Filmmakers have a lot of choices to make when taking on a film project. Things such as script choice and what team to put together are very important. However, another crucial decision that must be made is whether to use a film camera such as a High 8 or a digital camera that uses a hard drive or SD memory card.
Whether film or digital is your choice, both are perfectly fine. However, each one has its own list of advantages and disadvantages. Listed below are just a few for both methods.
Film Camera
As you would suspect, a film camera requires film. The most recognized film camera is the High 8. This cameras film quality is very similar to that of a digital camera. Additional models include the 16mm and the Super 8 which are the old reel to reel cameras invented way before VCR's.
Film cameras offer a richer looking film. However, this form does require the need for processing. While this task usually only takes a day or two, it is very difficult to find a processing center willing to work with a filmmaker on a budget. If you do in fact find one, your reward will be a clear and engaging film.
Most camcorders use tapes that can fit into VCR's. These are cheap and easy to find. The disadvantages of using them are, you need to rewind the tape often to check your scenes, and if you aren't satisfied with what you have shot, you must either tape over it, or use a new tape. Tapes do wear down over time, and even after only a few tapings you will notice wear and the picture is usually not as clear.
Film and tape have an additional downfall, they most often appear dark. In order to prevent this, your goal is to provide adequate light while maintaining a natural feel.
Digital
Digital cameras are easier to find new, as they are phasing out the old tape camcorders. With the abundance of effects and editing options on a digital camera, you can make a professional looking film much faster than with film or tape.
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.
A digital camera is very clear, however it is very difficult to capture the same shading and lighting every time unless you are an expert at editing programs and lighting.
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.
Another fabulous advantage to a digital camcorder is the fact that all you have to do is connect it to your computer, upload your files and open your editing program. With a tape camcorder, a converter is needed 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.
When looking for a camera, it's always best to know what you need it for. What types of films will you be making? Do you want the ease and convenience of digital? Or would you prefer the look and feel of film or tape cameras?
Once you decide, the rest will flow with ease.
Whether film or digital is your choice, both are perfectly fine. However, each one has its own list of advantages and disadvantages. Listed below are just a few for both methods.
Film Camera
As you would suspect, a film camera requires film. The most recognized film camera is the High 8. This cameras film quality is very similar to that of a digital camera. Additional models include the 16mm and the Super 8 which are the old reel to reel cameras invented way before VCR's.
Film cameras offer a richer looking film. However, this form does require the need for processing. While this task usually only takes a day or two, it is very difficult to find a processing center willing to work with a filmmaker on a budget. If you do in fact find one, your reward will be a clear and engaging film.
Most camcorders use tapes that can fit into VCR's. These are cheap and easy to find. The disadvantages of using them are, you need to rewind the tape often to check your scenes, and if you aren't satisfied with what you have shot, you must either tape over it, or use a new tape. Tapes do wear down over time, and even after only a few tapings you will notice wear and the picture is usually not as clear.
Film and tape have an additional downfall, they most often appear dark. In order to prevent this, your goal is to provide adequate light while maintaining a natural feel.
Digital
Digital cameras are easier to find new, as they are phasing out the old tape camcorders. With the abundance of effects and editing options on a digital camera, you can make a professional looking film much faster than with film or tape.
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.
A digital camera is very clear, however it is very difficult to capture the same shading and lighting every time unless you are an expert at editing programs and lighting.
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.
Another fabulous advantage to a digital camcorder is the fact that all you have to do is connect it to your computer, upload your files and open your editing program. With a tape camcorder, a converter is needed 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.
When looking for a camera, it's always best to know what you need it for. What types of films will you be making? Do you want the ease and convenience of digital? Or would you prefer the look and feel of film or tape cameras?
Once you decide, the rest will flow with ease.
About the Author:
Marcy Burlock is a keen filmmaking enthusiast. She loves to share her filmmaking knowledge and provide lessons about Stop Motion Film Production and Low Cost Filmmaking on Clivir.com.
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