Kodak Gold 200 vs. UltraMax 400 vs. Ektar 100: Which 35mm Color Film Should You Buy?

For most people loading a 35mm camera for the first time, Kodak GOLD 200 is the easiest place to start. If you shoot mostly in bright sun, Kodacolor 100 or Ektar 100 reward you; if the light is unpredictable or you are indoors, step up to UltraMax 400.

Searches like "Kodak Gold 200" and "Kodak Gold" come up constantly, and the next question is always the same: how does it compare with the other Kodak color films? This guide compares the five color negative films we stock, using only what Kodak's own product details tell us.

Quick comparison

Kodak GOLD 200: the safe default

GOLD 200 is a 35mm color negative film rated at ISO 200, which Kodak describes as a balance between sensitivity and detail across a wide range of lighting. Its listing highlights color saturation, color accuracy and sharpness, plus a fine grain structure. The 24-exposure roll suits day trips, events and casual sessions, and it is the lowest-priced film here at $13.99.

The trade-off: 24 frames go quickly on a long trip, and at ISO 200 you will want decent light or a steady hand indoors.

See the Kodak GOLD 200 Film on Tech0rini.

Kodak UltraMax 400: when the light is not on your side

UltraMax 400 is daylight-balanced, rated ISO 400, and has wide exposure latitude, so it copes with a broad range of lighting. Kodak's listing points to accurate, warm skin tones for portraits and a vibrant palette for travel and outdoor work. It develops in standard C-41 chemistry, so any lab can process it. The pack contains three 36-exposure rolls for $33.99, which is enough for a full trip.

The trade-off: you buy three rolls at once, so it is a bigger commitment than a single roll.

See the Kodak UltraMax 400 3-Pack on Tech0rini.

Kodacolor 100 and Ektar 100: for bright light and fine detail

Both are ISO 100, so they want plenty of light. Kodacolor 100 is daylight-balanced, processes in C-41, and is described as built for brightly lit, high-contrast scenes where shadow detail still holds. It costs $15.99 for 36 exposures.

Ektar 100 is the more demanding, professional-oriented option at $23.99. Its listing describes a very fine grain, high sharpness and vivid, punchy color, which suits landscapes, travel portraits and product shots, and it scans well. The trade-off for both is the slow speed: in dim light you will need a tripod or a different film.

See the Kodak Kodacolor 100 and the Kodak Ektar 100 on Tech0rini.

Kodacolor 200: a bigger roll at the same speed

Kodacolor 200 is rated ISO 200, daylight-balanced, with wide exposure latitude and C-41 processing. You get 36 exposures for $15.99, so if you already like the idea of ISO 200 and shoot a lot, it gives you more frames per roll than the 24-exposure GOLD.

See the Kodak Kodacolor 200 on Tech0rini.

Which one should you buy?

• First roll or general use: GOLD 200 or Kodacolor 200.
• Indoors, evenings, mixed light, or a trip: UltraMax 400.
• Sunny days and fine detail: Kodacolor 100 or Ektar 100.

FAQ

What is the difference between Kodak Gold 200 and UltraMax 400? Speed is the main one: ISO 200 versus ISO 400. The faster film gives you more room in low or changing light, while GOLD 200 is the lighter, cheaper single-roll option.

Can I shoot Kodak Gold 200 in any 35mm camera? It is 35mm film, so it fits cameras that take standard 35mm cartridges.

Which Kodak film is best for scanning? Ektar 100's listing calls out its fine grain and scanning performance; UltraMax 400 is also described as holding up in scanning.

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