Film vs. Digital Cameras - a Comparison in Filmmaking

When I was a child my dad got a supper eightthe amount of films made, talents and the
camera and shot our family movies. The familycontent.
would sit at night, in the living room, while my dadDigital
put up the projector that screened our homeDigital camera revolution made shooting pictures
movies. The quality of the films was poor and theeasier:o Audio is recorded on the same strip as
audio sounded as if it came from far far away.the film, using multiple channels.o Digital Cameras
Nostalgic as it may appear to some of us, thereare user friendly and viewing the materials is
is not much to miss by the loss of the filmpossible Immediately, after a shot is taken.o
format.Materials are cheaper and allow plenty of takes.
As a photographer I love the film format. ADV cassettes cost few dollars and allow at least
top-notch camera captures the light and color45 minutes of straight recording.o Reloading a
better than any high definition camera. Thetape is simple and no "blind" practice is needed.o
contrast can be very dramatic and the processDigital format is not as sensitive to light as film.
of film development is extremely romantic. WithAlthough it reduces some of the contrast and
that said, one must notice that esthetics onlycolor range, it also reduces the amount of light
goes so far. There are other factors that shouldneeded.
be taken into consideration.These digital format advantages allowed a huge
Although film is superior in my view to digital it ischange in media. Documentaries are popping out in
also more complex and not so user friendly.great numbers. All one needs is a $2,000, 3 chip
Filmcamera and a desire to tell a story. The home
When shooting moving pictures Film is a highlycomputer may be a good enough solution to edit
difficult task:o Film celluloid does not record audiothe film and compose the sound track.
and one needs a separate recording device. FocusThe Internet is full of Websites introducing
is very complex and there is an additional personamateur work. These amateurs have the chance
that operates that side of the camera.o Filmto make films in industry format and get
needs to be developed and can't be seendiscovered as talent.
immediately unless it is also recorded on a digitalIndependent filmmakers are making feature films
device.o Lighting can be a lot more difficult thanand do not need to answer to the big studios.
digital because film is highly sensitive.o Reels needFreedom of speech wins!
to be changed often in a highly difficult processEven well known directors are shooting in high
involving unloading and reloading in the dark, withdefinition digital format. George Lucas made the
out the use of visual sight!o Film material and thefirst three 'Star Wars' digitally.
process of filmmaking is offensively expensive. ItThe digital renaissance age is already here.
does not allow filmmakers to take a lot of takesInnovations are swift and rapid and if you blink
and that creates more room for mistakes.o Highonce, you may miss worthwhile. For this reason I
Cost of raw material makes it harder to acquirekeep a digital camera in my car, so I can record
the desired practice, hone it and penetrate thethose happy moments, those extra ordinary
film industry.o Large crews are needed for amoments, like my daughter's first steps.... At night
shoot.o Big studios have absolute control of whatI hook the camera to the television and sit with
is filmed and what is not. That means they controlmy family to watch the movie of our lives.