What is the Difference between Digital and Film Cameras?

The world of film making is loaded with choices and decisions. Among those, what script to produce as well as what team to put together are very important. However, another very crucial question that must be answered is whether you wish to use a film camera such as a High 8 or a digital camera that uses a hard drive or an SD memory card.

Either one is perfectly fine to use and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few of the differences between each.

Film Camera

Just as the name states, a film camera is one that requires film. Options for this include the High 8 which pictures quality is very clear, similar to digital. The other choices are the 16mm and the Super 8 which are the standard reel to reel cameras that were invented before VCR’s.

Film cameras offer filmmaker’s a much richer looking film. However, the disadvantage to this is that you will need to have the film processed. While this process only takes a day or two, it is very difficult to find a center willing to work with a filmmaker on a budget. But, if you do you will end up with a clear, more engaging film.

Camcorders are another option and these use VCR tapes. These tapes are readily available and usually very inexpensive. However, the disadvantages to using a tape camcorder are the fact that you must rewind the tape in order to see what you have shot. If you are not satisfied with the scene, you must either tape over it or use another tape. In addition, these tapes tend to wear down over time which can lead to poor film quality.

You will also have to light your scene well. There are times with film or tape the scene will appear very dark and you can’t make out anything. Light the scene so you know what’s happening, but that it looks natural.

Digital

Today’s technological advances have made finding new digital cameras a walk in the park. In addition, digital offers special effects and editing programs you can’t get with film or tape which allows you the ability to produce a more professional looking film.

If you have ever looked at a photo taken with an old 35mm camera and compared with digital, you will see that the disadvantage is that digital produces a picture that is often too bright and clear and contains no depth.

While digital cameras are very clear, it is very difficult to get the same shading and lighting unless you are an expert at lighting and editing programs.

Digital cameras allow you to check your shots right away, by simply clicking on the play button or connecting the camera to a computer and watching it. It’s much easier to erase too, just click the delete button and it’s gone. You don’t have to worry about re-using tapes and having them wear out on you.

Another fabulous advantage to a digital camcorder is the fact that all you have to do is connect it to your computer, upload your files and open your editing program. With a tape camcorder, a converter is needed in order to connect to your computer.

Adding special effects to a digital film is easier too; it just takes using your files already uploaded on your computer and adding whatever effects you need to.

One disadvantage to digital cameras, they are more expensive. A hard drive camcorder can run you upwards of $400 or a bit more. You can also get one that uses SD and XD memory cards, the same ones your still digital camera uses. These cameras tend to be a bit cheaper, but no less useful than the more expensive ones.

When looking for a camera, it’s always best to know what you need it for. What types of films will you be making? Do you want the ease and convenience of digital? Or would you prefer the look and feel of film or tape cameras?

Once you decide this, it will make the choices much easier to make.