Dehancer Film Emulation | Give your digital footage a VINTAGE FILM LOOK

Introduction

Having shot film for several years, I'm constantly amazed by the enduring quality of images taken on slides, even if they are 60 years old. The dynamic range, color, and texture seem to outshine many modern cameras. This leads to a frequent question in my mind: how can one emulate that vintage film look digitally?

Today, I want to share my thoughts on a film emulation plugin called Dehancer.

What is Dehancer?

Dehancer is a film emulation plugin compatible with several software programs including Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Lightroom, and Capture One. An iOS app version is also available, which I'll discuss later in this article.

The plugin boasts over 60 film emulations, including popular stocks like Kodak Vision 3, Kodak Portra 400, and Kodachrome 64, making it a versatile tool for filmmakers and photographers alike. You can also adjust for film effects like halation, bloom, breath, and gate weave. This means you can add realistic film overlays for various formats, including Super 8 and Super 35, enhancing the authenticity of your digital footage.

User Experience

When first using the plugin, I felt a bit overwhelmed due to the extensive dropdown lists and options available. However, after working with it for a month, I found it to be quite user-friendly. While some settings may require adjustment, the results have consistently impressed me. The process to achieve a cinematic look can involve some tweaks, but it ultimately minimizes the effort needed to replicate that vintage aesthetic.

How to Use Dehancer

To demonstrate how Dehancer works, let's start with some footage shot during a recent month-long stay in Paris. With footage shot in either 4K or 8K RAW using the Canon R5, I applied the Dehancer plugin within Premiere Pro.

Preparation:
- Drop an adjustment layer over the footage and apply the Dehancer plugin.
- Choose your input setting (Rec 709 or select your specific camera profile).
Selecting the Film Emulation:
- Choose from a wide range of film stocks. For instance, Kodak Vision 3 250D is a reliable option widely used in modern cinema.
Customizing Settings:
- Adjust film grain using unique algorithms that rebuild granules specific to the image.
- Customize the halation and bloom effects, which can significantly enhance the image’s aesthetic.
Final Touches:
- Adjust the vignette and conduct further color grading to get the look you desire.
- Option to export as a LUT to preview the film look directly in-camera.

Functions and Features

One of the standout features of Dehancer is its ability to convert different camera log formats back to Rec 709. This is particularly useful for transforming Canon Log 3 footage into a usable format that retains quality.

In my tests with footage shot in Italy, I found the plugin did an excellent job of applying specific film looks, allowing me to compare them to actual film prints. Features like film breath and gate weave enhance the realism of digital footage by replicating the look and feel of traditional film.

Dehancer iOS App

The Dehancer iOS app extends its functionality to mobile devices, allowing you to apply similar effects to your smartphone photos. I've found it convenient for achieving consistency across images and social media stories. However, I experienced some performance issues when using RAW files in the app.

Conclusion

Overall, I can confidently recommend Dehancer for filmmakers and photographers looking to emulate a vintage film aesthetics in their digital footage. With its wide range of options and user-friendly interface, it adds great value to any editing workflow. Whether you're an experienced cinematographer or a casual photographer, this plugin can enhance your creative projects.

Keyword

Film emulation, Dehancer, vintage look, digital footage, Kodak Vision 3, Kodak Portra 400, Kodachrome 64, Premiere Pro, color grading, iOS app.

FAQ

1. What is Dehancer?
Dehancer is a film emulation plugin that allows users to apply vintage film looks to their digital footage. It is compatible with various editing software and also has an iOS app version.

2. How many film emulations does Dehancer offer?
Dehancer features over 60 film emulations, including popular stocks like Kodak Vision 3, Kodak Portra 400, and Kodachrome 64.

3. Is Dehancer user-friendly?
While it may seem daunting at first due to its extensive options, many users find it user-friendly after some practice, enabling them to achieve the desired film look with relative ease.

4. Can I use Dehancer on mobile devices?
Yes, Dehancer has an iOS app version that allows you to apply film effects to your smartphone images while maintaining consistency with your digital projects.

5. What types of film effects can I apply with Dehancer?
You can customize various film effects, including halation, bloom, breath, and gate weave, along with different film grain options.