Myth 2 – Digital is better than film.

The reality is that better is a word of subjective nature like beauty. As we all know through common experience, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." There are no scientific standards that can prove that film is better than digital or vice versa. Any choice by way of so called standards would be arbitrary. (Of course that hasn't stopped hundreds or thousands of so called experts to jump on their soapbox and expend tons of hot air on pseudo-science to support their agenda!)

This whole idea of which is better might best be compared to religions. Which religion is better? From a scientific point of view they all offer similar benefits to their followers but ask a member of one religion why their particular belief system is best and you will get a very spirited response!

Or how about product brands? In some parts of the US Ford versus Chevrolet will still get a heated argument going. In urban areas the battle between Mac and PC owners is a popular one. Which is better? Depends on who you ask.

So that leaves you, the reader, with one simple word---choice. Just like the difference between acrylic and oil paints. Arguments can be made that one lasts longer or the other has brighter colors but in the end artists choose the medium to suit their personal vision.

If you have read this far then you must be serious about your work. Those who are only interested in quick answers are not serious folks but grazers. Like the goat that nibbles a little here and a little there always looking for something a little more tasty. Ok, enough analogies! Yes the medium is an important factor in any artist's process but in photography it is just part of the toolbox.

Usually those that engage in arguments around this myth are really just talking about what they know best which is 35mm film. Professionals and serious photographers talk about format and positive versus negative in their process. They choose their tools based on the job to be done, not by checking what is the latest fad. Currently digital is a choice of convenience. That is for those who need the ability to quickly submit pictures to editors or art directors and those who as in the past are not serious enough about photography to print their own work.

Unfortunately for those who are truly passionate about photography as an art form the history of the tools available has been subject to the whims of the amateurs and in those circles convenience has always won out over ultimate quality.

References:

Arizona Highways Magazine Photo Submission Guidelines