Aug 31 2009
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.
The Film Camera
As you would suspect, a film camera requires film. The most recognized film camera is the High 8. This cameras film quality is very similar to that of a digital camera. Additional models include the 16mm and the Super 8 which are the old reel to reel cameras invented way before VCR’s.
Film cameras offer a richer looking film. However, this form does require the need for processing. While this task usually only takes a day or two, it is very difficult to find a processing center willing to work with a filmmaker on a budget. If you do in fact find one, your reward will be a clear and engaging 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.
Film and tape have an additional downfall, they most often appear dark. In order to prevent this, your goal is to provide adequate light while maintaining a natural feel.
The Digital Camera
Today’s technological advances have made finding new digital cameras a walk in the park. In addition, digital offers special effects and editing programs you can’t get with film or tape which allows you the ability to produce a more professional looking film.
Digital does have a disadvantage. If you compare a photo taken with an old 35mm camera to one taken with a digital camera, you will see that the digital photo is excessively bright and clear and contains no depth.
Digital is very clear, depending on the pixels you have on the camera, but you can’t get the same shading and light tones unless you are pretty good at your lighting and editing programs.
Digital cameras allow you to check your shots right away, by simply clicking on the play button or connecting the camera to a computer and watching it. It’s much easier to erase too, just click the delete button and it’s gone. You don’t have to worry about re-using tapes and having them wear out on you.
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.
Special effects are a breeze with a digital camcorder as well. All you need is to open the files already loaded on your computer and simply add the effects you desire.
The final disadvantage to a digital camcorder is the fact that the ones with a hard drive can be rather expensive. They usually cost anywhere from $400 and up. However, you can purchase ones that use an SD or an XD memory card instead. These tend to be much cheaper; however their quality is the same.
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 this, it will make the choices much easier to make.
Marcy Burlock is a keen filmmaking enthusiast and featured writer on Clivir.com where she shares her filmmaking knowledge about Filmmaking Basics and Voice Over Work Filmmaking.
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