A Konica-Minolta 5D photographed by an Olympus E-400
You can own several cameras in post.
Alchemy Color Emulations is an emulation pack designed to replicate the unique JPEG color output of one camera and apply it to the RAW files of another camera. This allows photographers to achieve the distinct color characteristics and aesthetic of different camera models while working with their preferred equipment.
Revive Vintage Cameras
Old digital cameras are slowly becoming harder to find and in many cases impossible to repair. Without a rigorous, well documented methodology, we run the risk of losing important knowledge on the look of these cameras.
Emulate Every Color Mode
We capture every color profile from the source camera. You'll be able to apply the color of Canon EOS Standard, Olympus Vivid, Koninca-Minolta 5D Neutral+, etc.
What's with that whole CCD thing?
Much has been said about the distinctive look of old digital cameras, particularly those using CCD sensors, and how they compare to CMOS sensors in achieving a film-like quality. This belief holds some truth, as early digital cameras were designed to compete with film. However, our tests with various cameras indicate that this perceived difference is primarily due to the design choices in color science. For a detailed analysis, check out our video.
Capture CCD Vintage Color Science
The color science of CCD sensor-based cameras is often praised for its unique, film-like quality. These early digital cameras were engineered to replicate the look of film, resulting in rich, vibrant colors and pleasing tonal gradations.
With all the advantages of contemporary sensors
Take advantage of the sensitivity and high resolution of newer cameras whilst revisiting forgotten looks. Shoot in lowlight like never before.
The Olympus E-400 source camera, photographed by a Konica-Minolta 5D.
Straight out of the camera JPEG, Natural+ color profile.
Olympus E-400 Vivid emulation with recovered highlights in Lightroom.
Dynamic Range
Take advantage of higher dynamic range sensors with a vintage look
All the original dynamic range is still present behind the emulation. Highlights can be recovered with ease.
Resolution
Vintage Charm With Modern Performance: Emulating Old Cameras on High Resolution Sensors
Emulating the look of old digital cameras with modern high-resolution sensors offers photographers the best of both worlds: the nostalgic charm of vintage aesthetics and the superior performance of contemporary technology.
LEFT: Olympus E-400 emulation RIGHT: Olympus E-400 SOOC
LEFT: Olympus E-400 Vivid emulation RIGHT: Olympus E-400 Vivid SOOC
Roll-Offs
Accurate transfer of roll-off characteristics
Accurately transferring highlight roll-offs from an old camera to a new one allows photographers to preserve the smooth, gradual transitions in bright areas that vintage cameras are known for. This enhances image quality while maintaining the classic aesthetic, resulting in beautifully balanced photos that combine the best of both eras.
Pristine Matching Accuracy
The average DeltaE is below 1.75 for every profile. Any value below 2.0 is excellent.
The examples shown are emulations for the Sony A7IV to Konica-Minolta 5D.
STRAIGHT OUT OF THE CAMERA JPEGS
OLYMPUS E-400 and KONICA-MINOLTA 5D
FAQs
If you want to see Alchemy Color applied to your images, send us raw samples from a supported camera in the product list.
Send us your files through any file delivery service email us at info@alchemycolor.com with your message.
We’ll get back to you with edited samples in TIFF format for review.
Alchemy Color is an ongoing project. More cameras will be added as we get them in our studio. If you live in Berlin, Germany and want to add your camera to the list, message us as info@alchemycolor.com. You will receive all calibrations and emulations for your camera, for free!
Alchemy Color Emulations are only compatible with Lightroom and Photoshop.
As precise as possible using the ColorChecker SG color chart. An image of a chart, exported from Lightroom matches the source original camera jpeg to an average DeltaE of 1.33 and a maximum DeltaE of 3.60 which is extremely accurate. Other, more advanced color charts were tested but the results were marginally better with the drawback of a much more tense and sharp transformation LUT.
The first step is to ensure that the white balance settings match on both cameras. White balance can vary significantly between different camera models, even if the Kelvin value is the same. This can result in noticeable differences in color temperature. Additionally, variations in the color filter arrays of the cameras can cause certain colors to appear differently. It’s important to remember that no emulation is perfect; inherent hardware differences mean that some aspects cannot be exactly replicated from the source to the target camera. Moreover, there can be differences between camera models themselves. For instance, an earlier version of a camera might have a slightly different look compared to a later version. In our instruction manual, we specify the serial numbers of the cameras used to help account for these variations.
This is normal, as the base tone curve for most cameras is pretty steep and usually leads to highlight clipping. Don’t worry, all the dynamic range of the original raw file is still present and can be recovered with any technique of your choosing.
Please follow this troubleshooting list
- Be absolutely sure you got the profiles for your camera brand and model. Remember that all sales are final.
- Follow the installation guide provided in the zip file you downloaded after purchase.
- If you still can’t see your profiles, message us as support@alchemycolor.com