Is this the best Film Simulation Software for Photographers?

[@bhovis]

Good timing on this video - I just discovered that FilmPack had an update available, which was good for me because it now works as a plugin from Photoshop. Oddly, prior to this update, FilmPack did not even show up in the filter menu in Photoshop, despite having been re-installed over a few updates. I was unable to get any help from DxO or Adobe as to solving this problem, but possibly nobody else had the issue despite there being nothing unusual about my computer (M1 MacBook Pro) or my Photoshop installation. Anyway, I can now happily use FP from Photoshop!

[@RobinWhalley]

FilmPack 6.3 was released a few days ago and one of the new features was native M1 support. I wonder if that’s what made the difference for you. I’m using an old Intel Mac and the plug-in has been working fine. Pleased to hear that it’s working for you now.

[@bhovis]

@@RobinWhalley it seems most probable that it was an M1 issue. I use the film simulations in PhotoLab (which is convenient) but it’s better to have it on a layer in Photoshop.

[@RobertMintonPhotography]

Looks nice, but I couldn’t cope with the light leak effects as I am finding it hard to edit anything but sharp, I am trying to change, but it’s a hard habit to break!

[@bhovis]

That is a hard one to break 🤣

[@RobinWhalley]

Best invest in Topaz Sharpen AI then. It’s amazing what that software can achieve.

[@mikearst2940]

Thanks for this video. It would be great if you were to dig into it specifically regarding black and white simulations. Thanks.

[@RobinWhalley]

Thanks. I will add it to the list but I don't think I'm the person to do the comparisons. Whilst I still use film at times and still have some film stock, it's not my expertise these days.

[@mikearst2940]

@@RobinWhalley Hi - I'm thinking more in terms of your using it in whatever way has produced a b&w image that pleases you (rather than a comparison among several film simulations).

[@richardturner81]

I purchased photolab5 and viewpoint 3 (I think that's what it was called) last year and I'm not sure what to get this year in the sales between NIK or film pack. Guess I can't go wrong with either. I mainly edit landscape/Outdoors raw files. What would you lean towards getting first Robin? Yet another great helpful tutorial by the way!

[@RobinWhalley]

That really depends on how much you value the accuracy of the film emulation and how much you value editing flexibility. To my mind, the film emulations in FilmPack are superior to the Nik Collection. But with the Nik Collection you have a lot more flexibility. Also, if you already have FilmPack 5, will you get a lot of new features using FilmPack 6? You will get some but is there beter value with the Nik Collection. With the Nik Collection 5 you also get PhotoLab 5 although it is only the Essential version. I don;t know if that's of any value to you as well.

[@emerywd]

I end up using Exposure X6 instead of Film pack or Nik and just use DXO for daw development

[@RobinWhalley]

@@emerywd Yes, Exposure is another excellent alternative. I've reviewed it in the past but I have it on my list to review again.

[@emerywd]

@@RobinWhalley yes, I enjoyed your previous reviews. I ended up getting a refund for X7 after upgrading from x6 on day 1. It kept crashing and losing edits. I'm hoping X8 will have some AI masking like latest lighroom and I'll be totally happy with it for 90% if stuff. Look forward to see your next review

[@chrisburgess9919]

Hi Robin, do you know if this would work as a plug-in for capture one?

[@RobinWhalley]

The FilmPack plugin is a true Adobe plugin which I don't believe is compatible with Capture One (or at least is wasn't in version 21. The only thing you can do is use the "Image | Edit With..." option in the menu to choose the FilmPack standalone version. That would generate an image file in your chosen format and pass that to PhotoLab. It works well enough but it isn't a true PlugIn.

[@photonsonpixels]

Hi Robin, is the grain effect much different than what you get with the Nik collection? ie for non professionals like myself, are the differences worth the price of the FilmPack? Thank you!

[@RobinWhalley]

To me the grain effect appears more subtle in FilmPack and is more realistic. But if you aren't bothered about complete accuracy then the Nik Collection is great. I would also say that when developing film, some devleopers like Rodinal would exagerate film grain where others like Perceptol would lessen it. There is no right or wrong.

[@photonsonpixels]

@@RobinWhalley Thanks for your comments, Robin!