Kodak Gold VS Kodak ColorPlus

There's so much choice when it comes to 35mm films, but both Kodak Gold and ColorPlus are among two of the most budget friendly colour films on the market which come in at just under £10 if you opt for a 24 exp version of the film.

Not only are they budget films, but they're popular film stocks that are ideal for both beginners getting into film, and more advanced film photographers.

If you've never shot with them before, you might be wondering what the differences actually are between the two films, and which to choose because the price point is so similar.

So, we got our brand ambassador to put both of them through their paces (see video below), along with our own views on the two films to help you decide which film to load up in your camera next.

Here's a brief overlook at the spec of each film so you can clearly see where any noticeable differences are - the main differences which we'll explore below come from the colour tones, grain and sharpness.

Feature	Kodak Gold 200	Kodak ColorPlus 200
Film Type	Colour Negative	Colour Negative
ISO	200	200
Formats Available	35mm & 120	35mm only
Colour Tones	Warm, golden hues with rich saturation	Warm but more muted and natural
Contrast	Medium to high	Lower, more subdued
Grain	More visible grain	Fine grain
Sharpness	Higher sharpness and detail	Softer overall image
Exposure Latitude	Good	Moderate
Price Point	Slightly more expensive	Budget-friendly
Best For	Portraits, landscapes, nostalgic vibe	Everyday shooting, street, travel
Look/Feel	Vivid, nostalgic, classic Kodak warmth	Vintage, softer, retro aesthetics

Film Speed & Format Availability

Both Kodak Gold and ColorPlus are ISO 200 colour negative films, making them great for bright daylight shooting.

However, Kodak Gold is also available in 120 format, giving medium format shooters a chance to enjoy its signature tones. ColorPlus, on the other hand, is only available in 35mm.

Colour Rendition & Grain

The most noticeable difference between the film stocks comes down to colour tones. This will help you to decide what film to go for, based on the look and feel you want from the images.

Kodak Gold delivers warm, golden hues with rich saturation. It has strong reds and yellows, giving a nostalgic, sun-drenched look that feels vintage yet punchy. It has a sense of nostalgia and character to it. It produces more visible grain in low lights and shadows.
Kodak ColorPlus, while also warm-toned, has softer contrast and more muted colours. It tends to lean slightly cooler and gives a more subdued, sometimes almost pastel-like feel, especially in overcast lighting. It adds a cool wash to midtones when well exposed and has very little grain.

It's worth noting that the results will of course vary depending on the available light you're shooting with, and your exposure settings.

Verdict:

Want punchy colours with a classic Kodak glow? Go for Gold.Prefer a more subtle, vintage aesthetic? ColorPlus may suit your style better.

Price & Availability

Kodak ColorPlus is slightly cheaper than Gold, making it a go-to choice for those shooting film on a budget.

That said, availability can vary depending on your location, and prices have fluctuated in recent years due to demand and supply chain issues.

Kodak Gold, being a bit more refined and now offered in 120, often comes at a slightly higher price point. At FilmProcessing, Kodak ColorPlus 36exp is £9.50 whilst Gold 36exp is £11.00.

Verdict:

Shooting lots of test rolls or casual photos? ColorPlus keeps costs low. Looking for a step up in quality? Gold is worth the extra pound or two. If you want to test the two, opt for a 24exp roll which can both be purchased under a £10 price point.

Who They’re Best For

Kodak ColorPlus is ideal for: Beginners, casual shooters, street photography, or anyone wanting an inexpensive way to explore film.
Kodak Gold is better for: Photographers looking for more colour punch, cleaner scans, or a nostalgic summer-film look with a bit more polish.

Kodak Gold and ColorPlus both have their place in the film world. One isn’t “better” than the other, it’s all about what look you’re going for and what your budget allows. If you’re new to film, try both and see which suits your vibe!

Take a look at the below video by our brand ambassador, Chris Evans for a further look at these two film stocks, along with plenty of sample images.

Do you have a favourite out of the two?