ISO 800 Showdown: Portra 800 vs. Candido 800 vs. Cinestill 800T
ISO 800 Showdown: Portra 800 vs. Candido 800 vs. Cinestill 800T
(One classic, one cult favorite, and one glow-in-the-dark wildcard)
There aren’t a ton of 800-speed color film stocks still kicking around in 2025. But among the ones that are, three stand tall in totally different ways: Kodak Portra 800, Candido 800, and Cinestill 800T.
Each has its own vibe, its own quirks, and its own sweet spot. Here’s how they stack up when you’re chasing light, shadows, and everything in between.
🎞️ Kodak Portra 800
The Clean-Cut Classic
Look:
Portra 800 is what happens when you crank Portra 400 up a notch—but it keeps its shirt tucked in. Warm tones, natural skin, clean scans, and just enough contrast to feel modern without losing that dreamy Kodak softness.
Why It Works:
Surprisingly fine grain for 800
Handles overexposure beautifully
Pushes to 1600 easily with minimal quality loss
Skintones are chef’s kiss
Where It Struggles:
Expensive. Like, rude expensive.
Can feel a little too “safe” if you’re chasing grit or drama
Limited availability (unless you stockpile)
Best For: Portraits, weddings, street photography in variable light, that timeless-but-professional look
🎞️ Candido 800
The Cult Sleeper with Soul
Look:
Candido 800 is like Portra’s slightly unhinged cousin. It’s warm, it’s moody, and it has grain that feels like something—not too clean, not too messy, just enough personality to stand out without overpowering.
Why It Works:
Gorgeous tonal roll-off in shadows
Pushes to 1600 and even 3200 with style
Grain structure feels analog—not clinical
It wants you to shoot recklessly and figure it out later
Where It Struggles:
Limited availability; often sold out
Slight color shifts if underexposed, but it can look intentional
Not as “clean” or neutral as Portra if you’re doing color-critical work
Best For: Nighttime streets, gritty portraits, low-light shooting, film shooters who like a little edge in their work
🎞️ Cinestill 800T
The Sci-Fi Wildcard
Look:
Cinestill 800T is tungsten-balanced film, converted from motion picture stock, and it shows. It glows under artificial light and flares like a fever dream. That signature halation around highlights? You either love it or hate it—no in-between.
Why It Works:
Incredible in neon, streetlights, bar interiors, city vibes
Tungsten balance gives it a cinematic cool tone
Can be pushed to 1600 or 3200 with beautiful results (grainy, but intentional)
Where It Struggles:
Halation isn’t for everyone
Daylight use requires filtration or post-correction
Can feel overplayed or gimmicky if not used thoughtfully
Best For: Night photography, cyberpunk aesthetics, long exposures, anything with glowing lights and weird color
Final Thoughts
If you want reliability and that classic Kodak polish—Portra 800 is your go-to.
If you want warmth, character, and vibe-heavy grain—Candido 800 eats.
If you want your photos to look like a synthwave album cover—Cinestill 800T will light your world on fire.
They all have their place. But if I had to ride or die with one?
Candido 800. It’s got soul. And I’ll always choose soul over perfection.
Stay gritty. Stay shooting.
— Brendan
