My favorite Film Simulations for Sony
I get this question all the time — What are your favorite film simulations for Sony? And although I usually shy away from answering, today I'll be sharing some favorites. Whether you're after bold and vibrant tones or subtle ones - there's a film simulation for every style.
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Why I usually don’t talk about my favorite film recipes for Sony
So many of you ask me which Sony film recipe works best for portraits, landscapes, or street photography. The truth is there's no "perfect" recipe for any situation.
It all depends on your style and the mood you want to convey.
I know this might not be the answer you hoped for, but hear me out. Your style & the atmosphere you wish to create play significant roles in your choices.
For example, if you’re a traditional nature photographer looking for saturated and punchy colors in your landscapes — Vektro 100, Fortia 50, Velvia Pro, Agfa Precisa, or Kodachrome 64 V1 will give your images a bold character, with vibrant colors that enhance the landscape.
But you can also shoot with Rose Spectra, Nostalgic Neg, Ektar 100, or Zero Mute if you lean towards an artistic approach and prefer moody, nostalgic colors.
Sometimes, you might want your shots to have an otherworldly feel. In this case, Ayon 200 or Redscale Ultra might be the right pick for you.
And let’s not forget about monochromatic lovers! The point is — it all comes down to your style and the tonal qualities you appreciate in your images.
And that’s why I was always hesitant to share my favorite film simulations.
Tips & Tricks for Choosing the Right Sony Film Simulation
That said, I get it. When you’re just starting out, choosing the right recipe can feel overwhelming. With such a wide range of options available, it can be a bit daunting at first. To help you out, here’s a simple guide that I personally use when selecting a film simulation.
Whenever picking film simulations, ask yourself these questions:
Do I want a high or soft contrast for my images?
Should the saturation be low, mid, or high for the mood I am going for?
Next, check the film simulation chart, and choose a couple recipes based on the characteristics of choice. Then go further with last questions:
Do I want colder or warmer color for my image?
Do I like my images with a magenta or cyan green cast?
At the end of the process, you'll have a clear understanding of the specific characteristics you want for your image based on your personal style.
For example I usually like punchy images with high contrast. so of course I will go for film simulations like Vektro 100, Kodachrome V1, Ayon 200, Phoenix Harman. Etc. etc.
This process cuts out the guessing part, by eliminating the ones that are not of interest to you.
Tips & tricks for choosing the right Sony film simulation
Here’s my advice: Start with a couple of recipes that you like or with a few safe options ( I highlight a few in the next section). Then, experiment with different styles.
To choose the right film simulation, here are some tips & tricks:
Consult the Sony Film Simulation Chart—this simple tool shows you which recipes are more saturated, less saturated, softer, or high in contrast.
Match the mood to the scene — Think about the vibe you want to create before picking a recipe. Is it dreamy and soft? Bold and vibrant? A moody black-and-white? Let the story you’re telling guide your choice.
Test the recipes in similar lighting conditions — Lighting can make or break how a recipe looks. For example, nostalgic recipes like Kodak Gold shine in golden-hour light, while punchy options like Velvia Pro thrive in bright, sunny conditions.
Consider your subject!
Keep a Favorites List - Save a few go-to recipes in your camera for quick access. That way, you’ll always have a reliable starting point, even in fast-paced situations.
Create your own film simulations!
These are just a few general tips to help you choose the right simulation. And since I've been asked about my favorites, here we gooo!!
My favorite film simulations for Sony
Nostalgic Film Simulations
Kodak Gold V1, Sony Nostalgic Neg, Ektar 100
Kodachrome 64 V2, Sony Classic Negative, Sony Provia RX.
Looking for warm, faded, or moody tones with a hint of nostalgia? These 5 film simulations are my go-to picks.
Kodak Gold V1 brings golden hues with a timeless appeal, shining brightest at golden hour. Another creative choice is Nostalgic Neg, with magenta tones that give a magical feel to your shots.
And if you're after something tuned into reality, Ektar 100 is the go-to. Its true-to-life tones make it a super versatile film simulation.
Then there's Kodachrome 64 V2 and Sony Classic Negative - both deliver balanced tones and a soft, retro vibe.
Lastly, Provia RX stands out with deep shadows and a magenta cast, crafted after real-life film references I loved online— distinct from Fuji’s Provia film simulation.
I use these for portraits, travel, and fashion, all depending on the project’s mood board & style.
Punchy Film simulations
Kodachrome V1, Vektro 100, Fortia 50, Phoenix Harman, Velvia Pro
These are certainly the sharpest “knifes”, with highly saturated images and deep rich colors. These Sony Picture Profiles are perfect for nature, street photography, and travel. And definitely fashion, if you fancy something with high contrast & deep colors.
Magical Film Simulations
With magical colors and interesting quirky looks, each of these simulations have their own special character which sets them apart.
Afga Precisa, DreamNeg, Cinechrome
MagicSpice, Cronochrome, AcidNom.
Agfa Precisa kicks off the list as one of my all-time favorites, thanks to its uniquely magical vibe. With punchy contrast and vibrant cold tones, it’s the kind of film simulation that pulls you out of any creative rut and makes every shot a pleasure to create.
Then there’s Dream Neg, offering a soft, warm hug for your JPEGs, while CineChrome leans into gorgeous amber-blue tones.
Next is Magic Spice, whose beauty lies in its simplicity. True-to-life colors with just a hint of magic make it perfect for everyday use—but I have to say, it absolutely shines for portraits.
On the more experimental side, Chronoschrome delivers a creative punch with bold color shifts, while Acid Nom takes things to a whole new level. It’s like stepping into a psychedelic magic forest—otherworldly and utterly unforgettable.
Golden Film Simulations
Kodak Gold V1, Kodak Gold V2, Kodak Vision 200 - Asteroid City look, Ayon 200, GAF 500
Certainly one of the most popular choices out there, much beloved for their golden skin tones.
There’s something irresistible about golden tones, and these film recipes capture them beautifully.
Kodak Gold V1 & Kodak Gold V2 are two takes on the classic favorite. While the original Kodak Gold offers timeless golden hues, the second version adds a twist with stunning teal skies.
Then there’s the Asteroid City Look, a beloved choice for its buttery-soft gradations and magical colors—it’s no surprise this one’s a crowd favorite.
Ayon 200, a fresh addition to the pack, transforms even the most ordinary scenes into something extraordinary.
And for retro vibes with a golden touch, GAF 500, also known as Anscochrome 500, is a standout. Its amber-leaning profile and slightly desaturated colors bring just the right amount of nostalgia.
Best film recipes to start with
Not sure where to start? These are classic, natural-looking recipes — perfect for those who want a subtle film look without going overboard.
Kodak Ultra Max 400, Kodak Portra 400, Sony Eterna.
Kodak Portra 800, Classic Chrome, Fuji Provia
Best film simulations for portraits
These film recipes are go-to favorites for beauty shots—think fashion, portraits, or any scene that thrives on soft contrast and warm, peachy colors.
Kodak Portra 800, Kodak Portra 400, Kodak Portra 160, Classic Cinema, Rose Spectra
Senova Light, Zero Mute, Zetra 100,Estra 500, Magic Spice.
The Kodak Portra trio—Portra 160, 400, and 800—are classics, offering super-soft contrast and versatile, flattering tones perfect for portraits, street photography, travel, food, and fashion.
While these are among the most popular choices, I’d also highlight Rose Spectra, an original creation that’s often overlooked but deserves the spotlight for its warm, nostalgic character and rosy skin tones—it’s a hidden gem for beauty work. For subtle color shifts and soft, well-balanced tonalities, recipes like Senova Light, Zero Mute, Zetra 100, Estra 500, and Magic Spice round out the collection beautifully, giving you endless creative possibilities.
These are only a few to start with, but there are many more options, such as - Kodak Portra 160, Kodak Gold V1, CineChrome, Astia, Pro Neg Std. and more
Best film simulations for night time or low-light
These Sony picture profiles were created for nighttime shooting, and they will offer the best Sony colors settings out there for low light situations.
Cinestill 800, Vespera, Veniliqum, Gold Luxe
Best Black & White film recipes
For Black n White Film Simulations I would choose Kodak Tri-x 1600, Cinestill X, Midred Infra, X-Tarr, NeoMax, Acros XG.
Best film simulations? Depends.
The beauty of Sony film simulations lies in their versatility.
While there may not be a one-size-fits-all recipe for every shooting scenario, the flexibility to tailor your settings, allows you to capture images that truly reflect your unique style and vision.
Whether you prefer bold, saturated colors or a more moody, artistic approach, there’s a film simulation that can help you achieve your desired look. As you experiment with these profiles, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. Don’t hesitate to try different combinations and make adjustments that resonate with your artistic style. With practice and exploration, you’ll discover how to make the most of your Sony camera and create stunning visuals that stand out.
Hopefully, this article helps you get started! And if you’re new here — check out the 8 free film simulations! They’re a good starting point.