by Jim Becker

Created on: July 04, 2006   Last Updated: January 11, 2009

When considering whether to purchase a film or digital camera, there are a few factors you should consider.

First, many film manufacturers, i.e. Kodak and Fuji, are going to cease production of film and film cameras. They see digital as the future. Printers and availablity of processing for digital images is cheaper and more available now and will only grow in time.

Second, consider initial cost. Film cameras cost many times less than digital, but that gap is closing. Today many digital cameras are under $100 and even $50. That cost will depend on the quality of the image the camera is capable of capturing. Most film cameras are capable of the same film quality, although in some instances the lens quality will decrease the image some.

Finally, consider long term costs. The cost of storage media for digital cameras is falling fast. Film costs have not changed in quite some time. If you are only going to take a few rolls of film a year, digital may cost a little more. But, it wouldn't take many rolls of film to close that cost gap.

All in all, the advantages of digital outweigh film. Digital is the wave of the future and film will be left in the wake. So, it will be better for the long term if you start out in digital.

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