Print vs. Digital Photography: The Pros & Cons of Each
Over the last few decades, we’ve undergone a phenomenal technological shift—one aspect of which is the advent of digital photography. While it has replaced print photography in many contexts, there are some things digital photography can’t reproduce. The photographers at AM Design Studio in Flushing, NY, work with both methods, depending on the type of project they’ve undertaken.
Here are some of the pros and cons of both print and digital photography:
Print Photography
Pros
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High Resolution, Lower Cost: Resolution is calculated differently for print than it is for digital photography, but it’s possible to compare the two. For example, certain analog cameras, when used for medium and large format printing, yield a high resolution comparable to high-end digital photography systems.
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Doesn’t Require Electricity: While print photography requires the use of a darkroom plus the necessary chemicals and equipment, it is technically possible to make prints without using any electricity.
Cons
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Analog “Noise:” This is actually both a pro and a con, depending on the situation. Both types of photography have their associated “noise” and artifacting, and analog noise is especially undesirable in color photographs. Analog grain in black and white photographs, however, can look charming.
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Bulk: Film often takes up a lot of space, and the cameras themselves are usually much heavier than their digital counterparts.
Digital Photography
Pros
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Instant Availability: While the photographer still needs to cull all undesirable photos after shoots, digital photos are available to view instantly—no need to wait for a photo lab to finish developing them.
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More Control: Less is left to chance when you use digital photography. Some cameras even have built-in filters, allowing photographers to edit photos on-site when necessary.
Cons
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Less Black & White Detail: Most of the time, digital photography is great at capturing highly detailed shots. But it still loses out to analog in certain situations, such as black and white photography.
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Expensive: Quality digital cameras, with all the industry standard features, are a major investment. Attachments will also cost you.
Need a professional photographer in New York City? You can reach AM Design Studio for commercial shoots, including food, products, and storefronts, by calling (347) 732-9271. You can also visit their website to view their portfolio.