For filmmakers, it's hard enough to decide what script to produce and what team to put together to create each film. One of these decisions that you will have to make will be what camera to use. Do you use a camera that utilizes film; for example a High 8 camera? Or do you use a digital camera that either uses its own Hard drive, or you can use 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 Cameras
A film camera is just that, a camera that uses film. Some of the better known film cameras are the High 8, which is a camera whose images are very clear; fairly close to digital. There are also 16mm cameras and of course super 8 cameras, these are the old reel to reel cameras created before VCR's.
If you choose a film camera, you will find you will have a richer look to your film. Disadvantages to using film are, having to have the film sent out to be processed before seeing what you shot. It takes about a day or so to have the film processed and it's not easy to find a center who will take filmmakers on a budget. If you do, you can have an engaging and professional looking 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.
The Digital Camera
Today's technological advances have made finding new digital cameras a walk in the park. In addition, digital offers special effects and editing programs you can't get with film or tape which allows you the ability to produce a more professional looking film.
Digital does have a disadvantage. If you compare a photo taken with an old 35mm camera to one taken with a digital camera, you will see that the digital photo is excessively bright and clear and contains no depth.
While digital cameras are very clear, it is very difficult to get the same shading and lighting unless you are an expert at lighting and editing programs.
It is very easy to check your work on a digital camera. A quick click on play and you can watch what you have already shot. If you don't like what you see, simply click delete and its gone. No more worrying about wearing out a tape again.
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.
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.
Before choosing the camera that is right for you, you must first ask yourself some questions. Do you want the ease and convenience of a digital camera? Or, do you prefer look and feel of the old school film and tape cameras?
Once you decide, the rest will flow with ease. - 20763
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 Cameras
A film camera is just that, a camera that uses film. Some of the better known film cameras are the High 8, which is a camera whose images are very clear; fairly close to digital. There are also 16mm cameras and of course super 8 cameras, these are the old reel to reel cameras created before VCR's.
If you choose a film camera, you will find you will have a richer look to your film. Disadvantages to using film are, having to have the film sent out to be processed before seeing what you shot. It takes about a day or so to have the film processed and it's not easy to find a center who will take filmmakers on a budget. If you do, you can have an engaging and professional looking 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.
The Digital Camera
Today's technological advances have made finding new digital cameras a walk in the park. In addition, digital offers special effects and editing programs you can't get with film or tape which allows you the ability to produce a more professional looking film.
Digital does have a disadvantage. If you compare a photo taken with an old 35mm camera to one taken with a digital camera, you will see that the digital photo is excessively bright and clear and contains no depth.
While digital cameras are very clear, it is very difficult to get the same shading and lighting unless you are an expert at lighting and editing programs.
It is very easy to check your work on a digital camera. A quick click on play and you can watch what you have already shot. If you don't like what you see, simply click delete and its gone. No more worrying about wearing out a tape again.
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.
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.
Before choosing the camera that is right for you, you must first ask yourself some questions. Do you want the ease and convenience of a digital camera? Or, do you prefer look and feel of the old school film and tape cameras?
Once you decide, the rest will flow with ease. - 20763
About the Author:
Marcy Burlock is a keen filmmaking enthusiast. She loves to share her filmmaking knowledge and provide lessons about Animation Film Production and Budget Filmmaking on Clivir.com.
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