Film vs Digital Photography. Is one better than the other?

The debate of film vs digital photography has been going on since the advent of the digital camera. The main question –  Is film better than digital photography? A passionate photography purist would say yes without blinking an eye.

However, the answer is no and yes, at the same time. Film photography is not obsolete. Digital photography has its beauty as well. So, digital photos vs analogue pictures!

Film vs Digital Photography Main Differences

So, what is the difference between digital and film photography?

Film photography implies exposing individual bits of a roll of film to light. The roll of film is made from plastic and covered with a layer of silver halide crystals that grow dark in contact with the light. The result is a couple of negatives.

Furthermore, they are developed in a darkroom using specific chemicals. Read more on that in our article about starting film photography.

Digital photography pretty much echoes this process. In this case, it’s not a film but an electronic sensor that captures the images. The photographs are then stored on a memory card. They have a particular resolution measured in Megapixels.

Film Photography Pros and Cons

There’s no real vs digital photography battle. There is no universal answer to the which-is-the-best question. As a matter of fact, both film and digital photography have their advantages and disadvantages.

So, let’s take a look at the film photography main pros.

• Film cameras are significantly less expensive than digital cameras
• Moreover, film has a higher dynamic range and impressive image quality.  This means that most film cameras can capture the white and black details better than a digital camera. In fact, if you want to shoot black and white portraits, you should do it on film for a maximum effect
• Furthermore, film catches some subtleties that are usually lost in digital photography
• However, the film forgives you if you mess up the exposure on manual mode
• You cannot edit film images in the darkroom. Your photographs will be flawed and raw but beautiful. This is the beauty of film photography; you cannot be tempted to edit the images. Just develop them, frame them and hang them on your wall. These are the memories that count.
• Film photography teaches you about patience and focus. Usually, you have a very limited number of exposures on a roll of film. So, you need to think about your every shot and angle. Film photography draws you in completely.

But what are the limitations of film photography?

• First of all, there’s a limited number of exposures. Yes, this could be both an advantage and a disadvantage.
• Secondly, there’s the long and tedious developing process. You cannot see the pictures you take. So, it will always be a surprise what you find.
• Thirdly, you don’t have as many effects and settings available that can aid you.
• Film photography takes time to learn and master, as opposed to taking pictures with your phone, for example.

Digital Photography Pros and Cons

Ok, so, some of the reasons we all love and use digital photography are:

• First of all, digital cameras come with built-in filters and many other modern features that help you take a decent picture without much fuss. For example, you can change film speeds between photographs.
• You can take hundreds of photos until you make it. Nevertheless, this could be both an advantage and disadvantage.
• Some digital cameras allow you to edit your images directly on them.
• You can view the picture immediately and shoot another one if necessary
• Digital cameras are usually lighter in weight and overall easier to operate
• The image resolution in most digital cameras is high enough for large prints.
• You can take pictures on your phone. Oh, yes, and you can publish them on Instagram directly.

Continuing this film vs digital photography charade, let’s see the main cons of digital photography instead of film.

• First of all, there is quite a bit of difference between specific digital cameras. Not all of them are created equal, and you need to pay quite a bit of extra for some proper low-light image quality or dynamic range
• Digital cameras are somewhat expensive even when starting up
• Last but not least, digital cameras do not offer the same natural warmth to pictures. An analogue 35mm film would create incredible texture in your photos. You can see this difference in movies. Just look at a person’s skin in a movie shot on film. You will literally feel the texture of it.

Film vs Digital Photography Conclusion

So, if you want to start a film photography project, you can do that without running a hole in your pockets.

In our film vs digital photography comparison, it is probably time to address the elephant in the room – phone cameras. Yes, our phones have got pretty smart. The cameras are excellent, and they’re very easy to use. Nevertheless, these phone cameras have so many effects and post-production touch-ups that you lose the feeling of taking a photo.

Film camera photography is about the experience. You have to be focused on taking the perfect shot. You have to be patient. There’s no instant gratification. You will see the photo later.

Last but not least, with film photography, you have that whole ritual. You buy a roll of film, and you know it’s only got a limited number of frames. So, you and your friends are on an adventure together and take pictures. Nevertheless, you don’t know how they look until you get home.

When you get home and develop them, you can have the same fun again, going through the memories and laughing at those spoiled shots.

So, yes, if you want a conclusion. Digital photography is easier and better for all visible logistics reasons. But film photography is an experience. You can’t live this experience with any phone or digital camera.