Film vs Digital Photography

As the times change, so do our tools and how we use them. Below is a breakdown of the benefits and disadvantages of both digital and film photography. As a professional photographer since 2008, I find both mediums useful and valuable. While I use my mirrorless digital camera system 90% of the time for it’s speed, efficiency and adaptability, film slows me down and allows me to focus in ways that digital does not.

Digital photography uses digital technology to capture and store images, while film photography uses a roll of film to capture and store images chemically. Digital photography allows for instant previewing and editing of images, while film photography requires the film to be developed and printed before the images can be viewed. Additionally, digital photography allows for an almost infinite number of images to be taken, while film photography is limited by the number of frames on the roll of film.

Digital photography has several advantages over film photography, including:

Cost-effectiveness: Digital cameras are becoming increasingly affordable, and once you have one, you don’t have to worry about buying film or paying for developing costs.
Convenience: Digital images can be easily shared and stored on computers, hard drives, and the internet. Film images need to be developed and printed before they can be shared or stored.
Flexibility: Digital images can be easily edited, enhanced and manipulated on a computer. Film images are difficult to change once they have been captured.
Speed: Digital cameras allow for instant previewing and editing of images, while film photography requires the film to be developed and printed before the images can be viewed.
Image Quality: With the advancement of technology, digital cameras are able to produce high-resolution images with less noise, and have better dynamic range than film cameras.
Quantity: Digital photography allows for an almost infinite number of images to be taken, while film photography is limited by the number of frames on the roll of film.
Versatility: Digital cameras can be used in a variety of settings and lighting conditions, whereas film cameras may struggle in certain conditions.

Some photographers prefer film photography over digital photography because:

Image Quality: Some photographers believe that film images have a unique, organic look that digital images cannot replicate. Film images often have a unique grain structure and color palette that many photographers find appealing.
Creativity: Shooting with film can be a more deliberate and thoughtful process, as you have a limited number of frames to work with and must consider factors such as lighting and exposure more carefully.
Simplicity: Film cameras are often more simple in design and operation, allowing the photographer to focus on capturing the image without the distractions of advanced settings and features.
Tangibility: With film, photographers can hold a physical print of their image, which many find to be more satisfying than viewing an image on a screen.
Nostalgia: Some photographers prefer film because it reminds them of a time when photography was more of a craft and less of a technology.
Variety: Film photography offers a wide range of different film stocks and formats, each with its own unique characteristics, which allows for greater creative expression.
Limited edition: Film photographs are often considered to be more unique and valuable, as a limited number of prints can be made from a single negative.

Thanks for reading!

Ben