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 aren't just tools — they're invitations 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 dive into what sets Kodak and Fujifilm apart. We'll explore their unique qualities, histories, and the kinds of scenes where each truly shines. 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.

1. Kodak

Best For: Warmer Environments and Skin Tones

Let's talk about Kodak — the name that probably comes to mind when considering classic film photography. Those bright yellow boxes symbolize a legacy that stretches back over a century. Founded in Rochester, New York, the Eastman Kodak Company didn't just pioneer photography—they practically wrote the 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.

What makes Kodak film so special? Well, photographers and creators worldwide rave about its unique color rendition and dynamic range. Take Kodak Portra series, for instance. It's legendary for its natural skin tones and subtle 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 details, 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 print.

Many creators online mention how Kodak films have a certain warmth and richness that's hard to replicate digitally. It's not just nostalgia talking; there's science behind it. Kodak's film emulsions are designed with multiple layers of light-sensitive materials, each responding to different wavelengths of light. This multilayer approach captures a broader spectrum of colors, resulting in that signature Kodak look — warm highlights, deep shadows, and a dynamic range that can handle tricky lighting situations.

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.

Why Do People Love Kodak So Much?

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 regarding their near-perfect true-to-life results. 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 color to monochrome or from vibrant to a more natural 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

2. Fujifilm

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 quality and reliability. Photographers often rave about films like Fujifilm Pro 400H (although sadly, recently discontinued) and Velvia 50, each offering something uniquely clean. The Pro 400H is cherished for its fine grain and true-to-life colors, especially how it renders skin tones with a natural, pleasing neutrality. It's a go-to for wedding photographers who want that soft, timeless feel.

Conversely, Velvia 50 is the niche pick for landscape photographers. Known for its ultra-vivid colors (particularly magentas in my case) and high contrast, it makes sunsets explode and greenery pop almost surreally. Fujifilm's advanced technical wizardry allows the stock to capture a broader spectrum of colors, particularly in the greens and reds, giving your images that signature "Fuji look."

But it's not just about the colors — it's about how the film handles light. Fujifilm stocks are celebrated for their vast dynamic range, gracefully retaining details in shadows and highlights. This is partly due to the film's spectral sensitivity; it responds to light in a way that's more forgiving than many digital sensors.

There's a certain magic in the muted tones and the way colors render differently than expected — Fujifilm's film stocks are unpredictable in the best possible way.

Fujifilm Is Clean & Holds Range

To echo the above, the most popular film stock is probably the Pro 400H, offering bright, airy colors and smooth tones.Fujicolor 200 is a highly popular consumer film often seen on local CVS or Walgreens racks. It makes it accessible for anyone who needs a quick 35mm roll.

If you prefer monochrome, Fujifilm has more options than Kodak. Their flagship black-and-white product is Neopan 400, which offers excellent versatility, fine grain, and good tonal gradation. Fujifilm Acros 100 is another classic ISO 100 monochrome film, providing excellent sharpness and detail with software highlights. Lastly, their Superia 1600 is a high-speed black-and-white film that renders stunning images even in low-light conditions.

👉 Fuji Pro 400H

This film stock I've reserved for landscape use. I adore how it looks with lots of available sunlight, particularly its mesmerizing blues and greens that emulate storybook visuals. - Gene Yoon

My Consensus

Results vary widely depending on the camera you use, your settings, and whether it is 35mm or 120 formats.

From my experience of years working with both brands, I always find myself returning to Kodak’s undeniably gorgeous tones. While some of the images feel more “washed out” compared to Fujifilm’s Velvia, I’m noticing that the colors are much clearer and truer-to-life than the contrasted saturation from Fujifilm.

However, creative visions vary per project and scenario, so it's essential to feel the moods per shoot or situation and choose from there. The Velvia and Provia struggle with beach/pool scenes and high daylight, but I feel the C200 would thrive.

Kodak always performs best under a delicious golden hour, and Fujifilm also tends to shine its brightness during overcast days. Natural light sources are a huge component of film photography. Many prefer Fujfilm for product / still shots, whereas Kodak was always designed for a meaningful portrait (i.e., proper skin tones).

I’m not a massive fan of the Velvia and Provia’s tinted magenta vibes; they’re uneven and hard to manage in post. Nonetheless, I always recommend trying out the different film stocks under proper conditions to see what fits your vision the best.

How We Tested

As an editor on the team and a professional film photographer, you can imagine my excitement about coherently jotting down my thoughts on the exciting practices of different film stocks.

Kodak and Fujifilm are comparable to the Titans of the universe, two incredibly sought-after brands fighting to the death. With oncoming popular competitors on the rise, like Cinestill or Ilford, it's an exciting time to be an analog shooter.

Having shot on both for years, I’ve been able to formulate my opinion based on precious time.

But, you be the judge.