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.
Whether film or digital is your choice, both are perfectly fine. However, each one has its own list of advantages and disadvantages. Listed below are just a few for both methods.
Film Cameras
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.
Most camcorders use tapes that can fit into VCR's. These are cheap and easy to find. The disadvantages of using them are, you need to rewind the tape often to check your scenes, and if you aren't satisfied with what you have shot, you must either tape over it, or use a new tape. Tapes do wear down over time, and even after only a few tapings you will notice wear and the picture is usually not as clear.
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
Digital cameras are easier to find new, as they are phasing out the old tape camcorders. With the abundance of effects and editing options on a digital camera, you can make a professional looking film much faster than with film or tape.
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.
Another advantage to using a digital camcorder is it's much easier to upload your film to your computer for editing. All you have to do is connect the camera, upload the files and open your editing program. With a tape camcorder, you will need a convertor to connect to the 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.
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 know your preference, the rest of the decisions will be a piece of cake. - 23806
Whether film or digital is your choice, both are perfectly fine. However, each one has its own list of advantages and disadvantages. Listed below are just a few for both methods.
Film Cameras
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.
Most camcorders use tapes that can fit into VCR's. These are cheap and easy to find. The disadvantages of using them are, you need to rewind the tape often to check your scenes, and if you aren't satisfied with what you have shot, you must either tape over it, or use a new tape. Tapes do wear down over time, and even after only a few tapings you will notice wear and the picture is usually not as clear.
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
Digital cameras are easier to find new, as they are phasing out the old tape camcorders. With the abundance of effects and editing options on a digital camera, you can make a professional looking film much faster than with film or tape.
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.
Another advantage to using a digital camcorder is it's much easier to upload your film to your computer for editing. All you have to do is connect the camera, upload the files and open your editing program. With a tape camcorder, you will need a convertor to connect to the 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.
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 know your preference, the rest of the decisions will be a piece of cake. - 23806
About the Author:
Marcy Burlock is a keen filmmaking enthusiast. She loves to share her filmmaking knowledge and provide lessons about Animation Film Production and Low Cost Filmmaking on Clivir.com.
posted by X - Men at
1:24 AM
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