Icon Studios - //Benefits of Digital Photography
Digital photography offers clients a number of distinct benefits over film.
The benefits of digital photography are;
Instant feedback
The ability to instantly view the images when on a photographic shoot allows for much greater creative flexibility, as well as ensuring you have the image “in the bag” before changing a shot or moving locations. This greatly reduces the chance of needing a reshoot.
High quality
When using professional grade equipment, digital photography can easily beat film in terms of image quality. Whilst the image characteristics differ from those of film, in most case this is neither a pro or con, just a difference. Overall results when utilizing a professional grade camera tend to be considerably better.
Fast turnaround
A very well known benefit is the ability to have an almost instant turnaround, should it be required. No more waiting for film processing or scanning. When shooting for highest quality, utilizing RAW file format, there is still file processing required, however this can often be completed on site or expedited if needed. In addition, processes such as scanning, which were required to transfer film to a digital medium, have now no longer required. The reduction of these additional processes adds to the time savings.
Reduced downstream costs
No more Scans. Whilst digital photography itself can be more expensive than shooting film, many of the pre-press and scanning operations, once charged at up to $800 / hour by pre-press operators or graphic designers, are now handled by the photographer at a much reduced rate. What this means is that over the entire workflow, there is a substantial cost savings, as well as capability for much faster provision of images.
No quality degradation
There is no degradation of image quality due to scanning or other pre-press options. When digital files are handled properly, you are always dealing with a first generation image.
Less risk
Digital files cannot be ruined at the lab, or damaged during their use, and as they are easily backed up there is no more risk from loss in transit, or in office, and if required they may be simultaneously used at multiple locations. This can also lead to a reduction in insurance costs for larger shoots.
Efficient storage
High Resolution digital Raw files are smaller than Hi-Res scans. Also, digital files can be re-worked at any time to provide output for different mediums, or just for an alternative look. Additionally, digital RAW files can be re-worked when new generations of processing software are developed, allowing for possible increased quality of output.