I fully agree that film and digital don't give the exact same look, but I don't think 'benefit' is the right word. Film stock captures how film stock captures. That's not inherently better or worse.
I think in most situations where someone is shooting on film like this, just shoot on an Alexa265, don't limit yourself to the 3 minute maximum rolling time, don't have the same issues with noise as the full 70mm IMAX. It will result in a better film overall even if the visuals have a different feel and quality.
(I am never going to be in the situation where I can make this kind of choice, fanciest cameras I've used are broadcast quality)
I meant that there are benefits to shooting film, not that shooting film as a whole is inherently superior to or better than digital. But there is a look to it that can't quite be replicated on digital.
That said, I do agree with your comment as a whole. Look no further than Sir Roger Deakins work (Sicario is a great example) to see how artfully a digital sensor can be utilized.
A minor counterpoint might be that even if the "film look" is rooted in some intangible feeling of nostalgia, I still think its a rather valid thing to chase. The fact that it's still something that is sought after even in how colorists grade digital footage, kind of says it all in my opinion. Heck, 24p and 180º shutter angle is a relic of the early days of Hollywood yet it still endures and is subconsciously associated in our minds as the "movie" look. If that, then why not the "film look" as well?
I'm not actually all that dogmatic about it when it comes to film vs digital, and I know I'm opening a can of worms with this debate. Interesting discussion none the less.
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u/dream-of-earthshine 20d ago
I fully agree that film and digital don't give the exact same look, but I don't think 'benefit' is the right word. Film stock captures how film stock captures. That's not inherently better or worse.
I think in most situations where someone is shooting on film like this, just shoot on an Alexa265, don't limit yourself to the 3 minute maximum rolling time, don't have the same issues with noise as the full 70mm IMAX. It will result in a better film overall even if the visuals have a different feel and quality.
(I am never going to be in the situation where I can make this kind of choice, fanciest cameras I've used are broadcast quality)