Film V's Digital
Jan 4, 2020 08:54:17 #
And to answer your question, which I realized I didn't actually answer in my other post....in this day and age I do think digital is easier to learn. Instant feedback and you now at once whether you got it right or not. By the time you get your film developed and try to remember what you did when you took the shot to begin with, the learning process slows down. I do think learning digital and then THEN learning film, really does help your photography in general. I think people should learn both, even if you don't do film a lot, at least learn it after you've gotten your digital skills down. It will teach you patience, if nothing else!
Jan 4, 2020 09:04:27 #
Kmgw9v wrote:
Unfortunately, I've met those who would severely test that hypothesis................ Nothing about shooting digital precludes one from engaging in extreme thought, planning, use of discipline, intensive preparation; or any other processes an adult uses to produce an acceptable image.
We do what we do because we are adults.
We do what we do because we are adults.
Respectfully submitted 
Jan 4, 2020 09:06:05 #
JoeJoe wrote:
When learning photography is it better to use Film or Digital and what does each bring to the table....
Is there a difference when learning that we should treat each process (Film, Digital) differently or would you say its the same regardless of kit??
The reason I ask in my last two posts there has been a point where those brought up on film refer back to the good old days rather than actually address the question being asked???
Is there a difference when learning that we should treat each process (Film, Digital) differently or would you say its the same regardless of kit??
The reason I ask in my last two posts there has been a point where those brought up on film refer back to the good old days rather than actually address the question being asked???
Do you want to LEARN photography or just produce images? Your question spoke of "learning" photography. You are in luck. You can set-up your digital camera to mimic a basic film camera and "learn the craft" much more quickly than if you use film.
Manually set the ISO. Manually set White Balance. Manually set f/stop and Shutter Speed. Manually focus. Get the point --- take all the controls that you can away from the camera. This will force you to see what each control actually does. Once you have the Basic knowledge, you can add automation/semi automation as you like.
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Jan 4, 2020 09:09:59 #
photosbytw wrote:
Unfortunately, I've met those who would severely test that hypothesis................
Respectfully submitted
Respectfully submitted So have I. 😄
Jan 4, 2020 09:11:58 #
With digital, you have instant feedback on your progress. You no longer have to wait on the film to find out what you did right or wrong.
I learned on film and have the bad habit of trying not to waste pixels. I not saying I should "spray and pray" but, I could shoot a few more images just to improve my chances on getting a "keeper".
I learned on film and have the bad habit of trying not to waste pixels. I not saying I should "spray and pray" but, I could shoot a few more images just to improve my chances on getting a "keeper".
Jan 4, 2020 09:18:40 #
melismus wrote:
Two clear points: shooting digiital, you can afford to experiment endlessly, and you see results immediately while you still remember what you did.
One can take MANY shots to see how they look. That might only allow six variations of scenes per roll with film (more or less).
And the results with digital are rather immediate as opposed to waiting and wondering.
One can look at the shot right then and modify it as required.
Some will argue that shooting film gets you more serious quicker so you don't waste film.
My theory is that if you're going to be serious, you'll be serious from the start. Film would be a hindrance in that respect, not an asset.
Jan 4, 2020 09:24:38 #
One thing film photography can potentially help with is building confidence.
For example, with people who only know digital photography - if you took away their LCD screen and disconnected their meter, they would likely be either completely lost or feel very insecure when using the camera. An experienced film shooter would certainly be able to handle the situation much better.
The two things I've learned from film photography that have made me a more efficient digital photographer is the ability to anticipate action and how to pay close attention to what I am seeing in the viewfinder.
For example, with people who only know digital photography - if you took away their LCD screen and disconnected their meter, they would likely be either completely lost or feel very insecure when using the camera. An experienced film shooter would certainly be able to handle the situation much better.
The two things I've learned from film photography that have made me a more efficient digital photographer is the ability to anticipate action and how to pay close attention to what I am seeing in the viewfinder.
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Jan 4, 2020 09:54:43 #
One is bettered learns on digital, just like one is bettered learns on a flight simulator than the real plane at first. Just to prevent the crashes until you know what to do.
Jan 4, 2020 10:14:37 #
Digital...immediate and inexpensive feedback.
Film...delayed and expensive feedback.
Your choice
One advantage of film was having to THINK about each shot. With digital it is so easy just to shoot and shoot without giving as much thought to the end product as in film. That, ofc, would take discipline.
Film...delayed and expensive feedback.
Your choice
One advantage of film was having to THINK about each shot. With digital it is so easy just to shoot and shoot without giving as much thought to the end product as in film. That, ofc, would take discipline.
Jan 4, 2020 10:17:22 #
SteveR wrote:
Digital...immediate and inexpensive feedback.
Film...delayed and expensive feedback.
Your choice
One advantage of film was having to THINK about each shot. With digital it is so east just to shoot and shoot without giving as much thought to the end product as in film. That, ofc, would take discipline.
Film...delayed and expensive feedback.
Your choice
One advantage of film was having to THINK about each shot. With digital it is so east just to shoot and shoot without giving as much thought to the end product as in film. That, ofc, would take discipline.
Jan 4, 2020 10:22:32 #
BebuLamar wrote:
One is bettered learns on digital, just like one is bettered learns on a flight simulator than the real plane at first. Just to prevent the crashes until you know what to do.
Really misguided analogy. A digital camera is not a simulator for the real thing.
What are you ingesting?
Sorry.
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Jan 4, 2020 10:28:28 #
Kmgw9v wrote:
Really misguided analogy. A digital camera is not a simulator for the real thing.
What are you ingesting?
Sorry.
What are you ingesting?
Sorry.
Didn't I hear about them film simulator plug in??
Jan 4, 2020 11:11:28 #
Kmgw9v wrote:
Nothing about shooting digital precludes one from engaging in extreme thought, planning, use of discipline, intensive preparation; or any other processes an adult uses to produce an acceptable image.
We do what we do because we are adults.
We do what we do because we are adults.
The problem is many people new to photography don't engage in extreme thought, planning, or discipline. A lot of new photographers will buy a digital camera with a superzoom lens. They arrive at a location and just twist the zoom ring until the subject fills the viewfinder. They're not even thinking about how the focal length effects the image.
When everybody here started with film, people had mostly primes lenses. Typically, one would buy a 50mm lens with the camera. After that people would add wide angle primes - 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, and possibly a 200mm telephoto. Everybody learned much better the characteristics of the lenses.
Jan 4, 2020 11:39:31 #
Jan 4, 2020 11:45:59 #
CO wrote:
The problem is many people new to photography don't engage in extreme thought, planning, or discipline. A lot of new photographers will buy a digital camera with a superzoom lens. They arrive at a location and just twist the zoom ring until the subject fills the viewfinder. They're not even thinking about how the focal length effects the image.
...
...
Haha. That's what I do, I worry more about various compositions. I do know about compression/expansion.
I just don't worry about it too much as it's inherent. Sometimes I shoot wider and then crop in post, it eliminates the compression/expansion scenario. But that is done with my taste in image characteristics.
(Then, I've only been shooting for ≈45 years.
)
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