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 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
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.
If you choose a film camera, you will find you will have a richer look to your film. Disadvantages to using film are, having to have the film sent out to be processed before seeing what you shot. It takes about a day or so to have the film processed and it's not easy to find a center who will take filmmakers on a budget. If you do, you can have an engaging and professional looking 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.
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
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.
If you have ever looked at a photo taken with an old 35mm camera and compared with digital, you will see that the disadvantage is that digital produces a picture that is often too 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.
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 decide this, it will make the choices much easier to make. - 16887
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
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.
If you choose a film camera, you will find you will have a richer look to your film. Disadvantages to using film are, having to have the film sent out to be processed before seeing what you shot. It takes about a day or so to have the film processed and it's not easy to find a center who will take filmmakers on a budget. If you do, you can have an engaging and professional looking 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.
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
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.
If you have ever looked at a photo taken with an old 35mm camera and compared with digital, you will see that the disadvantage is that digital produces a picture that is often too 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.
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 decide this, it will make the choices much easier to make. - 16887
About the Author:
Marcy Burlock is a keen filmmaking enthusiast. She loves to share her filmmaking knowledge and provide lessons about Stop Motion Filmmaking and Budget Filmmaking on Clivir.com.
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