Digital vs. Film | Differences, Opinions, and Thoughts on a BIG Debate

I live and breathe photography.

I've ventured into diverse fields throughout my career, including editorial photoshoots, advertising campaigns, commercials, personal lifestyle photography, and weddings. My journey has taken me from shooting uninspiring senior portraits to collaborating with brands like AirBnb and Subaru USA. I also contribute my expertise to the talented team at Moment as Head Editor for this publication. As I refine my art, my equipment evolves alongside it. The need to adapt, modify, or change our approach is both natural and necessary for growth.

I traveled global landscapes for years with digital cameras slung around my neck. However, in the past few years, I've embraced the challenge of mastering film photography — a painstakingly cumbersome and beautifully unique medium. I was hooked after capturing some effortless-looking photos during a girls' trip to Joshua Tree in 2017. Since then, I've primarily shot using 35mm or medium-format film for my personal projects, reserving digital photography for larger, commercially driven campaigns.

My perspective continues to evolve, regardless of how much I favor one medium over the other. I don't consider digital superior to film or vice versa. I'm not a purist. I’ve captured various production shoots on film and digital formats, proving that both mediums have their place.

But which one is right for your work? There's a significant difference in quality and workflow between the various types of cameras. While I'm not an expert, I'm here to share insights based on my experiences and knowledge. So grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive into the world of digital vs. film.

Digital

Today, professional photographers no longer worry about a photo lab ruining their scans and jeopardizing their work. Snapshooters everywhere can easily pull out their smartphone or a digital camera and enjoy immediate control. With flip-out LCD screens for effortless viewing and presets ready to enhance any JPEG or RAW image, the possibilities with digital cameras are boundless and ever-expanding; we can process these images in minutes, not days, with the lights on.

They're Reliable

When you're a photographer living in the fast lane of client demands and rapid project turnarounds, digital cameras are your best friend. They’re like the Swiss army knives in photography — versatile, efficient, and downright dependable.

Shooting digitally means instant gratification and immediate feedback. You can view your shots seconds after they're taken, making it easy to adjust on the fly and ensure you're capturing exactly what you intended. This is critical when you’re working against the clock or need to deliver quick proofs to clients. Plus, shooting an almost unlimited number of images without worrying about film costs or processing times is a game changer in a professional setting.

Then there’s the matter of adaptability. Digital cameras offer features that are nothing short of a blessing for creatives: high ISO performance, long exposure capabilities, and rapid-fire shooting modes. These features empower photographers to experiment and push boundaries in low-light conditions or dynamic environments where action is key.

Let's not forget the ease of post-processing. Digital files can be tweaked and transformed in countless ways, giving creatives the ultimate control over the final image. For photographers who thrive on precision and flexibility, digital is the way to go, enabling them to mold their vision into the perfect shot with just a few adjustments.

Sharper, Better Detail

Ultimately, digital cameras harness the magic of modern technology, using sensors to capture light and convert it into electronic data. This process allows for precision that film sometimes can’t match. Each pixel on a sensor is a chance to capture exquisite detail, making every feather on a bird’s wing, every ripple in a stream, stark and vivid.

Unlike film, which can vary in grain and react unpredictably with chemicals, digital images are consistent and controllable. You can push the limits of exposure and color balance with the certainty of what you'll get. Plus, the power to adjust images post-shoot in software like Photoshop amplifies this clarity, letting photographers better refine their shots to pixel-perfect perfection.

Film

After experimenting with several rolls of film — some marred by disastrous errors and others enhanced by fortunate accidents — I fell in love with the distinct transformation of my photography through analog. The captivating light leaks, vivid colors, and organic grain achieved with film were all elements that digital manipulation simply couldn't match.

Film brought a natural simplicity to my visual storytelling, a quality I had long desired but never quite found in digital formats. Each photograph became more intentional, pushing me to be fully present as a photographer. Moreover, the delightful surprise with each developed film proved rewarding.

Kodak

Kodak film stocks hold a special place in photographers' hearts for their classic charm and reliability. For instance, Kodak Portra 400 is an absolute favorite among portrait and wedding photographers. It's renowned for its exceptional skin tone reproduction and fine grain, perfect for capturing people at their best. The versatility of its ISO 400 rating allows it to perform beautifully in a range of lighting conditions, from bright outdoor weddings to more subdued indoor ceremonies. Its ability to deliver consistently soft, natural-looking images has made it a go-to choice for those seeking a timeless aesthetic.

On the other side of Kodak's spectrum lies the iconic Kodak Tri-X 400, a black-and-white film beloved for its gritty aesthetic. Known for its high contrast and forgiving nature, it's a film that's as tough as it is flexible. Ideal for street photography or any setting that calls for a dramatic, moody feel, Tri-X excels in capturing the raw texture of life, from the grain of urban decay to the subtle nuances of human expressions.

Fujifilm

Fujifilm is another heavyweight in the photography world, revered for its vivid and reliable film stocks. Take their Fujifilm Pro 400H, for instance—it's a staple for wedding photographers and anyone chasing a soft, pastel aesthetic. With its versatile ISO 400 speed, this film handles various lighting situations gracefully, producing creamy skin tones and beautifully muted colors that give images a timeless look.

Then there’s the classic Fujifilm Velvia 50, a favorite among landscape photographers for its almost hyper-real color rendition. This film stock is all about saturation and contrast, capturing the world in surreal hues.

CineStill

CineStill has carved out a niche in the photography world with its film stocks, each bringing something special. Their 800T film is a favorite for those night-time shoots or dimly lit interiors, thanks to its tungsten balance. The magical halation effect really sets it apart—it makes bright lights bloom into soft, ethereal glow, almost like something out of a dream. This happens because CineStill strips away the anti-halation backing from the original cinema film, which gives photos that cinematic flair many love.

Then there's the CineStill 50D, perfect for those sunny day adventures. It's a super fine-grain film that captures vibrant, true-to-life colors in daylight. Rated at ISO 50, it’s all about crisp details and beautiful, clean colors that pop. It’s like HD for your analog camera, turning everyday scenes into vivid photographs.

Other Brands

For those who love to explore beyond the mainstream film brands, several offbeat film stocks have captured the imagination of analog enthusiasts. These films often offer unique characteristics or cater to niche photographic styles:

• Lomography: Lomography has carved out a niche with its experimental and creative approach to film stocks. Like LomoChrome Purple, their films mimic infrared photography by transforming greens into deep purples and yellows into pinks, creating surreal and whimsical landscapes. Another favorite is the LomoChrome Metropolis, which desaturates colors and enhances contrasts, giving photos a gritty, urban feel reminiscent of old dystopian cinema.
• JCH StreetPan 400: Created by a well-known street photographer, this black-and-white film was specifically designed for urban photography. It's known for its ability to handle harsh lighting conditions typical in city environments, providing deep blacks and excellent detail in shadows and highlights.
• KONO Manufaktur Film: This brand offers a ton of fun, experimental coloring, and sunstroke effects to every image. Some rolls offer a bright, summery effect; others produce a hazy moon-like luster.

General Consensus

If the example images below haven't made it clear, there's no reason you can't capture the same concept with either film or digital. Both mediums can produce varying degrees of quality and color, and they can even complement each other when used together.

One of the great advantages of digital is the ease of post-processing, allowing you to manipulate images to mimic the look of film. And despite what some purists might say, you can absolutely apply digital presets to your film scans. Remember, as the artist, you can do whatever you want with your work. You're in control.

What do you look for in an image? Do you prefer taking a single, thoughtful shot, or do you like to take multiple shots quickly? Do you enjoy the creative process of post-processing and color grading, or do you prefer more natural and true-to-life images? And if you're planning to print, what size are you considering?

If you're patient, film might be the right choice. However, editing digital images can be very rewarding for those who love playing with colors.

Ultimately, no matter the answer to these questions, the goal is to capture a meaningful and impactful photo.