I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked about going digital. I don’t know why folks even bother asking in this day and age. In all honesty, it’s basically irrelevant what media you use from the photographic stand point. The skills and abilities used to create a good photo is still the same.

For ordinary uses of photography, such as family gatherings and snapshot opportunities, the digital format is the obvious choice. However, professional landscape shots required being photographed with film to allow the photographer to make larger prints. The technology of digital just didn’t allow for such large prints. But now that has changed. Digital cameras are quickly gaining ground among professionals.

Most if not all modern digital camera are more than capable of matching the quality of 35 mm film (35 mm is the current standard for professional photography, especially landscapes). But can digital cameras match the print quality that large format film provides? It’s quite the conundrum for photographers today.

Digital cameras also provide the benefit of an instant display of the image that was just taken on a LCD screen. The photographer is able to check the balance and composition of the image nearly instantly. This is a huge advantage, but the photographer must still spend hours in front of a computer editing the pictures that he or she took. A photographer’s time is best spent taking photographs, not editing them.

Even though the pros and cons of digital photography are mostly settled, some photography enthusiasts still swear by film. In all honesty, the digital camera won’t allow the user to take better pictures. The exact same tricks used for film must be applied with digital to ensure a perfect picture.

Capturing a breathtaking image is just as elusive and hard to do as it ever was. The leap to digital doesn’t change this fact or make taking great photos any easier. The slew of technical advantages with digital are great, but most of the techniques stay the same even if the quality of the camera as well as quality camera accessories may help. Like a songwriter creating the perfect lyrics, it still remains up to the photographer to get the perfect shot.

If you’re still undecided about which way to go, here’s a few reasons to stick with film:

• Digital cameras sometimes call in to question the authenticity of the photo. Many assume the picture was edited to look great.
• You may find yourself spending too much time in front of your computer editing photos
• Film tends to produce the purest colors over digital (though with ever increasing rises in technology, this may not always be the case)

I personally have made the leap to digital and love it. I enjoy being able to take more shots than I would have with film because I no longer have to worry about wasting money on film and developing. I also enjoy editing the pictures after a long day of filling up memory cards. The only way to truly decide for yourself, is to go out there and try them both and see what’s the right fit for you. You may find that digital is better after all.