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What Is the Difference Between Film & Video?

Film has been the standard for the movie industry since its start in the late 19th century. Eastman Kodak began manufacturing film rolls in 1888, and because it was invented before video, film is what video is compared to.
  1. Warm Medium

    • The experience watching projected film is perceivably different than watching films projected from video. Film is described as a warm medium due to its effects on the human eye. The dust, hairs and frame lines are projected too fast to see, but the mind can still feel their presence.

    Cold Medium

    • Video is described as a cold medium due to its clinical interpretation of life. Picture and sound is converted into digital data or analog tape. Projecting video has a noticeably harsh quality than its film counterpart.

    Frame Rate

    • Film runs at 24 frames per second while video runs at 29.97 per second for NTSC and 24 per second for PAL (Phase Alternating Line). HD video can run at 24, 29.97 or 25 frames per second.

    Resolution

    • Standard definition video has a relatively low resolution, limiting its projection size. Motion picture film and high-definition video have a much higher resolution and can be projected at a larger scale without quality loss.

    Editing

    • Film can be edited physically by cutting and taping, or it can be digitized into a computer. Video data can be easily transferred to computer due to its digital and tape format.

Film Production

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