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?
Whether film or digital is your choice, both are perfectly fine. However, each one has its own list of advantages and disadvantages. Listed below are just a few for both methods.
The Film Camera
As you would suspect, a film camera requires film. The most recognized film camera is the High 8. This cameras film quality is very similar to that of a digital camera. Additional models include the 16mm and the Super 8 which are the old reel to reel cameras invented way 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.
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.
You will also have to light your scene well. There are times with film or tape the scene will appear very dark and you can't make out anything. Light the scene so you know what's happening, but that it looks natural.
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.
If you have ever looked at a photo taken with an old 35mm camera and compared with digital, you will see that the disadvantage is that digital produces a picture that is often too 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.
Digital cameras allow you to check your shots right away, by simply clicking on the play button or connecting the camera to a computer and watching it. It's much easier to erase too, just click the delete button and it's gone. You don't have to worry about re-using tapes and having them wear out on you.
Another fabulous advantage to a digital camcorder is the fact that all you have to do is connect it to your computer, upload your files and open your editing program. With a tape camcorder, a converter is needed in order to connect to your computer.
Adding special effects could not be easier with a digital camcorder. All you have to do is open the files of special effects already loaded on your computer and enter the ones you want to your film.
The final disadvantage to a digital camcorder is the fact that the ones with a hard drive can be rather expensive. They usually cost anywhere from $400 and up. However, you can purchase ones that use an SD or an XD memory card instead. These tend to be much cheaper; however their quality is the same.
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 know your preference, the rest of the decisions will be a piece of cake.
Whether film or digital is your choice, both are perfectly fine. However, each one has its own list of advantages and disadvantages. Listed below are just a few for both methods.
The Film Camera
As you would suspect, a film camera requires film. The most recognized film camera is the High 8. This cameras film quality is very similar to that of a digital camera. Additional models include the 16mm and the Super 8 which are the old reel to reel cameras invented way 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.
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.
You will also have to light your scene well. There are times with film or tape the scene will appear very dark and you can't make out anything. Light the scene so you know what's happening, but that it looks natural.
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.
If you have ever looked at a photo taken with an old 35mm camera and compared with digital, you will see that the disadvantage is that digital produces a picture that is often too 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.
Digital cameras allow you to check your shots right away, by simply clicking on the play button or connecting the camera to a computer and watching it. It's much easier to erase too, just click the delete button and it's gone. You don't have to worry about re-using tapes and having them wear out on you.
Another fabulous advantage to a digital camcorder is the fact that all you have to do is connect it to your computer, upload your files and open your editing program. With a tape camcorder, a converter is needed in order to connect to your computer.
Adding special effects could not be easier with a digital camcorder. All you have to do is open the files of special effects already loaded on your computer and enter the ones you want to your film.
The final disadvantage to a digital camcorder is the fact that the ones with a hard drive can be rather expensive. They usually cost anywhere from $400 and up. However, you can purchase ones that use an SD or an XD memory card instead. These tend to be much cheaper; however their quality is the same.
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 know your preference, the rest of the decisions will be a piece of cake.
About the Author:
Marcy Burlock is a keen filmmaking enthusiast. She loves to share her filmmaking knowledge and provide lessons about Stop Motion Filmmaking and Budget Independent Filmmaking on Clivir.com.
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