Although film cameras are growing in popularity and many beginners in photography are using them, every photographer must know the advantages and disadvantages of film cameras before purchasing one.
In this post, you’ll learn the pros and cons of film cameras this year; we’ll compare them with digital cameras to help you make an informed decision about whether film cameras are worth investing in today.
But before that, let’s get a brief overview of film cameras;
Film Cameras-A Brief Overview
Film Cameras-A Brief Overview
Typically, the demand for film cameras has skyrocketed globally due to their unique color profiles, the aesthetic of film grain and the awesomeness of the printed images.
In fact, a recent study using The Business Research Company disclosed that film and video market size from $285.62 billion in 2023 to $304.17 billion in 2024, and the figures are driven by younger photographers who are immersing themselves in film photography.
Additionally, another core feature of film cameras is their ability to capture photos on light-sensitive film rather than digital sensors. Now you’re familiar with film cameras.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of film cameras over digital cameras?
Let’s find out!
Pros of Film Cameras
If you’ve ever wondered why you should enroll in film photography, here are honest advantages of film cameras you must know;
1. Quality Images and Stunning Aesthetic
You can never demean the quality of images and unique aesthetic film cameras offer. Every photographer desires quality images as the final shooting results, and film cameras will never disappoint you in this regard.
Generally, these camera types capture photos with an organic grain and natural color that is hard for anyone to replicate. So, if you’re a photographer who wants to give your work a timeless and artistic feel, film cameras are what you’re looking for.
2. Encourage Thinking and Intentional Photography
Another advantage of film cameras that every aspiring photographer must know is the logic and mindfulness that film photography comes with.
Film cameras are usually designed with limited frame sizes on a roll of film. Therefore, the limited frame sizes tend to encourage logical thinking and intentional photography skills among photographers.
3. Tangible Nature and Durability of Final Products
When mentioning the advantages of film cameras over digital cameras, the durability of the end products is one of the defining pros of this camera type. Often, when both seasoned and beginner photographers create film, they usually remain with physical prints and negatives, which act as the lasting artifacts of their work.
Holding a physical print usually leaves a sense of satisfaction in the hearts of photographers, unlike digital images, which remain confined to social media and screens. By remaining with prints or negatives, photographers have a built-in backup that needs no additional technology. This is basically an appealing prospect for all photographers who prefer a low-maintenance technique to achieve greatness.
4. Several Camera Types & Formats
If you love experimenting with different camera types and formats to achieve remarkable shooting results, film cameras are what you’re looking for. These camera types are designed with a wide range of camera types from medium-format to 35mm.
The table below illustrates the wide range of camera formats and their applications.
| Camera Type | Description | Sample Model |
| 35mm | Most common, portable, and versatile | Canon AE-1, Nikon F3 |
| Medium-Format | Larger film size; higher resolution | Mamiya RB67, Hasselblad 500 C/M |
| Large Format | Used for maximum detail, mainly in landscapes | Linhof Technika, Graflex Crown Graphic |
Now you know why you should embrace film cameras for your film photography. But what are some of the challenges you can encounter while using this camera type?
Read on to find out!
Cons of Film Cameras
1. Cost of Purchasing Film Rolls and Development
Did you know that in film photography, you’re required to purchase film rolls and pay for shoot development?
This is where digital photography outweighs film functionalities. In digital photography, you can capture endless images at no additional cost. In contrast, for exceptional shooting experience in film photography, you’re required to buy film rolls and pay for their development.
This can add up and make film photography more costly, especially for frequent photographers.
For Example;
- Roll of 35mm film might cost $15-$35 (for 36 exposures)
- Development cost and scanning might range from $15-$30 per roll
As you delve into film photography, be aware of the above facts.
2. Function at a Slower Pace than Digital Cameras
Generally, when it comes to speed in reviewing photos or images captured, digital cameras stand out. This is because, with digital photography, photographers find it easy to review each image or shot taken on an LCD screen, thus permitting them to make amends to settings such as focus, exposure and composition, among others.
On the other hand, film photography doesn’t give photographers the luxury of reviewing each shot instantly due to the lack of adjustment and instant review features. This can be a bit daunting in places such as weddings, live performances or sports events where clients might want to make quick adjustments to their photos.
In short, working with film cameras in fast-paced environments like wedding events, spots, or situations where feedback is needed as soon as possible can be disadvantageous.
Additionally, film photography doesn’t offer instant gratification. You’ll have to wait weeks, if not days, to see your final products because developing films takes time. However, this might depend on the processing time.
Final Thoughts about Pros and Cons of Film Cameras
Film cameras have many advantages and disadvantages. However, despite their many disadvantages, including slower functionality and the high cost of purchasing film rolls and development, several photographers still appreciate the value and uniqueness of film photography, such as color rendition, its overall grain and the experience of shooting with a film camera.
For more information and trending topics about film photography, visit our blog.
