CineStill 50D vs 800T Review Part 1

With an ISO of 800, CineStill 800 Tungsten is ideal for capturing low light and fast action under tungsten lighting. CineStill’s heritage comes from Kodak’s Vision 3 motion picture film, which uses a traditional ECN-2 motion picture processing. The CineStill 800T adaptation utilizes a C-41 processing method. CineStill takes advantage of a C-41 process by reengineering the film, which provides a much greater exposure latitude. There’s also latitude for lower ISOs. Photographers can push the film up to three stops from ISO 800 to ISO 3200.

CineStill recommended ISO and acceptable exposure for push processing

• ISO 800 – No push – EI 200-1600
• ISO 1250 – 1 stop push – EI 800-2000
• ISO 1600 – 2 stop push – EI 1250-3200
• ISO 3200 – 3 stop push – EI 1600-3200 (added contrast)

View 800T Pushed Examples

Unlike CineStills 800Tungsten film, the 50D is daylight balanced. It is one of the main differences between the two films. The 50D film, developed alongside Kodak, provides cine film access to still photographers who may be familiar with the original Kodak’s Vision 3 50D (known as Kodak 5203/7203). The development of a stills cine film has proved to be welcoming to everyone involved. Although the CineStill 50D isn’t as popular as the 800T, don’t underestimate the stunning pastel colors this film produces.

Unlike CineStills 800Tungsten film, the 50D is daylight balanced. It is one of the main differences between the two films. The 50D film, developed alongside Kodak, provides cine film access to still photographers who may be familiar with the original Kodak’s Vision 3 50D (known as Kodak 5203/7203). The development of a stills cine film has proved to be welcoming to everyone involved. Although the CineStill 50D isn’t as popular as the 800T, don’t underestimate the stunning pastel colors this film produces.

You shouldn’t have trouble tracking down this film compared with the CineStill 800T. While many photographers may not know about the 50D, it’s worth purchasing a roll to see the results for yourself. At ISO 50, the emulsion holds true to a cinematic look. There’s a very fine grain with plenty of detail. When comparing against the 800T, there isn’t as much exposure latitude at higher ISO, but the 50D still performs.

The CineStill 50D film is made for photographers who want a cinematic look to their portraits or landscape images when shooting in daylight conditions. The CineStill 50D film was developed in consultation with Kodak so still photographers could gain access to what cinematographers have been using for years. Processing is accessible for still photographers thanks to the Remjet removal in the manufacturing process. It means C-41 chemistry can be used to develop with ease.

Both the CineStill 800T and 50D offer a new world of shooting opportunities. Either film provides a cinematic look so your images will stand out, and you can’t go wrong there. However, your decision on which film to use will all come down to the shooting environment you are going to be in. Our advice is to buy one of each to test and compare the results for yourself.

If you are a portrait photographer, then chances are you’re going to want to use the 50D in daylight conditions. 50D produces beautiful pastels with rich grain. Whereas if you were carrying out a shoot at night or in an indoor environment, the 800T is well suited. Street photographers also will love the 800T purely for the halo effect around lights or neon signs as well as the cinematic look. The red halos around the lights add to the image and give it an edge you might be looking for.