Kodak vs. Fujifilm | Two Popular Film Brands, But Which Is Better?

There's something undeniably magical about the resurgence of film photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer who never quite let go of analog or someone who's just unearthed a vintage camera on Etsy, the #filmisnotdead movement is alive and kicking. Those rolls of 35mm and 120 medium-format film are quietinvitations to slow down, embrace the unexpected, and rediscover the joy of creating images with character and soul.

Regarding film stocks, two names consistently rise above the rest: Kodak and Fujifilm. These industry titans have been the backbone of countless memories, professional shoots, and artistic experiments for decades. Kodak, with its rich history dating back to the late 1800s, is famed for iconic films like Portra and Ektar — beloved for their warm tones and exceptional contrast for portraits. On the flip side, Fujifilm, hailing from Japan since the 1930s, offers gems like Fujicolor 200 and Velvia, celebrated for their more muted colors and sharpness that offer an editorial vibe.

But with both brands offering such tantalizing options, how do you choose the right one for your next photographic adventure? Let's nerd out on what sets Kodak and Fujifilm apart. By the end, you'll have a clearer know-how of which film stock aligns with your creative vision, helping you make an informed choice without wasting time or money.

Best For: Warmer Environments and Skin Tones

Let's talk about Kodak — the name that probably comes to mind when thinking of classic film photography. Those bright yellow and purple boxes symbolize a legacy that stretches back over a century. I mean, Eastman Kodak Company damn near practically wrote the whole book on it.

Kodak has been involved in everything from print systems and enterprise inkjet solutions to 3D printing and packaging. But their film stocks are the crown jewels. They're the reason why so many of us fell in love with photography in the first place.

Photographers and creators worldwide rave about Kodak's unique color rendition and dynamic range. Take Kodak Portra series, for instance. It's most-known for its natural skin tones and subtle true-to-life color palette, making it a favorite among portrait and wedding photographers. The secret lies in its advanced emulsion technology, which balances color saturation and contrast to produce that vibrant, clean result.

Then there's Kodak Ektar 100, often hailed as the world's finest-grain color negative film. If you're into landscapes or need punchy colors with sharp blues, Ektar is a great choice (but some photographers think it's too saturated). Its micro range technology minimizes grain without sacrificing saturation, giving you crisp, clean shots that pop right off the picture.

Kodak films have a certain warmth and richness that's hard to replicate digitally; this is scientifically proven. Kodak's film emulsions are designed with multiple layers of light-sensitive materials, each responding to different wavelengths of light. This multilayer approach hones in on a broader spectrum of colors, giving you that signature Kodak look — warm highlights, deep shadows, and a hyperrealistic dynamic range that can handle any lighting situation.

The popularity of Kodak film stocks has soared in recent years, sometimes making them hard to find because they're, quite literally, flying off the shelves. The analog movement has breathed new life into this medium of photography, and Kodak is at the heart of this resurgence.

Professional Porta Series are undeniably some of the best in film photography. The three giants, Portra 160, 400, and 800, are leaders in the analog industry for their near-perfect true-to-life results in every shot. Their graininess is just right, sharp yet not overly clinical; the colors are vibrant without being garish, and the ISO speeds are perfect for an all-day shoot when coupled together.

From bold color to soft monochrome or from vibrant to a more neutral palette — there's something to offer for any photographer and style. A few of our personal favorites on the Moment Community include...

👉  Kodak Portra 400

"This is my go-to film stock. It's the film stock I've shot the most so far as a film photographer, and I love how it renders color and saturation. For budget, it's slightly more affordable than Portra 800 and is the perfect choice for portraits, landscapes, and general use." - Gene Yoon

👉  Kodak Gold 200

"This film is *chef’s kiss* when you want to get reds like Ektar but better than Ektar. This film brings the vibrancy and richness of the colors out of a cityscape, emphasizing highlights you didn’t won’t even see with your eyes." - Nat Meier

👉  Kodak T-Max 400

"There's no denying the beauty of this magical stock with its deep blacks and lovely whites. Both times I developed my T-Max rolls, I could see that my negatives were dense as soon as they came out of the tank. It's a strong monochromatic contender for artists that love contrast." - Hunter Lacey

👉  Kodak Portra 800

"My go-to film stock for almost every scenario. It's perfect for shooting when the light gets low, and I generally value this film's stellar saturation, textured grain, and subtle contrast. It's the first film I reach for regardless of the situation because I know it'll deliver the exact results I envision before I pick up my camera." - Steven Schultz

Best For: Cooler, Cleaner Scenes

Now to Fujifilm, a brand that's etched its legacy into the fabric of analog photography and has since reigned supreme with its digital mirrorless cameras.

Fujifilm's analog film stocks are lauded worldwide for their exceptional clarity and reliability. Pros often rave about films like Fujifilm Pro 400H (although, sadly, recently discontinued) and Velvia 50 which gives a more vintage-style purple tinge. The Pro 400H is cherished for its fine grain and airy look, especially how it renders skin tones with a beautiful neutrality. Before it discontinued, it was a go-to for wedding photographers who sought a timeless look.

Conversely, Velvia 50 is the niche pick for landscape photographers. Known for its ultra-vivid colors (particularly magentas) and high contrast, it makes sunsets explode and greenery pop. While more muted and visually different than Kodak, particularly in the greens and reds, you get that signature "Fuji look" often seen in their mirrorless setups.

But it's not just about the colors — it's about how the film handles light. Fujifilm stocks are intentionally loved for their crisp dynamic range and detail retention. This is partly due to the film's spectral sensitivity; it responds to light in a way that's more forgiving than a lot of digital sensors oddly.

But there's a certain allure in the muted tones and the way colors render differently than expected — Fujifilm's film stocks are unpredictable in a great way.