Comparison
of Film vs Digital pricing
Many people believe that digital photography is
less expensive than shooting with film, "because
there is no film". Unfortunately this is
not the case.
With digital photography there is
a massive increase in equipment costs, and in
the time expenditure, to produce quality images.
For every hour of time on site taking photographs,
the photographer will typically spend between
1 - 2 hours in the studio processing and preparing
images for delivery. The cost for this extra time
has replaced the costs for film, materials, and
lab processing.
However, whilst digital photography
by itself is not necessarily less expensive, when
incorporated into a digital workflow, from capture
to output, the overall cost savings can be considerable.
Digital |
Film |
Photography &
Licensing
Same |
Photography &
Licensing
Same |
Capture Charges
$50 per 50 images |
Film costs
$40 per roll (10 -36 images format
depending) |
Proofing
$25 per proofsheet |
Proofing
$25 per proofsheet |
Master File Preparation
$50 - $100 per image |
Scanning Costs
$30 - $60 per image by scanning operator |
Image spotting and
de-dusting
Included in Master File Preparation |
Image spotting and
de-dusting
$80 - $150 per hour by graphic designer |
File conversions
and colour adjustment
Included in Master File Preparation |
File conversions
and colour adjustment
up to $800 per hour pre-press operator |
These costs are independent of the
additional benefits that digital photography provides
when offered by an experienced photographer, utilising
professional quality equipment.
Further overall cost savings as
well as increased quality and marketing potential
can be gained through a digital workflow, however
these additional benefits are more difficult to
define accurately in financial terms as this will
vary considerably based upon the individual circumstances
of a project.
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