for photo restoration.

Photo by Laura Fuhrman

Best Ways to Digitize Your Photos

There are several methods for digitizing your old photos. We’ll take you through some of the best processes in this post.

Make Use of Local and Online Scanning Services

Digitizing photos by yourself can be time-consuming. And you often need specific equipment. And this can also be complicated and expensive.

To save yourself the hassle of doing it yourself, you can enlist the help of special photo scanning services. They can turn your photo prints into a digital format, so you don’t have to spend three weeks reading a scanner manual.

You may be lucky enough to have a photo shop in your hometown that can send photo prints away to be scanned and reprinted. But many chains and independent photo stores will also have the same photo scanning service. And in our experience, the people working in these shops are always happy to help.

You will be able to find a photo digitizing service online. You send them your photo prints. They scan them and send you the digital files. And they return the original prints, of course.

Online services are a good solution if you don’t have the equipment. Or if you’re not very technical. But you have to be patient. This kind of service can take several weeks. And if you have lots of photos, they’re not always cheap.

If you’re having a fresh roll of film developed, many shops offer a digital option when you request the development. They can provide a CD or DVD with the photos as well as the prints. You can then upload the photos onto your computer.

One problem with this is that many modern computers and laptops don’t come with CD drives. In addition, most people download or stream their music these days, so the CD is being phased out.

Photo by Romina BM

DIY—Scan Your Own Photos

Scanning your own photos can be an inexpensive way of digitizing your prints. And if you’re into film photography, you can scan negatives too.

Scanning old photos is an excellent way to preserve your memories and update your photo albums. In addition, you can maintain their quality and store them in digital files.

There are different avenues you can go down when scanning. And there are different scanner options to choose from. We’ll take a look at the best options now. You can also see our full list of the best photo scanners by clicking the link.

Flatbed Scanners

A flatbed scanner is the most common kind of photo scanner you’ll find. You can purchase them as single units. Or sometimes, a scanner will be included in a dual-purpose printer and scanner.

The design is simple and they’re often easy to use. There’s a flat piece of glass that lays horizontally. You place your prints facedown on the glass, close the lid, and the scanner does the rest.

It will transfer your images to your computer. And you can store the digital files as you wish. You can move them to a separate hard drive or cloud storage. Or you and email them to friends and family.

The most complicated part is often installing the scanner software onto your computer or device. But printer companies are making this easier. And many units no longer need cables. Instead, you can connect everything using your Wi-Fi network.

When scanning your photos, you need to keep the glass plate clean and dust-free. Any marks will show up on the digital image.

The Epson Perfection V600 is a flatbed scanner designed specifically for photos. It scans your prints with excellent resolution, so your photos maintain perfect quality in digital form. It is big, but it’s the best on the market.

You can opt for a print-scan combo, such as the Canon PIXMA G6020. The scanning quality is terrific. And you can also print photos as a way of duplicating old ones. Or you can print photos so you can frame them and hang them on the wall.

Photo by Matt Moloney

Negative Scanners

Scanning film negatives is another way to digitize photos. It’s useful for sharing and duplication. And it’s more efficient than scanning individual prints.

Some flatbed machines can scan negatives as well as prints. You’ll need something on a more professional level. It will cost more. But if you’re a professional using film, it’s an essential piece of equipment.

The Epson Perfection V850 Pro is one of the best on the market. It’ll scan your prints and negatives at a professional standard. Your scanned images will be worthy of publication.

You can also find specialist negative film scanners. These are quick and highly efficient. They can save you a lot of time in post-processing. And they’re a lifesaver if you have a habit of losing your negatives.

The Plustek OpticFilm 8100 is one of the best negative scanners available. It comes with easy-to-use software and produces excellent results. And if you’re an avid film photographer, it’s worth the cost.

Check out our full list of the best film scanners. You’ll be able to find the best film scanner to meet your needs.

Photo by Annie Spratt

DIY—If You Don’t Have a Scanner

Buying a scanner isn’t the only way to digitize photos at home. If you have a smartphone or a camera, you can do it yourself.

Use Your Smartphone

You can use the camera on your phone to take a picture of a photo print. You can then send the image to friends and family over the internet.

It’s okay for sharing an image or two. But if you want to upload and store good quality images, this isn’t the way to go. The quality is poor, and you’ll often experience glare.

Google has produced an app to solve this issue. Google Photoscan uses the phone’s camera to scan the image. Then, the app takes multiple shots of the print to reduce glare and other negative features.

The app is successful at reducing glare. But the overall quality still isn’t great, especially with new photos. The lighter colors often appear washed out. It’s not so much of a problem with older photos, where the colors are already faded.

The app is available for iOS and Android. And it does make sharing old photos quick and easy. But this is not a professional-level solution.

Photo by Le Buzz

Use Your Camera

Taking a photo of a photo may seem silly at first. But using a digital camera is an excellent way of modernizing your family photo albums.

You need a good standard digital camera. Whether it’s a DSLR or mirrorless, it has to be a good one. A higher-standard camera will give you high-quality digital images.

One vital piece of equipment when capturing images in this way is a macro lens. If you have one already, that is ideal. If you don’t, this might not be the cheapest option.

You will also need a tripod—ideally, one where you can use the bottom of the vertical pole. You need a good light source or strong natural light for shooting prints. Or you’ll need a lightbox if you’re shooting negatives.

Fix your camera to the tripod so it points vertically down. Place your prints or negatives below in a fixed position. Make sure your camera is focused exactly right, then start snapping.

It’s then easy to transfer your images from the camera to another device for storing, sharing, and editing.

Photo by bhphotovideo.com

Conclusion

If you have a massive collection of old photos, or you’re still shooting film today, there are many ways to digitize your photos. It’s a great way of storing old memories and photo albums. And it makes it easy to edit and share your images.

There are different services you can turn to. Some photography stores will be able to assist you. Or you can look online for a postal service.

Or you can take the DIY route. But there are plenty of scanners you can choose from. Or you can even use your phone or camera.

The route you take depends on your needs. We’ve covered the main options, so we hope you’ve found the best way to digitize your photos.

Check out our Effortless Editing with Lightroom course to bring old digitized photos back to perfection!

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What is Wet Plate Photography? (And How to do It Yourself)

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 18:39:09 +0000

Unless you’re over the age of 150, you’re unlikely to be familiar with wet plate photography! It’s one of the oldest types of photography. But it’s making a bit of a comeback.
A lot of photographers think they’re pretty retro shooting film with their vintage SLRs. Well, wet plate photography takes retro to a whole new level.
If you’re in the dark when it comes to traditional photography procedures, we’re here to help you out. In this article, we’ll help you understand and get started with classical wet plate photography.

What Is Wet Plate Photography?

In a world of digital sensors, even film photography seems like a niche indulgence. It’s something outdated, something for the enthusiasts. But if you think a 35mm camera is analog, wait until you see the wet plate collodion wet plate process.
With wet plate collodion photography, we have to go back to when photography was in its infancy. The earliest cameras didn’t have digital sensors. And you didn’t have rolls of film. Instead, the image is captured on a plate made of metal or glass.
The term wet plate photography comes from the photographer covering the plate with a light-sensitive emulsion. In doing so, the photographer creates a photographic sensor that captures the image.
The emulsion contains silver halides. These react when exposed to light. It’s similar to the emulsion still found on camera film today.
But unlike rolls of film, you can’t send your plates off for development. The plate has to be developed at the time. For landscape photography, it required a portable darkroom.
The photographer needs to develop the photograph where they are. They need to mix the chemicals and bathe the plate. It can be a bit complicated and requires the right knowledge. Get the mixture wrong, and you might accidentally end up with an explosive cocktail.

Deguerreotype photo by Joseph-Philibert Girault.

A Brief History of Wet Plate Photography

The wet plate collodion process went through three stages. These stages are called daguerreotype, ambrotype, and tintype.
The daguerreotype was the predominant form during the 1840s and 50s. The plates used were of polished silver. Or sometimes a silver coating on a copper plate. The image capture and development processes were complicated. And they involved dangerous chemicals, such as mercury and chlorine.
The next variant was the ambrotype. This wet plate process uses a glass plate and needs fewer toxic chemicals to develop. The main problem with ambrotype is that the prints can’t be duplicated.
The tintype quickly superseded the ambrotype process. The tintype process was the cheapest and easiest of all the wet plate methods. The plate is only a thin piece of metal with a layer of dark lacquer.
The tintype process gave photography a broader appeal. It was popular from the 1860s into the early 20th century. But camera technology moved on, and by the 1930s, the wet collodion process was all but forgotten.

Napoleonic War veteran and his wife. Ambrotype Photograph.

Wet Plate Photography in the Modern Era

Tintype photography is now having a renaissance. Photographers in the 21st century are using this classical method to great effect. There are even courses that teach the technique.
The wet plate process is complicated. If you’re looking for convenience, then stick with your DLSR. But many photographers love the antique quality of a wet plate image. It creates timeless images with beautiful golden tones.
One photographer that has really embraced wet plate photography is Joni Sternbach. Her surf portrait photography using the tintype process are deep and rich. She’s mastered the technique, and her work is a celebration of wet plate photography.
In 2013, Photographer Ed Drew took a tintype photograph in Afghanistan. He was the first to take a tintype photograph of a war zone since the American Civil War.
Victoria Will created a series of portraits at the Sundance film festival in 2014. Her list of subjects included Kurt Russell, Ewan McGregor, and Anne Hathaway. The collodion process definitely brings a new dimension to the celebrity portrait.

Surfers by Joni Sternbach on Tintype. – Collection from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jstersurf/

How to Create Your Own Wet Plate Photographs

The history lesson is over. Now it’s time for the practical.
Wet collodion photography is complicated. And the decision to try it should not be taken lightly. You’ll need a lot of equipment, and there’s a lot to learn.
But it can also be great fun. And the results can be amazing. The photos will be unique and something out of the ordinary.
We will now take you through the tintype collodion process of wet plate photography. Here’s the equipment you’ll need.
In terms of tintype wet plate photography equipment, you will need:

4×5″ large format camera – The camera holds the plate to capture the scene;
Film holder – 4×5″ film holders work well as they are light tight;
Red Light – To stop you from processing your image before you mean to;
Engraving plate – The metal used for trophies works best;
Collodion – Get a premixed solution if you don’t know what you are doing;
Silver Nitrate – This is what captures the light;
Wet plate developer – This develops the chemicals into an image;
Wet plate fixer – This fixes the image and stops the development;
Varnish – This protects the image;
Silver nitrate bath – Used to hold the silver nitrate when we add the plate;
Apron & rubber gloves – Silver nitrate stains everything;
Light source – Studio lights or natural light; and
Developing/fixing trays – holds the plate while it develops and fixes.

Stage 1: Preparation and Safety

The most important thing is to be safe. You’ll be working with toxic chemicals, so you will have to wear protective gloves at all times.
Your workspace also needs to be clean and clear. You want to avoid any possible accidents. You can cover all work surfaces with newspaper in case of spillages. Silver nitrate stains everything.
Make sure you have all your equipment ready before you start shooting. This includes sourcing all the metal plates you will need.
You will need your three trays ready. You need one for silver nitrate, developing, and fixing.

Photo by Gabriel Gurrola

Stage 2: ‘Pouring the Plate’

Fill the silver nitrate bath with silver nitrate and dilute the crystals in water. This is your first fix bath (fixes the silver with the collodion).
Next, pour collodion (cellulose nitrate) onto the plate. Move the plate around to ensure the collodion covers it evenly and completely. Pour the collodion back into the bottle.
At this point, you need to change to your red safelight. Once the plate goes into the silver nitrate solution, it will become light-sensitive.
Place the plate in the silver nitrate solution and leave it there for five minutes. This forms silver iodide.
After 5 minutes, remove the plate from the bath. You now put the plate into your film holder. You may see the plate change to a creamy color.
Now it is time to shoot.

Photo from iStock

Stage 3: Capture the Image

Once the plate is loaded into the camera, you’re ready to capture your image.
The main thing to consider is the ISO. The ISO of a tintype plate is 1. Not 100, just 1. This means you’ll need plenty of light. And you’ll need to know right the camera settings.
It’s best to use a light meter. But some light meters won’t go as low as ISO 1, so you’ll need to compensate for that in your settings.
You can get a light meter as a mobile app on your smartphone. Pocket Light Meter is a popular option. And it does have an ISO 1 setting.
Make sure you’re using your light meter as close to the camera as possible.
Once you have your settings, you take the picture as you would with any large format image.

Stage 4: Developing and Fixing Your Photograph

Once the exposure has been made, return with your plate to the safety of the red light.
Place the plate into the second empty tray and pour over the developer (pyrogallic acid). Once you’re happy with the contrast of the image, remove it. Then place it into the tray with the fixer (potassium cyanide).
Keep the fixer moving over the plate so it works evenly. After a few moments, your image will be revealed.

Photo by Harry Taylor

Stage 5: Admire Your Work

Once you remove the image from the fixing solution, you will need to leave the plate to dry.
Once dry, you’ll see the image in its final form. You can check for any areas with a loss of detail. Pale areas are a sign of over-exposure.
If you can see streaks on the image, this is a sign of underdevelopment. The remedy for this is to keep the plate in the developer for longer. But next time, of course. Once the image is in the fixer, you can’t go back. The image is fixed.
Issues like this are all part of the process. You might not get it right the first time. But you can learn from every plate you develop. You’ll be a wet plate master in no time!

Photo by Harry Taylor

Conclusion

Wet plate collodion printing has had a long and storied history. It developed through the 19th century. And the tintype collodion process became the most widespread photography technique in the world.
In the 20th century, it came close to being completely forgotten about. But now, in the 21st century, photographers are renewing the art form. And with great success.
And it’s not only for professional photographers. It does take some practice, and you’ll need a lot of equipment. But you can try it yourself. You’ll have fun, and the results will take your breath away.
Why not try the wet plate technique to make your portrait photography more unique? Check out our Profit from Portraits eBook and see if you can transfer some techniques to the world of wet plate photography.

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How to Shoot with Expired Film (For Creative Results)

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 07:51:25 +0000

Film photography is far from dead, but it has taken a beating over the last few years. Many photographers have turned to digital cameras for ease of use.
Demand for camera film has been in decline since the 1990s, which has drastically slowed down production. Few places stock it, and what you can find is becoming more and more expensive.
For those of us who have stuck with analog photography, sourcing film can be a nightmare. That’s why many are experimenting with expired film. Not only is it cheaper, but shooting with expired film can also yield some fantastic results.
Let’s go through some tips on how to shoot with expired film for great results.

What is Expired Film and Why Is It Useful?

Much like food, film has an expiry date. Thankfully, it doesn’t go mouldy like a block of cheese or curdle like milk! But it does have a limited shelf life.
A roll of film usually has an expiration date of two years after the date of manufacture. But it’s more of a guideline than an exact date. A film’s decline will be gradual, so don’t be quick to throw them out.
Film is made up of thin strips of plastic coated with a chemical emulsion. This emulsion contains silver halides that react when exposed to light, which creates the final photo. For color film, the silver particles are mixed with colored dyes.
Over time the chemicals on the film lose their potency and start to deteriorate. The silver halides in the films’ emulsion degrade and lose their sensitivity. As a result, colors will lose their vibrancy, and contrasts will fade and grain increases. Eventually, expired film becomes foggy and unusable.
Much like food, you can prolong your film’s shelf life by keeping it in the fridge. Sunlight, heat radiation and humidity can all affect the life span of your film. That’s why keeping it in a cool, dry place is recommended.
But, the effects caused by the degradation of film are actually an exciting prospect for film photographers. Using expired film adds an extra element of excitement. Many photographers specifically seek out these effects.
It’s impossible to know how far gone a roll of film might be. This means every roll is different, and you never quite know what you’re going to get. Some will give you strong purple hues, while others may produce greener tones.
You could achieve a similar look to your film by cross-processing C-41 negative film into E-6 slide film.

1. Not All Film Ages at the Same Speed

Time doesn’t affect all types of film equally. The period of degradation can vary depending on the type of film you’re using.
Films with a higher ISO will degrade at a fast pace than those with a lower ISO. The faster the film speed, fast the degradation.
Slide film will deteriorate much quicker than standard negative film. It is also less responsive to the compensation techniques we’ll mention below. Many photographers will tell you to stay clear of expired color slide film.
Black and white film has a longer shelf life than standard color canisters. As it uses a simpler emulsion with fewer silver halides, the rate of deterioration is much slower. You might experience more grain, but black and white film tends to be more grainy anyway. Good quality black and white film will work well for years and years.

Photo by Ohor Malytskyi

2. How to Get Your Hands on Expired Film

You can start your search at home. Maybe your parents have some old rolls from years ago that they never used. You can also ask any photography friends you have. If they’ve changed to digital, maybe they have film that they no longer need.
The shop where you usually buy film is another place to ask. They might have some unsold film stock which they can’t shift. They’ll be more than happy for you to take it off their hands.
We find the best place to look for expired film is online. There are sellers on eBay that sell bundles of expired rolls for discount prices. Sellers can also be found on many online photography forums.
Another tip is to buy in bulk. It will work out cheaper in the long run and will also allow you to do more test shots. You can see what effect one year has on a roll of Kodak 200, then try again with another roll. Just remember, no two films will be exactly the same.

3. Use Your Fridge to Store Film

The fridge may seem like a strange place to store film, but it really is the best. The refrigerator isn’t always necessary. But if you live in a country with a hot and humid climate, it is the best place.
Expired film is no different. In fact, you might be better off putting it in the freezer. The degradation process may have already started, so you need to slow that down as much as possible.
Before putting them in the fridge or freezer, place them in an air-tight container. You don’t want them to get wet or damaged. If any water gets into the canister, it will wash the emulsion off the film.

Photo by Markus Spiske

4. Use One Roll to Test Before You Shoot

When using expired film, use one roll as a test. If you’ve bought a bundle pack of expired films, it’s best to test one out before you have any real shooting to do.
If there’s a specific event you want to capture, you can take one roll out for a test before the big day comes. This is a good idea if you have many similar film rolls in the bundle.
Using a test roll will give you a good idea of how degraded the film is and what effects you can expect. But remember, no two rolls will be exactly the same. Each set of developed photos will be unique, which is part of the fun!

5. Shoot in Strong Light to Capture More Detail

As the emulsion deteriorates, the film becomes less sensitive to light. This means you’ll need more light than you might think you do.
The easiest way to solve this is to shoot outdoors in broad daylight. If it’s a sunny day, you won’t have to worry about a lack of light.
If the film you’re using isn’t too far past its expiration date and the environment is well lit, you can treat it as if it were a normal film. You might experience a bit more grain, but the quality will remain high.
The problems arise when light is in short supply. If the conditions are dark, or if there are large contrast areas, you will encounter problems. More grain, of course, but also a loss of detail and vitality.
Using a flash is another solution if you know natural light isn’t going to be plentiful. You can use the flash when you otherwise wouldn’t need to. But you can expect more grain in your final images with this technique.

Photo by Markus Spiske

6. Use Pull Processing to Add More Light

As film’s sensitivity declines, you can compensate by tricking your camera into thinking it’s using a film with a lower ISO. This type of sensitivity compensation is called Pull Processing. Push processing is also possible, but with expired film you need more light rather than less.
When adjusting the ISO in this way, there is a general rule of thumb. For each decade past expiry, lower the ISO by one stop. If the film has 400 ISO and is ten years out of date, drop it down to 200.
This can be a handy tip. But not many older film cameras have ISO settings below 100, so it is limited. It’s definitely not an exact science. That’s why it’s best to test and experiment as much as you can. Also, try to use the same camera. Using a different camera can affect your results.

7. Try Exposure Bracketing to Help Test Expired Film

Bracketing your exposures can help you nail down the f-stops you need for certain conditions. This is a great way to use a test roll of expired film.
To bracket your images, you can take three shots of the same scene. The first shot can be with the standard exposure setting for that environment. The second can be one f-stop down (-1), and the third will be one stop above (+1).
Once developed, you’ll have three images from which you can decide the best settings for that type of film. Just remember to take notes.
If you don’t have time for bracketing, you can just start shooting. A general rule when using expired film is that it’s better to be over-exposed than under-exposed. It’s better to risk too much light than too little. But be reasonable. Don’t go crazy with the light, as you might end up with nothing but white photos.

Conclusion

Photography with expired film can be great fun. If you buy film that has only recently expired, you can treat it as if it were new. This is a cheaper way of purchasing film.
But it’s not just about saving money. Using expired film is a form of experimentation that can produce some excellent results.
Do keep in mind that an element of risk when using expired film. The photos may not come out as you expect, and there is no way of telling how degraded a roll of film is before you use it. There is always the risk that the film was too far gone, and you end up with nothing but splodges and grain.
Take your time and test the films. Experiment with your camera and the compensation techniques. Remember to expect the unexpected.
Some of the results can be pure magic.

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