What are the Advantages/disadvantages from using a digital over a film camera?

Answer 1

Advantages of digital cameras
Convenience. You don't need to buy film, stop at the photofinisher or use a scanner. When you've taken your pictures, you can work with them on your PC immediately.

Cost. Digital cameras aren't cheap, but if you take a lot of pictures for Web pages or business use, you'll save on film and developing, and avoid the hassle or cost of scanning.

Flexibility. Most digital cameras let you view the pictures you've taken on an LCD screen. If you don't like the shot you've just snapped, you can erase it and shoot again.

Disadvantages of digital cameras
Quality. Even the best digital camera can't record images with the detail you get from a film camera. Digital recording devices can't match the resolution, sharpness, tonal range and color reproduction capabilities of film. So don't sell that old Nikon yet. If you need fine detail and true color for professional reproduction, a film camera is still your best bet.

Speed. Digital cameras take anywhere from two to 30 seconds to store each image. This makes them unsuitable for action photography or any situation in which you need to shoot quickly.

Cost. Digital cameras designed for home and business use run from $400 to $1,000. Professional models run as high as $20,000. This may be more than you're willing to invest for occasional shooting.

Answer 2

I think one of the main advantages of a digital camera over a film camera is that you can take a photo and instantly look at the image.Also you can brighten up images digitally if they have come out too dark etc. If you cut someones head off , you can see and retake another photo there and then.There is no film to get developed ! Its instant ! so its possible to store all your images digitally and if you want a print then you only print the images you want and not the whole film ( well digital card). However if you like to develop your own film in a dark room thats more interesting than a digital camera ! I agree with other comments that digital cameras need batteries !! They are expensive and frequently need recharging !

Answer 3

There are a lot of myths on this one. First decide what you want the camera for. Base your decision on the type of photography you will be doing. Digital offers convenience, but many ignore film technology. They think since digital cameras have been invented, that film technology has been standing still. Truth is, with each advancement made in digital, one is also made in film. A digital "cannot" match film yet, if you use professional grade films. Compared to the cheap films you buy at drugstores, it's a different story.

Answer 4

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I prefer film, but I also have a digital camera. I can just grab my digital camera to take as many pictures I want, but with my film camera, I choose my pictures carefully. Film makes you think more about the picture you are taking.

Answer 5

I use both my film and digital cameras. I like the digital camera due to the instant viewing of my photos (and if I don't like them, I can always delete them). I use my film camera for the photos where I can use the interchangeable lens, such as the 'fish-eye' look or using the 2 different converter lens to increase the magnification or when I want to shoot using black/white film. I can be a little more creative when using my film camera; such things I can't do with my digital camera. I prefer my film camera over using the digital, but for quick shots, the digital camera comes in handy. And the digital doesn't take as much space so it's easier to carry around. Have fun with whichever camera you decide to get (or already have)! :)

Answer 6

You dont pay for film, you get to see your pics without waiting for development, you can put them online without scanning them, you can change the iso ("film speed equivalent") after each shot, instead of with each roll, you can change the "white balance" with each shot instead of putting in a new roll for different lighting (most people dont do that with film anyway though).

Also, digital SLRs often have a sensor that is smaller than a 35 mm film frame. That is both an advantage and disadvantage. For telephoto shots, it means your zoom lenses are now effectively "longer". My canon rebel xt has a 1.6 multiplier affect due to the size of the sensor, so a 200 mm zoom is effectively 320 mm on my camera.

Google for sites that compare film results to digital, and you will see that if you get enough resolution, you get more detail than with film. Cameras like the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II can even compete with Medium format cameras.

Much of the info in the answer above mine is outdated. The comments about speed, for example. Even my "slow" digital rebel xt can take almost 3 photos per second. Go on the sidelines of an NLF game and there is not a film camera to be found.

Answer 7

Most of the people have answered your question.
Each has its own advantage ...I have both .... the quality you get out from a Film is far superior...than digital . To make it simple to understand its like drinking juice one from a can other freshly prepared...bottom line both are juice ...up to you ...your choice and what are you drinking it for ...just to quench your thirst or thirst with nourishment without preservatives.
Photography is an art , now with digital camera its not. Using a SLR camera you develop the suspense and excitement waiting for the pic to be developed , unlike digital camera its like kid playing with a expensive toy .
Ask people who have used SLR etc its a different experience altogether.

As I said I still use both .... digital for any thing and every thing .....let my kids and wife use it , but as for Digital its a grown up toy.

Answer 8

Unless you are a professional photographer, there is no reason whatsoever to use film. Digital is waaaay superior to film for the average user. And the gap is only going to widen significantly in the next few years. Eventually, film will become completely obsolete in all applications.

Answer 9

Well, the main advantage of digital vs. film is that you can take a photo....and look at the photo almost straight away...and if the photo is lousy or needs recomposing etc...you can delete it, make adjustments if necessary and take another and another.

Answer 10

Film is better