One of the biggest features Fuji mirrorless cameras offer is built-in film simulation. In this short article, I’ll share a quick comparison of 12 Fujifilm looks, along with my recommended settings for filmmakers.
Most filmmakers use X-T4 They will choose to shoot in F-Log to maximize latitude and give themselves the most flexibility in post-shooting. But in some cases, you might benefit from a post-bake appearance shot. In this case, determining how it will look in camera is crucial.
Thankfully, even non-log footage is easy to grade and adjust in post thanks to the X-T4’s high bitrate capabilities. There is some slight loss of dynamic range on a technical level (compared to F-Log), but once you import it into DaVinci Resolve, the difference is no longer day and night.
I recently took a photo Feature films on Fuji X-T4, Mainly use F-Log to record. But one shooting day I made the mistake of recording everything using Provia and had absolutely no problems post-processing the footage or matching it to F-Log. If anything, it just speeds up my workflow.
Fuji Film Simulation Mode
Here is a list of every film simulation mode included on the Fuji X-T4:
- provia/standard
- virvia / vivid
- these/soft
- classic chrome
- Hello
- pro-negative standard
- classic negative
- eternal theater
- Qinianhua Bleach Bypass
- Across
- monochrome
- tan
Fuji Film Simulation Mode Comparison
I just put together a short video and some stills from individual shots shot in each of the 12 modes.
This photo was taken with my Fuji X-T4, locked on a tripod, and shot through a studio window during golden hour. This isn’t a scientific test, but I think the background provides a good high-contrast look and complementary colors to test each color configuration against.
Here are frame grabs from each of the 12 shots so you can view them in full resolution:
My favorite Fujifilm emulation: Provia/Standard
While many of Fujifilm’s analog modes are suitable for filmmakers, one mode I always refer to is provia/standard.
I’ve outlined my thoughts on this in more depth throughout the article Fuji X-T4 review here. But in short, the Provia offers me the best balance of Fuji’s incredible film-like tones without overly stylizing the image.
There are a lot of scenes that I might shoot in other modes. For example, the Velvia/Vivid is great for landscape or other location shots. But as a daily driver, the only Fujifilm simulation I feel confident using is the Provia.
Some other looks—namely Classic Chrome and Eterna Cinema—have become fan favorites among filmmakers and photographers.
But I’ve never found either to be my first choice for work. Classic Chrome feels too stylized for most projects, while Eterna required a lot of work in post to feel less monotonous. If I’m going to spend time grading footage, I’ll just shoot F-Log.
Free Fuji LUT
After shooting the entire feature film on the Fuji X-T4, I decided to create my own custom conversion LUT. Now available for free download: www.cinecolor.io.
This LUT is designed to convert F-Log footage to Rec 709 on any of the following Fuji cameras:
- Fuji X-T5
- Fuji X-T4
- Fuji X-T3
- Fuji X-S10
- Fuji X-T30
- Fuji X-Pro3
- Fuji X-H1
- Fuji X-H2
- Fuji X-E4
- Fuji X100V
- Fuji GFX100
- Fuji GFX100s
This LUT is based on Fuji’s native F-Log – Rec 709 conversion LUT, but with some additional adjustments to contrast, color balance and saturation to improve overall performance.
Click here to download your free Cinecolor F-Log conversion LUT now.
enjoy!
