Digital? or Film?

[archetype]

i know this is probably a stupid question. but which do you guys like better? Digital? or Film? and why? my camera isnt anything to brag about at all. i just have a Sony Cyber-shot 6mp. anyways...i've captured some pretty cool pics from it and i'm starting to take an interest in photography. the reason i ask this question is my grandpa has some old camera's with long lenses. i dont know what they are or anything...but i was thinking about asking him about them. i dont think he uses them anymore...but if film isnt the greatest...i dont know if i'll bother

 

[GryffinSong]

Digital. No question. I can take literally hundreds of pictures, even thousands if I wish. And that gives me so many more images to learn from and work with. I'll never go back to film unless I want to get into large format work. And even then, I think they're getting closer to having good medium format digital cameras.

The cost savings alone, in not buying film or development, is incredible. That assumes, though, that you invest in a good printer. I love being in full control of the full process.

Now, if they're old, you may enjoy having the cameras from a historical perspective. Or you may find that his lenses are compatible with a camera you might want to buy.

Have fun!

 

[archetype]

what about the quality? one or the other better?

 

[Tiberius]

The quality of a digital camera - a decent digital camera - matches the quality of a film camera. And a higher resolution digital camera can capture the same image detail as a film camera.

There are five big advantages to digital:

*Never pay to buy film
*Never pay to develop film
*You can see the results instantly
*You can change the ISO without wasting film
*You can change the white balance without wasting film

 

[archetype]

sounds like i should stick with digital. i need to get a good digital...but i dont really know much about them. this sony is ok...but i want something amazing. any suggestions?

 

[encouraging loves animals]

I only have a cheap digital video/still camera brought from Aldi's-$179 australian dollars. For its price-it is very, very good-Traveler brand.

 

[Tiberius]

For an amazing digital camera, I'd recommend a digital SLR camera. However, you'll need to learn how to use it to get those amazing pictures.

A good quality point and shoot digital camera might be more easily learnt.

 

[archetype]

thanks for the input. i'm pretty happy with my sony. but then i see other peoples pics...they mine look like a throw-away camera...lol

 

[GryffinSong]

If you want to learn to use an SLR, you might consider taking some workshops or classes. Both Canon and Nikon make excellent digital SLR cameras, and either one would make you happy. I shoot with a Nikon D70. One of my best friends shoots with a Canon rebel something-or-other. Both are excellent.

Good luck!!!

 

[MarkEvan]

I would go with digital, film is great and I still have my EOS 3, but digital has surpassed film as the choice of todays photographers. I won`t give the reasons why as these have already been covered. If you really want to take photography up seriously as a hobby (maybe later as a profession). Then get an SLR, all the top makes have perfectly capable cameras (Canon Nikon Pentax), Canon are the best, but then I am a Canon user so I would say that .

I think they're getting closer to having good medium format digital cameras.

Already been done, Hasselblad have several models that the pros are falling over each other too have, unfortuantly they cost around $15 - $40,000 (a guess off the price of the UK one).

Mark

 

[Stormswept]

I just finished a photography course, using a normal point and shoot to start with (which took great pictures) and also was given the loan of a lovely digital SLR camera and it was fantastic.
If you get the chance, definitely a digital SLR. Dont be afraid to experiment, any library will give you a large selection of books on how to use a digital camera, and some of them will show you what you are capable of
Jaki

 

[GrinningDwarf]

sounds like i should stick with digital. i need to get a good digital...but i dont really know much about them. this sony is ok...but i want something amazing. any suggestions?

Any digital SLR is going to be able to shoot fully automatic or fully manually, or anywhere in between. If you really think photography is something you're going to want to pursue, I'd go with the digital SLR and skip the point and shoot. You're going to want the versatility of being able to change lenses for different situations.

 

[cristianna]

Everyone has provided excellent answers. There are many pros and cons to both film and digital. I still prefer film only because I enjoy the anticipation of what the pictures look like. While it is a bit annoying, it's a ton of fun to wait for the film to be ready for pick up. But that's just me.


I'd recommend trying out your grandfather's camera. It sounds like he has a nice set up for you to get started. And the bonus would be him teaching you-- can't dismiss good quality time together.

Once you learn iso, shutter speed, etc I think then if you truly enjoy it go for a nice digital. I shoot with the Rebel XT and love it. I also have a friend who shoots with the Nikon something or other and loves hers too.

 

[archetype]

hey...thanks to everyone for all your input. i'm like a baby to photography. like right now i'm gonna have to look into what a SLR camera is...couldnt tell you right now...lol

 

[fieldmouse3]

SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex...they're those cameras you see the pros using with the detachable lenses.

 

[archetype]

SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex...they're those cameras you see the pros using with the detachable lenses.

lol...yeah...i just read that. so digital would be DSLR right?

 

[fieldmouse3]

You got it!

 

[rdale]

FWIW... a while back I was looking for an informative but quick read type of photography book, and ran across:

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition) (Paperback)
by Bryan Peterson

http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003

You should be able to pick it up or order it at your local book store also. Lots of good practical info, useable both for digital and film.

 

[archetype]

awesome...thanks

 

[Chocolatesa]

Personally I'd stick with digital. Just got my first digital camera myself, and it's soooo much more convenient. And the quality's just as good.