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.
Either one is perfectly fine to use and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few of the differences between each.
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.
Film cameras offer filmmaker's a much richer looking film. However, the disadvantage to this is that you will need to have the film processed. While this process only takes a day or two, it is very difficult to find a center willing to work with a filmmaker on a budget. But, if you do you will end up with a clear, more engaging film.
Camcorders are another option and these use VCR tapes. These tapes are readily available and usually very inexpensive. However, the disadvantages to using a tape camcorder are the fact that you must rewind the tape in order to see what you have shot. If you are not satisfied with the scene, you must either tape over it or use another tape. In addition, these tapes tend to wear down over time which can lead to poor film quality.
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
Today's advances in technology have made digital cameras popular, moderately priced and easy to use. With digital, you are able to implement more effects and editing programs allowing you to produce a more professional looking film than you would with tape or film.
Digital cameras have a disadvantage of the picture looking too bright or clear, with no depth to the scene. If you have ever looked at a picture on an old 35mm and compared it to a digital camera you will know what I mean.
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 is very easy to use as you can check your work immediately just by clicking play or hooking the camera up to a computer. If you find something you don't like, simply click the delete button and its gone. No need to worry about wearing out the film or tape.
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.
Adding special effects to a digital film is easier too; it just takes using your files already uploaded on your computer and adding whatever effects you need to.
The final flaw to using a digital camcorder is the fact that ones that use a hard drive can be fairly expensive. Oftentimes, they run anywhere from $400 and up. However, there are camcorders available that use an SD or XD memory card just like your still camera. These are usually much cheaper, but their quality is just the same as the 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 this, it will make the choices much easier to make.
Either one is perfectly fine to use and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few of the differences between each.
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.
Film cameras offer filmmaker's a much richer looking film. However, the disadvantage to this is that you will need to have the film processed. While this process only takes a day or two, it is very difficult to find a center willing to work with a filmmaker on a budget. But, if you do you will end up with a clear, more engaging film.
Camcorders are another option and these use VCR tapes. These tapes are readily available and usually very inexpensive. However, the disadvantages to using a tape camcorder are the fact that you must rewind the tape in order to see what you have shot. If you are not satisfied with the scene, you must either tape over it or use another tape. In addition, these tapes tend to wear down over time which can lead to poor film quality.
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
Today's advances in technology have made digital cameras popular, moderately priced and easy to use. With digital, you are able to implement more effects and editing programs allowing you to produce a more professional looking film than you would with tape or film.
Digital cameras have a disadvantage of the picture looking too bright or clear, with no depth to the scene. If you have ever looked at a picture on an old 35mm and compared it to a digital camera you will know what I mean.
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 is very easy to use as you can check your work immediately just by clicking play or hooking the camera up to a computer. If you find something you don't like, simply click the delete button and its gone. No need to worry about wearing out the film or tape.
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.
Adding special effects to a digital film is easier too; it just takes using your files already uploaded on your computer and adding whatever effects you need to.
The final flaw to using a digital camcorder is the fact that ones that use a hard drive can be fairly expensive. Oftentimes, they run anywhere from $400 and up. However, there are camcorders available that use an SD or XD memory card just like your still camera. These are usually much cheaper, but their quality is just the same as the 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 this, it will make the choices much easier to make.
About the Author:
Marcy Burlock is a keen filmmaking enthusiast and featured writer on Clivir.com where she shares her filmmaking knowledge about Filmmaking Career and Voice Over Work Filmmaking.
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