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Writer's pictureVeres Deni Alex

🌟Sony Update: Comparing All Sony Film Simulations

We’re ending the year with a bang... and a surprise! 🎊 First off, the latest comparison of all Sony film simulations is here.


I’m also super excited to announce that 8 brand-new Sony Picture Profiles have just joined the collection, bringing the total to 74! It's mind-blowing to me, to be honest.


P.S. - this is a lengthy article - you can skip to the section that interests you. ⬇️


Table of Contents


Want to test the waters? Check out the 8 free film simulations for Sony cameras!



Some notes about updates


📌Updates will be sent to your inbox only if you are subscribed to the mailing list. Non-subscribers won't receive my mails.📌


After 3-4 years of fine-tunes, adjustments, and experiments - I can confidently say these recipes have reached their final form — there is not much improvement that can be brought onto them. The bundle now includes a total of 74 Sony Picture Profiles - I think it’s more than enough to work with.


More and more choices will only cause overwhelm and dilute the uniqueness of recipes. That’s why future updates will come only when inspiration strikes and when I'll come up with a unique recipe. Or when minimal adjustments will be brought to current recipes.


I’ve also added some fan favorites, like Pro Neg Std. and Fuji Nostalgic Neg, and refined some of the Fuji-inspired recipes for Sony, bringing them closer than ever to Fuji’s iconic base looks. So you can get Fuji colors on Sony without post processing, with subtle differences.


Just wanted to give you a heads-up on that! Alright, let’s get it going.



Film Color Accuracy is Elusive (and that’s okay)


Whenever I emulate any specific film stock and create a film recipe for Sony cameras — I search for as many references as possible, which I then analyze and pinpoint the film’s most dominant characteristics. But time and time again, I’ve come across huge differences when comparing references. The same film can look so different.


And I feel it’s important to mention that even though I tried to recreate the look of a specific film down to its finest detail, the results might be slightly different compared to your experience of shooting with a certain film roll. And after all, that’s part of the film magic, its beauty often stems from unpredictability.


When it comes to film simulations, it’s important to understand that with digital, perfectly matching the colors of a real film stock isn’t possible—and that’s okay! Even when using RAW presets or LUTs, we can only strive towards recreating a certain film stock, and that is because digital will never behave like film, so there always be some differences.


While I strive to recreate iconic looks, there are so many factors that influence how film colors appear in real life that it’s nearly impossible to capture every nuance in a simulation. From variations in film stocks to the way a particular roll was developed, the color we see in a photo can differ dramatically depending on all sorts of variables.


Film is a volatile medium—results can change based on exposure, heat, light, developing processes, and even how the film was stored. The scanning process also plays a massive role. Scanners interpret colors in different ways, and the same roll of film can look completely different depending on the scanner used. So it’s crucial to keep that in mind when comparing real film to film simulations.


The end goal? Better colors straight out of camera


Kodak Gold V1 Film Simulation on Sony a6700

That’s why the goal here isn’t to achieve a perfect match. Rather, it’s about getting as close as we can, while still giving you something that looks fantastic right out of the camera.


The whole purpose of this project is to create film-like colors on your Sony without the need for extensive post-processing. I want you to get those beautiful, film looks without having to spend hours editing.


Yes, there will always be differences between digital film emulations and the real-world film experience —that’s natural. Analog film and digital are simply different mediums.


Additionally, each film stock reacts differently to light, temperature, and handling during development. So, while these recipes might get you 80-90% of the way there, a 100% identical result to film isn’t always possible—just as Fuji or Kodak stocks can look different from batch to batch.


The most important thing is: Are you getting inspiring, stunning colors straight out of your camera? That’s the real question. My goal is to provide recipes that get you as close as possible to the film aesthetic that inspires us all, without bogging you down in post-editing. At the end of the day, it’s all about creating beautiful images that resonate with your style and vision.


The secret sauce to film simulations? Sony’s Picture Profile menu & color settings


Sony's Picture Profiles and advanced color settings are essential for achieving film-like colors straight out of the camera. These profiles give you control over contrast, saturation, and color tone, essentially acting as an in-camera "developing lab.”


These settings influence how your camera processes the image, and by using the right tweaks, you can achieve a film-like look. They enhance your image quality, give you that cinematic feel, and most importantly, allow you to create vibrant, accurate colors that resemble traditional film. And the best part? It’s all done before you ever touch a computer.


And I believe that Sony film simulations do a fantastic job of achieving this, helping you capture vibrant images that have that classic film feel.


If you're wondering why I don't use Creative Looks to make film recipes, I wrote an article comparing Sony's Creative Looks vs Picture Profiles. Check it out!


Sony Film Simulation Compatibility: What You Need to Know


First off, all Sony cameras with the picture profile menu can use these film simulations, with the mention that colors might differ from model to model, depending on their release year gap.


These film simulations are primarily color-calibrated for the Sony a6700, but cameras released in the same year (like the a7CII, a7RV, and ZV-E1) will have virtually identical color science, meaning no additional color matching is required.


However, older Sony models may require in-camera adjustments to get similar results due to differences in color science and image processing. If you're using an older camera, I’ve got guides to help with the in-camera color-matching process, so you can still get fantastic results.



Why film colors can look different across different settings


Color rendering can be influenced by several factors, such as the time of day, the colors in the scene, and your exposure settings. For example, the same film simulation can look quite different depending on the lighting.


Overexposure may cause amber, yellow, and green tones to shift toward yellow, blues to lean towards cyan, and reds to take on a magenta hue.


When using film simulations in different environments—like the beach, mountains, or a city—colors can vary based on the predominantly surrounding hues. Some simulations work better in vibrant, colorful settings, while others shine in more neutral environments. It’s all about experimenting to see which simulation best fits the scene and your style.


Even if you're using the same camera as mine, the colors may still look different depending on the scene. Our perception of color is affected by the variance of surrounding colors. This effect is called the Surrounding Color Effect, and it highlights how our visual perception system interprets colors based on based on other colors in our environment, not in isolation.


Essentially, the colors around an object can significantly alter how we perceive that object's color.


When we observe a color, our brains naturally consider the context around it. For instance, a gray object may look different based on whether it’s surrounded by bright, vibrant colors or soft, muted tones. This interaction plays a key role in color constancy—our ability to perceive colors as relatively consistent, even under changing lighting conditions.


Keep in mind that it’s completely normal for colors to look different in various lighting or scenes. For example, I’ve showcased Sony Classic Negative in a nature setting where it looked stunning, but it might not have the same impact in a cityscape with fewer vibrant colors. While it's a great film simulation overall, achieving similar results requires similar conditions. The images in this blog article show how colors can appear in rich, colorful environments.


Sony vs Fuji film simulations — a disclaimer


These custom picture profiles will get us 90% of the way to Fujifilm without the need of color grading. And since many of you have been wondering how to get Fuji colors on your Sony — It’s important to remember that Sony and Fujifilm each have their own unique color science and sensor technologies, which means they interpret colors differently.


Even within Fuji’s lineup, you’ll notice variations in how the same film simulation looks on different models. This is because Fuji has continuously evolved its sensor technology and color science over the years. Same with Sony.


As a result, achieving an exact match between Fuji and Sony film simulations isn’t possible, especially since each brand typically responds to color differently. While I’ve worked hard to recreate Fuji-inspired looks, these simulations give you a similar aesthetic, rather than an identical color match.


So, while you may not get a 100% identical result between Fuji and Sony, the goal is to achieve pleasing, film-like colors that work for your style. Embrace the differences between the two systems and focus on creating images that resonate with you. Focusing on an exact match defeats the purpose, in my opinion.


Been thinking of switching from Sony to Fuji? Here's why your Sony is enough.


What are the best Picture Profiles for specific photography settings?


For some of these film simulations, I’ve included a brief description and suggested types of photography where they might shine. But please don’t feel restricted to these areas! In the past, I hesitated to recommend specific recipes for certain genres because people tend to stick rigidly to them. But I encourage you to experiment and explore — these are just starting points.


Traditionally, softer and more desaturated profiles are used for portraits. But I love breaking the mold by using bold options like Fortia 50 for a highly stylized look. While this approach may not be everyone's cup of tea- it’s all about finding what resonates with you. Before your session, ask yourself, "What look do I want? How should the mood and colors feel? Soft or high contrast? Warm or cool tones?" Let these questions guide your choice, rather than sticking to rules.


I'll also be writing a blog post soon to share my favorite film simulations and how I like to use them. Stay tuned!


Want to learn? Here are some bite-sized tutorials to learn the basics of Sony film simulations ⬇️





All Sony film simulations compared on the Sony a6700


With so many Sony film simulations available, it can be tough to know which one to choose for your shots. I hope that by comparing all the Sony Picture Profiles side by side, you’ll get a better sense of each & find the perfect match for you.


Keep in mind that some of the older blog articles might reference earlier versions of these recipes, which could look different. For the most accurate results, the images from the PDF film bundle will give you the best representation of the latest updates.


Sony Standard Creative Look 5500K

 with 16-55mm f2.8 G lens - SEL1655G

+ 7artisan 1/8 Black Mist filter on top.


Vektro 100


High contrast and subtly desaturated colors give Vektro 100 a distinctive look.


Originally designed with street photography in mind, this recipe is versatile enough to work beautifully across a range of subjects—from portraits, documentary, and landscape, to sports, architecture, and even pet photography. Just keep in mind that this look is best suited for those who appreciate a bold, high-contrast finish.



Senova Light


Senova Light offers soft, warm tones that make it an ideal choice for portraits, travel, and everyday photography.


It renders pinkish skin tones beautifully and has a strong color shift that turns greens into yellow or orange, giving images a nostalgic vibe. Designed as the first in a series of nostalgic portrait profiles, Senova Light paved the way for several other nostalgic film simulations.



Fuji 400H film simulation


The Fuji 400h film recipe emulates the coldness of the original film stock but has richer, more vibrant colors.



EvPro+


EvPro+ has long been my go-to profile for nearly any scenario. Early in my career with the Sony a7III, I relied on it for most commercial projects, especially when 8-bit S-Log was either too noisy or too much to handle.


EvPro+ strikes an ideal balance between being ready straight out of the camera and providing dynamic range, rich color, and solid low-light performance. Plus, it offers plenty of room for color grading. It’s one of the most versatile profiles I’ve created and still holds a special place in my heart.



Ektar100


Vibrant and nostalgic, with a balanced yet bold color saturation. The Ektar 100 film simulation brings deep, punchy colors that infuse each shot with character and a touch of timelessness. It’s versatile enough to enhance portraits, landscapes, and travel photos, alike.



Kodak Gold V1


Kodak Gold 200 is likely the most popular and beloved Sony film simulation to date. Everybody is enchanted by its golden colors - so Kodak Gold 200 is a must in every toolkit. It does a wonderful job at creating those nostalgia-infused images that are so memorable to us.




Kodak Gold V2


This is a unique twist on the classic look, featuring warmer, more vibrant colors with a subtle teal shift in the skies.


Kodak Portra 800 film simulation


A recreation of the highly popular Kodak Portra 800, this film simulation is perfect for rendering soft, beautiful skin tones, making it ideal for beauty shots and fashion photography.


But it’s versatile enough for travel, street photography, and beyond. Depending on your style, you may want to make slight contrast adjustments in post-processing. For the best results, remember to overexpose by one stop to achieve that bright, vibrant look.



Kodak Portra 400 film simulation

Kodak Portra 400 film simulation is an overall fantastic film recipe for portraits, travel, street photography, and fashion. While some of the references found online suggest that Portra 400 colors lean towards green tones, I've found that many Kodak Portra 400 examples actually display a slightly magenta hue with peachy skin tones. These are the colors I aimed to replicate in this film recipe.



Kodak Portra 160 film simulation

The Kodak Portra 160 film simulation recipe is a fantastic choice for capturing soft, warm tones that are perfect for portraits and everyday shots. It brings out creamy colors and smooth contrasts, giving your photos that classic Kodak vibe. This recipe is great for adding a nostalgic touch to your images!


Kodak Color Plus 200


Some say Kodak Color Plus is just Kodak Gold rebranded, while other mention that Color Plus is a variation with less saturated colors. In my version


Kodak Ultra Max 400 film simulation

Kodak Ultra Max 400 one of the best choices if you want a natural look with a slight touch of film. Its soft and warm colors makes it a great choice for any occasion.


Ektachrome film simulation

A highly artistic choice, the Ektachrome is a film simulation that will fill your images with a sense of magic and mystery. Known for its cooler tones, Ektachrome captures vibrant colors that shift with lighting conditions, encouraging creativity and experimentation. This unique quality makes every shot an exciting adventure!


Kodachrome V1

Kodachrome film simulation with deep and fairly accurate colors, but with slightly cold predominancy.


Kodachrome V2


This film simulation brings a softer contrast, heightened saturation, and warmer tones, inspired by the medium format Kodachrome from the 1950s. With its iconic golden skin tones and vivid deep blues, the Kodachrome V2 is perfect for capturing any moment with a distinct, classic look.


Whether it’s portraits or landscapes, this simulation adds a rich, nostalgic character to your images, evoking the essence of vintage Kodachrome.


Kodachrome V3


In my exploration of various Kodachrome looks from the 1950s, I came across a few references featuring a warm tonality with slightly desaturated colors and dusty skies that lean towards cyan. This results in a beautifully satisfying teal-and-amber complementary color harmony. It's a unique take on the classic Kodachrome aesthetic, and definitely worth experimenting with!



LeicaChrome


Leicachrome is made after Leica M9 Sample JPGs


Fuji Provia Film Simulation


Made after the Fuji film simulation.


Provia RX


Made after real-life Provia film references -  - The simulation produces images with a subtle transition from shadow to highlight, nicely saturated colors, and a strong magenta cast over the whole image. It is a versatile film simulation that can be used for a variety of photography styles, including street photography, landscape, wildlife, photojournalism, still life photography, macro, documentary, and more.


Velvia Pro



Astia


Classic Chrome



Pro Neg Std.



Sony Classic Negative



Fuji Nostalgic Neg



Fuji Eterna


Sony Eterna


Similar to the Fuji Eterna but with a ready-to-go look straight out of camera.


Acros X


Acros XY


Acros XR


Acros XG


Fujifilm Fortia 50


The Fuji Fortia 50 film simulation creates vibrant, deep colors that give photos a magical, otherworldly look. It can make ordinary scenes look captivating.


It certainly packs a punch - and it's one of my favorites and go-to simulations - especially in street photography. But it also works for landscape, documentary, and maybe even fashion or portraits for those willing to experiment.


Sony Nostalgic Neg


Warm colors are the essence of Sony Nostalgic Neg.  Skin tones are ambery, and you get an overall magenta cast. It was inspired by old, damaged film photos that often have a magenta tint, giving them a vintage aesthetic.


P.S. - this is not an emulation of the Fuji Nostalgic Neg, I found out about that one after creating this recipe.


Classic Cinema


Inspired by classic '90s films, this film simulation captures a natural charm with subtle color shifts, making it an excellent choice for everyday photography.



Oktar


Designed with landscapes in mind, Oktar is a high-saturation film simulation that delivers rich, deep colors with pleasing tones and a fairly high contrast. Its vibrant look also makes it an excellent choice for street photography, landscape or any setting where you want to bring out beautiful, bold colors in a scene.


Zero Mute


A desaturated but warm film simulation that works great for portraits and travel.


CineChrome


CineChrome is one of the first highly stylized film simulations, pioneering the evolution of Sony’s film profiles. With soft contrast, vibrant colors, and blue-tinted shadows, it creates a magical experience suitable for various subjects, including street photography, fashion, beauty, travel, landscapes, and everyday blogging. Its captivating aesthetic invites creativity and exploration.


Pro Color


Another film recipe with a unique look. Pro color was built around a red-cyan color harmony. With super soft tones and high saturation, this simulation enhances colors and creates a visually striking aesthetic - perfect for those looking to add a bold touch to their photography.



Blue Velvet - Cinestill 50D


Inspired by the look of Cinestill 50D, this film simulation offers a rich, unique color palette. It brings out magenta-tinted hues, warm amber skin tones, and deep greens. Your exposure settings can create different effects: underexposing adds a stronger magenta tint, while slight overexposure in the skies creates a lovely cyan tone. This flexibility adds a special touch to your photos and lets you experiment with different looks.



Cinestill 800T


The classic Cinestill 800T film simulation- made for night-time use!


Cinestill X


High contrast and super deep tonalities, making it one of my favorite film simulations for a wide array of uses.


T-Max 100


Delta 3200


Soft Black n White film simulation inspired by Ilford Delta 3200. Great for portraits, and wedding photography. With soft, balanced, pleasing tones and a high dynamic range.


Kosmo Pan


Chroma fade


Super faded film simulation, for nostalgic images.


Kodak Tri-X 1600


Punchy iconic look with deep rich shadows and soft highlight roll-off.


Kodak Tri-X 400


Original Kodak Tri-X 400 recipe which has deep tonalities with soft character. If not properly exposed can render 'muddy' tonalities.


NeoMax


Soft black and white film recipe with light skin tones and an overall bright nostalgic look.


Ilford HP5


Midred Infra


Inspired by movies shot on infrared films like I Am Cuba (1964), this film simulation delivers a striking contrast that makes skin tones and yellows pop while deepening the blues of the sky. It transforms ordinary scenes into visually captivating images, offering a unique and artistic perspective that invites you into a dream-like world.


DreamNeg

Warm & whimsical with super soft tonalities, DreamNeg film simulation is a great choice in wide array of styles and subjects.


Agfa Precisa


One of my favorite film simulations. It has deep and cold colors with a magical quality to them. I could use the Agfa Precisa Picture Profile in pretty much any situation and be amazed at the results getting straight out of camera.


RedScale Ultra


This film simulation mimics the effect of a red filter placed over the lens. With its rich crimson tones and dramatic contrasts, it transforms ordinary scenes into captivating visuals. Perfect for creating a surreal atmosphere.



Zetra 100


One of my favorites, this film simulation has a je ne sais quoi that's subtle, yet super impactful. And you can use it for pretty much anything. While color-shifting hues may go unnoticed in neutral scenes, it truly shines in vibrant landscapes bursting with color.


Rose Spectra

This warm and nostalgic film simulation, originally designed for portraits, offers beautifully rose-tinted skin tones paired with punchy, moody contrast. It captures a unique blend of warmth and depth, making it perfect for creating evocative and memorable images. It used to be a cold film simulation, but now I've changed it to give pleasing warm colors. Like a warm hug of nostalgia.


Asteroid City V1


This simulation, inspired by the vibrant palette of Asteroid City by Wes Anderson, has quickly become users' top choice. While developing Sony film simulations, I noticed how naturally Sony’s colors align with Kodak's iconic tones, making it easier to recreate that classic Kodak look.


 It makes me wonder if Sony consciously designed its color science - since both Kodak & Sony cameras have a legendary status in the world of cinema.

Asteroid City V2

A similar variation to Asteroid City V1 but with higher contrast. It provides a ready-to-go image, without any contrast corrections needed. One difference on the second version, the reds shift towards orange-red, while on the first evrsion are pinkish-red.


Ayon 200


One of the highly creative film recipes, delivering a unique look based predominantly on yellow, it quickly reached my top 5 favorites. This film simulation transforms even the most boring scene into something extraordinary. Feel instantly inspired and try out this new film recipe for sony cameras! Let us know in the comments what you think.


Phoenix Harman

Phoenix Harman, another film recipe that without wonder has quickly become one of my top favorites! With its bold and unique character, this recipe is perfect for immortalizing your shots with a powerful and iconic look. Inspired by the vibrant qualities of Harman Phoenix 200, it delivers striking colors and a nostalgic vibe, making every image feel special.

Phenomena

Crimson


AcidNom


This psychedelic film simulation is designed to transform ordinary scenes into vibrant, fantastical worlds with its bold and unconventional color palette. By recreating deep, vivid hues and delivering a highly unrealistic color rendition, it invites you to experience your surroundings in a completely new way.


Estra 500

Similar to Zero mute, but adds a touch of femininity, making it ideal for beauty shots. With its soft color palette and gentle contrasts, it beautifully enhances skin tones while maintaining a delicate charm.


Arista EDU 100


X-Tarr

The deepest, boldest black n white film simulation for sony cameras. Its high contrast, low dynamic range, and super deep tonalities makes any mundane subject look extraordinary. A pleasure to use in any type of scenario but especially for street photography. One of my top favorite black & white film simulations.


Magic Spice


A simple yet gorgeous film simulation great for a wide range of subjects. I would say it's great for pretty much any type of photography and style. Rendering flawless skintones and magical blues, it's a very subtle yet charming film recipes spinkled with magic.


Amarelo 30D


Inspired by the look of Men I Trust - Show me how and 8mm film, Amarelo 50D is a bold, artsy recipe based on amber yellow skin tones. Reds shift to orange, and blues vary between violet and cyan, depending on how you expose.


It’s clearly not for everyone - but might be a hidden gem for some of you.



GAF 500 - Anscochrome 500


This one is based on a lesser-known film stock - the GAF 500, or Anscochrome 500 the first film to have an ISO of 500. Back in the day this was revolutionary, as no film was going over 160 and phottographers would push them to 320 or higher. This made Anschochrome 500 a pioneer, but unfortunatelly it was heavily criticized due to its grain and colors, and had a very short shelf life.


I tried my best to recreate it, but there aren't many references online, so I'm not sure how accurate the simulation is - soo if you've shot with the GAF 500 and would like to share your samples, it would help me in calibrating this recipe. Thanks!



Vespera - Nighttime


The cool-toned film simulation is designed to evoke a cold yet enchanting atmosphere during night-time. Its subtle hues and soft contrasts beautifully capture the magic of night scenes, making it perfect for creating captivating, moody images.

Veniliqum - Nighttime


Night-time recipe with predominant warm-green colors. Great for recreating a dirty city, or crime thriller scene, especially when dealing with sodium vapor lights which are incredibly hard to balance out.


Gold Luxe - Nighttime


This night-time recipe brings a bold, warm look that adds depth and character to your street photography. Perfect for working with those tricky sodium vapor lights, which are incredibly hard to balance out. You know what they say: when you can beat 'em, join them. And this film recipe enhances scenes with warm tones. Ideal for creating dramatic, high-impact shots that embrace the warmth of the night lights.


Eastman Color Negative II - 100T

Kodak Vision3 50D


Solara 100


This film simulation sits somewhere between Cinestill 50D and Nostalgic Neg. While it's similar in colors to the Cinestill 50D, it features warmer tones & it's less magenta than Sony's Nostalgic Neg


With faded shadows and a nostalgic charm, this film simulation is based on an amber-violet color palette when properly exposed. Reds and skin tones are strongly shifted towards orange, while overexposing the skies transforms blues into a lovely cyan, adding depth and complexity. It's a fun recipe to use, often yielding surprising colors that you might not expect from a Sony camera.



Spend more time behind the lens, less time behind your computer


After nearly four years of perfecting these recipes, the goal remains the same: to help you capture stunning, film-like images straight from your Sony camera, with minimal post-processing. With 74 film recipes now available, there’s more than enough to fuel your creative vision, no matter your style.


With 74 film simulations available—a significant variety—I aim to ensure that each one has its own distinct and bold character, making every option a unique experience. My focus is on quality over quantity, so I avoid creating simulations that are too similar, with only a few exceptions. And if you want to make adjustments, the flexibility is there to tweak them and make them your own.


Ready to give them a go?



Thank you for checking in, and I hope you'll enjoy the new recipes! Let us know in the comments which are your favorite simulations from these samples :]



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1 Comment


Lâm Trần Thế
Lâm Trần Thế
25 minutes ago

I have not received it yet

Email: tranthelam2512@gmail.com

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