Digital cameras have changed the world of photography
forever. It has never been easier - or cheaper - to
practice and learn the art of photography, and millions of
people are taking an interest in photography for the first
time. But the question is still often asked. Which is
better: film or digital?
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)?
In fact, how many digital photos these days are ever
printed 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
committed digital convert seems willing to admit that the
digital revolution has, for all its advantages, brought
with it a level of compromise 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 you simply switch your camera to
automatic and take snapshots. Oh, and get to know your
computer...you're going to need it.
----------------------------------------------------
Andrew Goodall is a professional nature photographer of 20
years experience, with a successful gallery and two ebooks
"Photography in Plain English" and "Every Picture Tells A
Story", which have helped thousands of beginners discover
the art and skills of nature photography. See Andrew
Goodall's images at http://www.naturesimage.com.au and
check out the ebooks at
http://www.naturesimage.com.au/page/25/default.asp
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