| Digital versus Film | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characteristic | Digital | Film |
| Cost | No film costs, but high-end equipment is expensive. | Film and developing costs. Forcheaper costs, develop as negatives only and scan at home. |
| Ease of use | More controls in LCD panel in addition to filmlike creative and manual modes controlled by knob at top of camera on most models. Frequent change of batteries or battery removal and recharging required for camera to work. | Fewer controls and no LCD make camera less confusing. |
| Image quality | Clear and vivid. Some folks notice a “plastic” quality that digital images can have. Edges are crisp (too crisp, according to some). | More natural-looking images when light hits film, which creates observable chemical change that’s recorded on the film and that can be kept as a hard copy for decades. |
| Output tools | Gallery-quality prints can be made at home with new multiple ink cartridge printers. | Gallery-quality prints have to be sent out for processing unless you have complicated developing materials at home along with a darkroom. |
source : Digital Arts Photography for Dummies book