The nature of images in two systems of analog photography and digital photography
In the last two decades as various tools have gone digital, there has been a constant debate between those who use these tools. There are some people who are still fans of old tools, and on the other hand there are some people who are fans of new versions. With the arrival of digital sensors and accompanying accessories, the migration of photographers to digital systems began gradually.
But in the last few years, a reverse migration has also occurred! It means the return wave to the analog system. In the following, we will examine the main differences between digital and analog cameras.
- Resolution: Digital sensors measure resolution based on the number of pixels they have, but in analog photography there is no such thing as pixels and something called angular resolution is used. Each digital sensor provides you with a different resolution, and the same applies to different types of photographic film. Depending on the type of film you are using, analog films may have between 4 and 16 million pixels.
- Sensitivity (ISO): Films from analog cameras are available in sensitivities ranging from 50 to 6400. Each film reel has a fixed sensitivity. But in digital cameras, the sensitivity of the sensor can be changed at the moment. The maximum sensitivity in some digital models reaches several tens and even hundreds of times the maximum possible in films. This is one of the biggest advantages of digital cameras, making it much easier for photographers to adjust exposure and shoot in low light conditions.
- Noise: Small and unwanted textures that you may see in your images are called green (in analog photography) or noise (in digital photography). In analog photography, this happens because the small chemical particles cannot receive enough light. But in digital cameras, noise occurs due to visual distortions. It may also occur due to the circuit trying to absorb more light. In addition to these cases, noise may also occur due to the inability of the sensor to control the stray signals in the air waves. Digital cameras have advanced a lot these days and we no longer see green in films. However, noise depends on the digital sensor and older models have more noise.
- Ease of use: With a digital camera, taking a photo, editing it, and then publishing it can happen in minutes. But with an analog camera, it takes longer to take a picture.
- After that, you have to go through the steps of exposure, scanning and editing to get a photo that can be published. This process can take more than three days!!! (Of course, if you don’t have a private dark house.
- Dynamic range: Dynamic range is one of the biggest differences between analog and digital photography. This is a very complicated process because there are so many factors involved in digital photography. These factors include the use of high-end sensors, powerful file compression systems and digital algorithms. These things will increase the dynamic range and contrast in digital cameras.
- Cost: Buying an analog camera body is cheaper than a digital camera. But over time, the digital camera will leave you with much lower costs. (For example, there is no need to continuously purchase film and display and then scan.)
Some other differences are:
- A digital photo has a lower quality than film
- Digital cameras are big and heavy
- Digital cameras take pictures slowly
- Transferring photos to the computer is slow
- It is difficult to get a printed output from digital photos