Digital vs film photography and why film is making a comeback

Film photography is experiencing a delightful renaissance. Let’s uncover the contrasts.

Photography has evolved dramatically over the years, with the two most prominent formats being digital and film. While digital photography reigns as the dominant medium today, film photography is making a noticeable comeback. Let’s break down the differences between these two formats and why film is currently experiencing a resurgence.

Digital Photography: Precision and Convenience

Digital photography relies on sensors to capture images, which are then processed into digital files. This format has revolutionized the way we take and store photos, offering many advantages:

Instant Results: Digital cameras allow you to view your photos immediately, giving instant feedback on the shot.

Editability: Digital files are easily edited on a computer, enabling photographers to adjust exposure, color, and composition post-capture.

Cost-Effectiveness: You don’t need to worry about buying film rolls or developing costs, making it an affordable option for casual and professional photographers alike.

Storage: Thousands of photos can be stored on memory cards and hard drives without physical limitations.

Both Images have film on the left, and digital on the right.

Image 1. Left Film, Right Digital. Image 2. Left Film, Right Digital.

However, despite these benefits, some photographers find digital to be too clinical and sterile in its perfection.

Film Photography: The Resurgence of Analog

Film photography, on the other hand, captures images on light-sensitive film stock, which is then chemically developed to produce physical prints. It has a distinctive aesthetic that many enthusiasts find deeply appealing:

Authentic Feel: Film captures light in a more organic way, resulting in images with unique grain, contrast, and warmth.

Limited Shots: Unlike digital, where you can take hundreds of photos, film is limited to the number of exposures per roll, making photographers more intentional with each shot.

The Process: Developing and printing photos can be a hands-on, meditative process that adds to the art of photography. There’s a certain nostalgia and craftsmanship in the entire process.

In recent years, film photography has seen a resurgence, driven by both nostalgia and the desire for imperfection. With digital becoming almost too perfect, many photographers are turning back to film to embrace its unpredictability, emotional depth, and tactile nature.

Both left frames are film, digital to the right.

Point and Shoot Film Cameras vs. Manual Film Cameras

When it comes to film photography, there are two primary types of cameras you’ll encounter: point-and-shoot and manual. Both offer distinct experiences.

Point and Shoot Film Cameras:

Ease of Use: These cameras are perfect for beginners or those looking for convenience. They are fully automatic, with most handling exposure and focus settings for you. Simply load the film, aim, and shoot.

Compact and Lightweight: Point-and-shoot cameras are small, making them portable and easy to carry for everyday use.

Instant Fun: With their automatic settings, these cameras let you focus on enjoying the moment and capturing quick snapshots without worrying about technical details.

Both left frames are film, images on the right are digital.

Both left frames are film again, and right images are digital.

Manual Film Cameras:

Full Control: Manual cameras give you complete control over exposure, shutter speed, aperture, and focus, allowing you to fully engage with the art of photography.

While they require more skill and understanding of photography principles, manual cameras can be a great way to hone your craft. They encourage thoughtful consideration of each shot, from composition to technical settings.

Classic Appeal: For those who appreciate the craftsmanship of analog photography, manual cameras provide a more immersive, hands-on experience.

I personally only shoot manual film, It allows me to use interchangeable lenses and get more depth of field that a point and shoot doesn’t. It also demands my full attention and focus, helps me to slow down and be more intentional with my subjects. Having started photography in a digital era I find sometimes I can shoot up to 4000 photos at a wedding and only use 1000 of them.

I love shooting on my film camera for the fact it forces me to slow down and really focus on my composition.

So, why is film photography experiencing a revival? There are several reasons..

Nostalgia and Aesthetics! With the rise of vintage culture, many photographers enjoy the nostalgic and raw feel of film. The analog imperfections—such as grain, light leaks, and unexpected colors—are often celebrated as part of the charm.

Digital Fatigue.. In an age where everything is digital, film offers a break from the constant stream of perfect, edited images. The tactile nature of film photography is refreshing and provides a deeper connection to the process.

Creativity and Intentionality: With fewer shots to take and no instant review, film photographers approach each shot with more thought and care, cultivating creativity and mindfulness in their work.

LEFT: Film on the left, digital on the right. RIGHT: Digital on the left, film on the right.

So in conclusion, while digital photography offers convenience, precision, and versatility, film photography provides a rich, nostalgic experience with a more hands-on approach. Whether you choose a point and shoot for its simplicity or a manual camera for its creative freedom, film is making its mark once again, offering an escape from the digital world and inviting us to rediscover the beauty of imperfection.

What do you prefer?

Ponderings and thoughts,

Meghan