Digital or Film?
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People always seem to ask me: Which is better, digital or film? I can’t truly answer that question without going deeply into the merits of each. Granted, day by day, digital is becoming the standard torch-bearer, and will probably eventually make film look like an ancient relic.
But the fact that film still has a large following, and also the fact that film can STILL provide the largest prints without loss of detail (if you’re shooting in large format) - both of these facts provide great evidence towards the fact that film will be around as an alternative process for years in the future.
So if you decide on film, then you should decide on the right camera and format. This depends largely on what type of photography you do.
- Large Format: The ultimate rig for the serious film photographer. Expect to pay around $400 for the low-cost models and upwards of 3000 for more advanced or pro-level models.
- Medium Format: The standard for most famous photographers. This format is still widely in use among professional architectural photographers and portraiture artists.
- 35mm: A photojournalist’s preferred format. You should try to find a cheap used Leica if you want to shoot in 35mm. Remember: these negatives will only yield a print of 11 x 17, maximum, and many digital cameras now compete with 35mm
- Alternative Processes, Art, Experimentation: Pinhole cameras, Holgas, TTVs, and even some Kodak Brownies can go a long way towards achieving that artsy, raw, and unedited look.