DxO FilmPack

Although digital cameras have caught up with their analog counterparts, there is still something about film that makes photos special. You can try to recreate it with a modern image editor, but a faster way is to run your pictures through DxO FilmPack. This program can make a picture look like it was taken with an old-school film camera at a moment's notice. With more than 120 predefined styles, it is capable of emulating each tiny detail of analog film, including saturation, contrast and grain.

DxO FilmPack is free to try for a limited time, without any restriction that would prevent a proper evaluation. Its setup package is larger than that of common applications, but it also includes plugins for most Photoshop versions. The installation process is quick, and it doesn't involve any complicated settings. Also, there is no need to meet any special hardware or software requirements.

When you launch the program, you can import one of your pictures or choose one of the samples presented on the user interface. Once a picture is loaded, you only need to select one of the many effects presented on the right side of the window. Besides the fact that effects are applied instantly, the program also shows a brief description of the one you've applied, so you will always know what you're working with.

It has to be mentioned that DxO FilmPack's filters are unlike most effects you see in similar image processors. The software can really make a digital photo look like it was taken on film, due to all the changes it makes to color, granulation, saturation and so on. There are over 120 filters you can look through, most of which emulate iconic analog film styles. To help you find your favorite styles faster, the software lets you search, sort, filter and add them to a favorites list.

Once you apply a filter, you can compare the new image with the original, side by side or in a split preview. You can also modify the picture if you feel the current effect could use some tweaking. Another interesting feature is the possibility of tilting pictures using an artificial horizon, to straighten them out or make them look like they were taken by an amateur.

With DxO FilmPack's simple and straightforward functionality, you can really give your photo a soul.