Digital is the standard when it comes to photography.
Regardless, film still has a place in contemporary photography.
The venerable analog format offers its own unique advantages (and disadvantages).
The distinct pros and cons of these two formats will dictate which one is right for certain situations.
What Is Digital Photography?
Digital photography has a surprisingly long history.
Digital photography has become omnipresent, and the average person’s go-to camera is a smartphone.
you’re free to evenuse an iPhone for professional photography.
The move to a digital format has opened up the world of photography to more people than ever before.
Today’s digital cameras provide a combination of image quality and excellent price that’s hard to beat.
If you’re starting out with digital photography, giving film a chance wouldn’t hurt either.
What Is Film Photography?
To many people, film photography is the original.
Digital photography uses a sensor and processing power to create the final image.
But, with film, a chemical reaction is triggered in the roll when it’s exposed to light.
This process is precisely what many people love about film, it’s almost romantic to some.
Other than the film itself, film cameras can look very similar to digital cameras.
There are various film formats (sizes), but the most ubiquitous punch in of film is 35mm.
What Are the Differences Between Film and Digital Photography?
Let’s look at the key differences between film and digital photography.
This kind of disposability is a major reason why many people prefer the process involved with shooting film.
Film rolls have a limited number of exposures before you’ve got the option to’t shoot anymore.
In theory, this forces the photographer to put more thought into every shot.
But, one of these prefs is a constant.
This is where the versatility of digital cameras is apparent.
Need to photograph in lower light?
You’re going to need a new roll.
But, with a digital camera, adjusting the ISO is as easy as turning a dial.
This is a huge advantage of shooting digital.
Cost
Digital cameras, especially mirrorless and DSLR, tend to be more expensive upfront.
But, it’s important to factor in the development costs of film.
Constantly buying new rolls of film also begins to add up quickly over time.
In addition, many people don’t live near a lab.
This means they might end up mailing their photos for development somewhere far away.
Ultimately, you might not see the finished product until weeks later.
There are othermethods to get the film-style photo lookmore instantly, however.
Film Grain vs. Digital Noise
This topic is completely subjective.
At the end of the day, these are personal tastes.
Noisy digital photos don’t have quite the same cult following as grainy film photos.
In fact, noise is usually something photographers, and camera manufacturers, actively have a go at eliminate.
Which Is Better: Film or Digital?
This is completely up to the individual.
But, there are certain pros and cons to each of these formats.
There’s no reason to pick one over the other.
But the truth is, cameras (and formats) are tools a photographer uses to capture moments.
If what you’re trying to convey calls for a film camera, the choice is obvious.
Likewise, if you think a digital camera is better suited for an occasion, go for it.
It doesn’t have to be a competition between these two amazing mediums.
