Visit the local camera store (if you have one) or scour the internet and you’ll doubtless see that film sales continue to decline, with digital photography on an unstoppable ascendant. I have both “analog” and digital equipment, and use both. Check out Nikon’s recent announcement regarding its exit from the mass-market for film cameras.
Currently, I use film cameras exclusively for professional work. I still prefer my old-world Nikon, Canon and Mamiya cameras over their digital equivalents. The cameras are fast, rugged, and, as yet, have an unmatched array of lenses and other accessories. On the other hand, I use my digital Canon Powershot for family snapshots.
Film has yet to be surpassed by digital in terms of responsiveness and dynamic range. But, it’s clearly only a matter of time before the converse is true. Professional level digital cameras do indeed exist, but, at the moment they are simply beyond my price-point. However, the incessant improvement of digital technology and the parallel downward spiral in price means that in a year or so it may be time for me to take the leap — towards a fully digital world.
As a child I used to love working with my father in his darkroom. I found the process of creating an original image both moving and fascinating. Of course, digital workflow removes the qualities of romance and alchemy from photography, but creativity lives on. Digital photography does not replace finding and establishing rapport with a subject; it does not eliminate the process of framing and composing an image; it does not remove the subjective process of development.
I’ve enjoyed working in the darkroom and its digital equivalent — Photoshop. I think my exposure (pun intended) to both have made me a better photographer.
