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.
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.
A camcorder that uses VCR tapes is another option. The tapes needed are very inexpensive and generally readily available. However, the disadvantages to this method are the fact that you must rewind in order to see the scenes you have already shot. If you find a scene you are not satisfied with your options are to tape over it or use a new tape. Furthermore, VCR tapes tend to wear down over time which will give your film a choppy, poor quality look.
The other downfall with film or tape is lighting. Oftentimes, film and tape productions will appear dark, which does not allow for anything to be seen. Your goal is to provide adequate light while still maintaining a natural look.
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.
The final flaw to using a digital camcorder is the fact that ones that use a hard drive can be fairly expensive. Oftentimes, they run anywhere from $400 and up. However, there are camcorders available that use an SD or XD memory card just like your still camera. These are usually much cheaper, but their quality is just the same as the expensive ones.
When looking for a camera, it's always best to know what you need it for. What types of films will you be making? Do you want the ease and convenience of digital? Or would you prefer the look and feel of film or tape cameras?
Once you know your preference, the rest of the decisions will be a piece of cake.
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