The accuracy of colorization of old black and white photos depends on the method used for colorization. Artificial intelligence (AI) colorization refers to the use of digital algorithms to substitute colors into a black and white photograph by making an informed guess based on the greyscale root. While AI colorization has come a long way, it is not always accurate and can produce unrealistic results. Some AI colorization programs, such as DeOldify, have been trained on large datasets of colored and black and white photos, but they can still produce errors and inconsistencies in the coloring.
On the other hand, manual colorization by a human artist can be more accurate, but it is also more time-consuming and expensive. Human colorization artists can use historical research and their own artistic judgment to produce more accurate and natural-looking colors. However, even human colorization artists can make mistakes or interpret the colors differently from how they originally appeared.
Overall, the accuracy of colorization of old black and white photos depends on the method used and the skill and knowledge of the person or program performing the colorization. While AI colorization has made significant progress in recent years, it is not always accurate and may produce inconsistent or unrealistic colors. Manual colorization by a skilled artist can be more accurate but is also more time-consuming and expensive.