I use film, but if someone asks me whether they should buy a film camera or a digital camera, I almost always recommend digital. The answer is not so simple if someone asks me which is 'better' - film or digital?
The answer comes down what you mean by 'better.' Photography is many things to many people, so the merits of the medium depends on what you expect to get out of it.
In my business (a nature photography gallery), the single most important criteria is the quality of the printed photograph. For me, film still provides superior quality enlargements, even though darkroom printing has all but died out. These days, I get a high-resolution scan from the original film, and print my photos digitally. This process gives me a better quality enlargement than a print from a digital camera. I am talking about BIG enlargements here - A2 and sometimes larger.
So why do I recommend others to switch to digital photography (if they haven't already)? Simply because not many people make their living selling framed photographs. Let's face it, how many of us will ever print a photo larger than 8x12 inch (20x30cm)?
These days, in fact, how many of us ever get around to printing our photos at all? The day of the photo album has passed. Today most photos will only ever exist as digital files. We can share them in emails, insert them into websites, use them as screensavers...for many people the idea of actually printing a photo is little more than a novelty.
So in the age of digital photography, what does film has to offer? Well, not much, except for the high cost of developing and printing (don't forget you have to pay for each exposure, even the bad ones). Then there is the long delay between taking the photo and seeing the result. Finally, if you want to use your photo for any practical purpose, you will probably have to scan it to turn it into a digital file anyway.
So, is digital photography 'better' than film photography? In the modern world, which demands speed and convenience, yes. With your digital camera you can take all the photos you like at no real cost, and see the results instantly. You don't have to pay to print photos you don't want, and you can simply delete your unsuccessful images from your camera.
That's not to say digital photography is perfect; far from it. I have already mentioned that your digital files are not as good as film for very big enlargements, but there is more to it than that. The quality of a digital print is a little 'flatter' than a photo printed from film. It may have plenty of colour and detail, but in ways that are hard to explain, it lacks the illusion of three-dimensional real life that you can get from film.
In the past, most digital photographers would laugh at me for suggesting such a thing. I suspect that was because after investing a small fortune in their new technological treasure, they were reluctant to admit that their new toy was not perfect in every way. Today, however, even the most devoted digital disciple seems ready to admit that the digital revolution, for all its advantages, has lead to compromises in quality.
Is there a solution? Of course there is, and it is called software. Whichever image editing software you use, you can easily 'tweak' your photos, to the point where the quality is as rich and three-dimensional as a film photograph. These programs have become a fact of life for many photographers, but not everyone likes to use them or even knows how to. Then there are the grumpy old purists (like me) who feel that a well-exposed photo should not require enhancement to bring it up to standard.
So where does all this leave us? Is digital better than film? For my purposes, no. For your purposes, most likely yes. If your priority is not large, high quality prints, there is really very little reason to stick with film (other than nostalgia).
If you are shopping for a camera (SLR or compact), make it a digital. Just as important, take the time to learn how to use it. Photography is still about focus, aperture, shutter speed, composition and lighting. The digital vs. film debate means nothing if your camera is always switched to auto for taking snapshots. Oh, and get to know your computer...you're going to need it.
40 Digital Photography Techniques
Digital photography is a fad among people of all ages. People are hoping for every possible souces for information related to digital photography. The World Wide Web might be a good source of news but nothing can rival the pleasure of reading a book about digital photography at your comfort and convenience. With digital photography books, you get the required knowledge without having to search the world wide web and weed through multitudes of useless pages. Therefore, if you desire to learn about any aspect of digital photography all that you have to do is to research a book on the necessary topic.
Resources regarding Digital Photos
There has been an incredible increase in the number of books on digital photos including the ones on specialized aspects. In addition to the general suggestions and information books you can find sources on specific topics such as digital black and white photography, digital night photography, digital infrared photography, and the like. Let's look at one of the most widely read books available on digital photography.
Ben Longs 'Complete Digital Photography' is likely one of the best books about digital photography. It provides basic as well as specific data and is ideal for those who are just learning the art of digital photography. It gives great guidelines for searching around and for making a link among 35mm and digital cameras.
Most technical points of digital photography are discussed thoroghly allowing the user to be able to shoot appropriately and edit the photos in Fireworks. The whole process of digital photography from the instant the image is taken on the sensors to the last shot is explained in plain language.
Ben Longs 'Complete Digital Photography' is basically split into four sub-sections with the first part having all the fundamental technical speak.
The next part of this book gives crucial information regarding the aspects that need to be thought of while purchasing a digital camera. The third section of this book gives thorough information about how to shoot by choosing the best exposure, using a histogram, using the flash and many other aspects.
The last section of this book explains the editing and correction processes and shows the process for prints the images. A CD is enclosed in the book and there are many color images as well. 'Complete Digital Photography' is a complete book giving thorough information about all aspects of digital photography. Several other books offer specific information about several aspects of digital photography. Apart form books in print you can order and download several e-books on digital photography, if you are searching for cheap and readably attained information right from the comfort of your domincile.
Both Andrew Goodall & Diane Wallace are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Andrew Goodall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Digital Photography, Photography and Digital Photography. Andrew Goodall's nature photography gallery is in Montville, Qld, Australia. His ebooks have helped thousands of beginners learn the art and skills of photography. See Andrew's images at. Andrew Goodall's top article generates over 40500 views. Bookmark Andrew Goodall to your Favourites.
Diane Wallace has sinced written about articles on various topics from Digital Photography. Diane Wallace has been writing on Digital Photogrphy for years. Peruse her gallery of original wall prints and you will also see an enormous amount of resources relate. Diane Wallace's top article generates over 1000 views. Bookmark Diane Wallace to your Favourites.
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