What effect is digital photography having on traditional, film-based photography?

Hi guys,

I’m currently undertaking a university project looking into how new, digital-based photography is effecting the traditional methods/processes of film-based photography.

It would be great to get some of your professional opinions to aid my research. Below there are 6 questions, and any response would be great and much appreciated!

Thank you!

1) Do you find that most of your customers come here looking for digital related products or advice, as opposed to traditional film photography products? Roughly what percentage is digital?

2) What are your personal views on digital photography? For example do you feel like it devalues the traditional processes of photography, or does it enhance the medium of photography as it’s now easier for people to become involved?

3) Do you think digital photography is casing the death of traditional ‘dark room’ methods and chemical processes. If so, is it redefining what photography means?

4) Do you think photo manipulation is ‘cheating’ in that some people might think it takes away the skill from the photographer?

5) Do you think digital cameras will ever fully replace film-based cameras?

6) Finally, would you say that the digitisation of photography is overall a positive thing, or a negative thing?

What is film??

Here are some links that may provide some answers to your questions.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=840560

https://photography-on-the.net …41&highlight=di​gital+film

https://photography-on-the.net …41&highlight=di​gital+film

The big controversy is skill level using film vs. digital. Careful planning and analysis prior to shooting with the cost of film vs. shooting away with a digital camera.

You want us to go ahead and write your paper as well? These questions have been asked and answered in numerous places on the web.

They still make film cameras?

Film is dead. End of project.

I also strongly suggest transferring.

This is a pointless project - really. Have you seen how Kodak and Fuji are doing? Have you checked your local Walmart, Walgreens or even camera store - you won't find many film on their shelves. Film is quickly becoming a niche market and really, clients don't care what medium you use.

I think he got hit by the Y2K bug - apparently he posted this 10 years ago...

You should ask the members on APUG.ORG instead of here, you're going to find the majority of people who have little experience film on this forum.

While film is obviously less in demand, there are a large amount of users who still shoot it. Also hard to believe but people still buy new film cameras, with the used market being even better since so many people dumped their film gear. I just bought a film camera and waiting on another.

As far as the effect on film sales, the market of digital has taken over and placed film in a smaller ninche market. Also if you want a certain look or feel it's only done in film, as well as some photography is only done in film, large format photos is one.

I hear the same words about the LP and records in general from the uber hi-fi CD crowd, "the record is dead". Uh huh, ironically it's the CD that is going out.

I used to shoot film, now I shoot digital. It's just getting better and better, and soon with the advent of black silicon sensors it will truly rival film as far as grain or noise levels, and hopefully we might even get some of our highlight detail back.

robscomputer wrote in post #9808827
I hear the same words about the LP and records in general from the uber hi-fi CD crowd, "the record is dead". Uh huh, ironically it's the CD that is going out.

It's not ironic at all. It's a natural progression of people wanting more convenience. CD's offered exactly that over Vinyl and now people would rather carry an iPod than carry 100 CD's. The general public could care less about how the music sounds as long as it's "good enough". They care more about convenience...

nicksan wrote in post #9809504
It's not ironic at all. It's a natural progression of people wanting more convenience. CD's offered exactly that over Vinyl and now people would rather carry an iPod than carry 100 CD's. The general public could care less about how the music sounds as long as it's "good enough". They care more about convenience...

Indeed.

At the end of the day, a 192kbps mp3 sounds MORE than fine through even the best circumaural headphones on a subway or airplane and in airports, cubicles, and libraries. Many DeeJays these days are using laptops with mp3s instead of CDs or vinyl. They're crazy not to, really. Personally, I don't even bother to store mp3 files. I stream music over cell towers instead.

Some (most?) self-proclaimed audiophiles wouldn't pass a blind taste-test anyway.

5Dmaniac wrote in post #9807351
This is a pointless project - really. Have you seen how Kodak and Fuji are doing?

Well enough to introduce a bunch of new emulsions in the last couple years. Ilford, by the way, is doing great. In the large format world there are brand new 4x5 bodies coming out all the time. In the medium format world there are a couple companies like Horseman and Fotoman coming out with new panoramic bodies.

Oh wait, who am I kidding. The only relevant camera models in the world are digital SLRs and camera phones.

You're about 10-15 years late to this debate !

DrPablo wrote in post #9811868
Well enough to introduce a bunch of new emulsions in the last couple years. Ilford, by the way, is doing great. In the large format world there are brand new 4x5 bodies coming out all the time. In the medium format world there are a couple companies like Horseman and Fotoman coming out with new panoramic bodies.

Oh wait, who am I kidding. The only relevant camera models in the world are digital SLRs and camera phones.

DrPablo, as someone who loved shooting color transparency and making my own Ilfochrome prints, I wish the film world were healthy. Yes, some new emulsions have come about, but many more emulsions no longer available. One of my personal favorites for color accuracy, Kodak EPN, gone. One of my favorites for general product shots for commercial use, Kodak EPP, gone. One of my former wedding portraiture favorites, Fuji NPS, gone as well as virtually every other Fuji color neg film except for (another favorite of mine for weddings) 400H.