6

I would like your suggestions and reasoning as this would be useful in making decisions.

Why are film makers still using traditional 35 mm film raw stock and camera equipment to produce feature films when there are digital cameras like red cam available which can produce up to 4 k image quality and can significantly reduce production costs ?

Improve this question
1
  • One big reason I can think of is rolling shutter and even the RED Epic exhibits this. Film cameras do not.
    – Fred
    Commented Oct 20, 2011 at 23:51

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

This is a debate that could go on forever. Both have pros and cons. I think it is inevitable that Digital will overtake Film, and we can already see it happening in that article that ObscureRobot posted.

However, people will continue to use film as long as it is available simply because of its look. You can tell when something is shot on film because of its grain and general aesthetic. Film is cinema as we know it.

I'd argue that this is probably the biggest reason. There are many others but I don't know enough about them to get into it.

I think if a filmmaker can afford to use film, they will. This is probably the best argument for film: http://motion.kodak.com/motion/Products/Customer_Testimonials/index.htm

^ Very informative.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Look is one thing, although a lot is done to recreate it in post. One of the reasons you don't hear too much about. Is the low power consumption and the ability to shoot in dificult climate. This was one of the main reason's for Jurrasic World and March of the Pinguins to shoot film. As Chard mentioned there are loads of pro's and con's.
    – Remco Hekker
    Commented Dec 8, 2015 at 8:23
  • @RemcoHekker one of the main reasons for Walking Dead too, they say. Humid hot in the woods. Still works fine. Another reason is the imposed economy of using film. Everybody better be on their best behavior when shooting film.
    – Prof. Falken
    Commented Mar 21, 2019 at 7:39
0

Some filmmakers continue to use film, but enough aren't that film cameras are going out of production.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.