How to Tell the Difference between Film and Digital Cameras

For filmmakers, it’s hard enough to decide what script to produce and what team to put together to create each film. One of these decisions that you will have to make will be what camera to use. Do you use a camera that utilizes film; for example a High 8 camera? Or do you use a digital camera that either uses its own Hard drive, or you can use an SD memory card?

Whether you choose film or digital, they both provide excellent films. However, when making your choice, there are a few advantages and disadvantages for both. Here are just a few.

Film Cameras

A film camera is just that, a camera that uses film. Some of the better known film cameras are the High 8, which is a camera whose images are very clear; fairly close to digital. There are also 16mm cameras and of course super 8 cameras, these are the old reel to reel cameras created before VCR’s.

If you choose a film camera, you will find you will have a richer look to your film. Disadvantages to using film are, having to have the film sent out to be processed before seeing what you shot. It takes about a day or so to have the film processed and it’s not easy to find a center who will take filmmakers on a budget. If you do, you can have an engaging and professional looking film.

A camcorder that uses VCR tapes is another option. The tapes needed are very inexpensive and generally readily available. However, the disadvantages to this method are the fact that you must rewind in order to see the scenes you have already shot. If you find a scene you are not satisfied with your options are to tape over it or use a new tape. Furthermore, VCR tapes tend to wear down over time which will give your film a choppy, poor quality look.

The other downfall with film or tape is lighting. Oftentimes, film and tape productions will appear dark, which does not allow for anything to be seen. Your goal is to provide adequate light while still maintaining a natural look.

Digital Camera

Today’s advances in technology have made digital cameras popular, moderately priced and easy to use. With digital, you are able to implement more effects and editing programs allowing you to produce a more professional looking film than you would with tape or film.

Digital cameras have a disadvantage of the picture looking too bright or clear, with no depth to the scene. If you have ever looked at a picture on an old 35mm and compared it to a digital camera you will know what I mean.

A digital camera is very clear, however it is very difficult to capture the same shading and lighting every time unless you are an expert at editing programs and lighting.

Digital is very easy to use as you can check your work immediately just by clicking play or hooking the camera up to a computer. If you find something you don’t like, simply click the delete button and its gone. No need to worry about wearing out the film or tape.

An additional advantage to a digital camcorder is that it only requires a quick hook up to your computer, uploading of your files and opening your editing program. With a tape camcorder a converter is required in order to connect to your computer.

Adding special effects could not be easier with a digital camcorder. All you have to do is open the files of special effects already loaded on your computer and enter the ones you want to your film.

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.

Before choosing the camera that is right for you, you must first ask yourself some questions. Do you want the ease and convenience of a digital camera? Or, do you prefer look and feel of the old school film and tape cameras?

Once you decide, the rest will flow with ease.