SantaColor 100 is a relatively new addition to the world of color negative film, promising fine grain, vibrant colors, and an affordable alternative to the ever-rising prices of film photography. But does it live up to the hype? I recently shot a few rolls to see how it performs in different lighting conditions, and in this review, I’ll share my thoughts on its color rendering, sharpness, and overall usability. Whether you’re considering adding SantaColor 100 to your film rotation or just curious about how it compares to more established stocks, here’s everything you need to know.
First impressions
When I first got my hands on SantaColor 100, I was excited to see how it would perform. The film comes in standard 35mm canisters and is rated at ISO 100, meaning it’s best suited for bright daylight shooting. Right away, I noticed that the film base has a bit of a warm tint, which made me curious about how it would affect the final results.
Loading the film into my Canon EOS 500N, I set out to shoot in a mix of conditions—direct sunlight, shade, and even some indoor scenes with natural light. My goal was to see how versatile this film could be, especially since lower ISO films can sometimes struggle with shadow detail.
Color and Tone
One of the biggest selling points of SantaColor 100 is its color rendition. The results? Surprisingly good. The film produces warm, slightly nostalgic tones that remind me of classic Kodak stocks, but with a bit more contrast. Blues and greens come out rich and well-saturated, while skin tones lean toward the warm side but still look natural.
In bright daylight, the colors pop nicely without feeling overly saturated. Shadows retain a decent amount of detail, though I did notice that underexposing even slightly can cause darker areas to lose some depth. If you’re shooting in mixed lighting, I’d recommend exposing for the shadows to get the best dynamic range.
Sharpness and Grain
For an ISO 100 film, SantaColor 100 delivers a good level of detail. Fine textures, like leaves and street signs, remain crisp without feeling overly sharp. The grain is minimal, which is expected from a low-speed film, but it still has enough character to remind you that you’re shooting film and not digital.
Compared to Kodak Ektar 100, which is known for its extreme sharpness, SantaColor 100 feels a little softer—but in a good way. It doesn’t have the sometimes clinical look of Ektar, making it a solid choice for portraits and general street photography.
Exposure Latitude
One thing I always test with new film stocks is their exposure latitude—how well they handle over- and underexposure. SantaColor 100 does well when slightly overexposed, giving images a bright, airy look without losing too much contrast. However, underexposure is less forgiving, with shadows getting muddy and some color shifts appearing.
If you’re used to shooting Kodak Portra, which can handle overexposure by multiple stops, keep in mind that SantaColor 100 has a bit less flexibility. That said, rating it at ISO 80 or even 50 in bright conditions can help bring out even more shadow detail and a smoother tonal range.
Who Is This Film For?
SantaColor 100 is a great option for photographers looking for an alternative to the usual Kodak and Fujifilm stocks, especially with rising film prices. It’s best suited for:
✔ Daylight photography – Performs best in bright conditions.
✔ Portraits – Warm, natural skin tones.
✔ Travel & street photography – Balanced contrast and good sharpness.
✔ Film enthusiasts on a budget – Cheaper than Kodak Ektar or Portra.
However, if you often shoot in low light or high-contrast scenes, you might find its limited exposure latitude a bit tricky to work with.
Final Thoughts
So, is SantaColor 100 worth shooting? Absolutely—especially if you’re looking for a warm, nostalgic color palette with minimal grain and decent sharpness. It won’t replace high-end stocks like Portra or Ektar, but for everyday film photography, it holds up well. If you expose it properly and work within its strengths, you can get some fantastic results.
Would I buy it again? Yes, especially as a fun, affordable alternative to the usual go-to color films. If you get the chance, give it a shot and see how it fits into your workflow!