I shoot both DSLR & various film cameras—almost all of my commission work is DSLR (fast turnaround, low overhead costs), while almost all of my artistic work is done on film.
I also do aerial photography from kites and other things (shameless plug )
Two key things about film vs. digital:
– My 35mm camera with a nice lens can get 20 megapixels no problem. For the aerial work, I’m often flying a $60 motor back with an $80 lens (the filter ring is cracked, but the lens if otherwise perfect—picked it up used).
– My medium format camera can easily get 80 megapixels when I scan it.
- The dynamic range of film is much much greater than that of (most) digital cameras. Three exposures bracketed 2 stops is about right for film vs. digital. That is, a single shot on film has the dynamic range of three shots on digital.
For instance, this photo: http://folio.benpeoples.com/p856200278/e8db391c is two digital images worked together to get you highlights, and sky, and shadow detail. This shot: http://folio.benpeoples.com/p238684644/e3a66fcc8 is film, and gets the highlights, sky, and shadow in a single exposure.