Deciding on a film gauge for your project can be a big deal. For photographers and filmmakers, it's not uncommon to be torn between 16mm and 35mm. But what's the difference, and which one is right for you?
At ORWO film shop, we've spent the last 116 years perfecting our film emulsions. Whether you're shooting your first independent film or exploring artistic photography, understanding the differences between these two iconic formats is crucial.
What Makes Film Gauge So Important?
Film gauge is the width of your strip, measured in millimeters. This might seem like a small thing, but it has a huge impact on the quality. At ORWO film shop, we make both 16mm and 35mm film stocks at our 116-year-old factory in Bitterfeld-Wolfen. Each film gauge has its strengths. The key factors that differentiate film gauges include:
- Picture quality and resolution
- How it handles light and exposure
- What it costs to make and what gear you need
- How to get it to audiences and show it
- The look and feel of the visuals
Getting a handle on these details will help you pick the right format for your project.
16mm Motion Picture Film: The Independent Filmmaker's Choice
16mm motion picture film has a reputation as the top choice for indie productions and documentaries. Introduced in the 1920s as a format for amateurs, it has since become a professional-grade medium used by top directors.
Technical Specifications of 16mm Film
Our 16mm film features two perforations on either side of the frame, giving it a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. Super 16 takes that up to 1.66:1, and from there, it's no problem to crop it down to the more commonly used 1.85:1. Key technical advantages include:
- Handheld shooting just got easier with a more manageable film strip size.
- You'll save on equipment costs compared to bigger formats.
- Documentary-style productions love this film's performance.
- When artistry matters, the grain structure is top-notch.
At the ORWO shop, we've got 16mm stocks like the NC500 Colour Cine that give you great quality without losing that up-close feel that 16mm is known for.
When Should You Choose 16mm Film vs 35mm?
16mm film vs 35mm, it's a decision that matters when budget and creative ambitions clash. Most filmmakers have opted for 16mm for its unique look.
Darren Aronofsky famously used 16mm motion picture film for "Pi", "The Wrestler", "Black Swan", and "Mother!" The distinctive grain perfectly complemented his psychological narratives.
Wes Anderson also used Super 16 for "Moonrise Kingdom", which gave the film a nostalgic feel. You just can't get the same look with larger formats. Choose 16mm when you need:
- Close-up shots with portable cameras
- Low-budget production
- A film-like, real feel
- Unique texture looks
- Versatile shooting setups
What Are the Advantages of 16mm Film?
The question "What are the advantages of 16mm film?" often comes up in filmmaking talks. 16mm film has some special creative perks that bigger formats just don't. Primary advantages include:
- With lighter gear, you can try out more dynamic ways of shooting.
- It gives footage an organic texture that's tough for digital to match.
- Using film can save you money on stock and processing, making it easier to take more shots.
- Film is widely accepted for TV, streaming, and theatrical releases.
- It's a great choice for experimental and artistic projects.
Our ORWO shop 16mm stocks perform consistently in different temperatures, giving you reliable results.
35mm: The Gold Standard of Cinema
35mm film has been the standard since the 1890s. It's known for its four perforations per frame, which create the classic 1.37:1 Academy ratio.
Technical Excellence of 35mm Motion Picture Film
A 35mm film's larger size delivers amazing resolution and colour accuracy. This extra space lets you capture more detail and gives you more freedom to experiment with colour. Technical specifications include:
- Four perforations per frame provide extra stability.
- You get a native 1.37:1 aspect ratio with the flexibility to crop as needed.
- Great for big screens, the resolution is stellar.
- The colours look rich and vibrant with a good contrast.
Our ORWO shop 35mm stocks, like UN54 Universal Negative Film, are perfect for high-end productions.
Is 35mm Film Better Than 16mm?
The answer to "Is 35mm film better than 16mm?" really depends on what you're trying to achieve. Each format has its strengths. 35mm advantages over 16mm include:
- Sharper images with more detail
- Improved low-light performance
- More accurate colour
- Better contrast for a greater range of tones
- Classic movie look and feel
But the equipment needed might not be feasible for every production.
What Are the Advantages of 35mm Film?
"What are the advantages of 35mm film?" It's got aesthetic benefits that have kept it going strong in the digital age. Key advantages include:
- High-quality resolution: Catches about 6K of details
- Colour quality: Accurate and vibrant colours
- Industry standard: What the pros use for movie releases
- Editing freedom: More room for colour tweaking and digital touch-ups
- Lasting images: Stay fresh for a long time, great for archiving
At ORWO, our 35mm film emulsions, such as the PF2 V3 print stock, produce amazing black and white prints.
16mm vs 35mm Camera Considerations
Choosing between 16mm vs 35mm camera systems is about more than film stock. When you pick a format, everything else changes.
Equipment and Production Differences
16mm camera systems offer:
- Lighter camera bodies help when on the go.
- You access a vast lens library.
- Renting long-term saves money.
- They make handheld documentary work easier.
35mm camera systems provide:
- Top camera bodies with advanced features.
- Wide lens selection from major brands.
- Clear and accurate viewfinders.
- Stable for smooth footage.
ORWO's century-plus experience has shown us that format flexibility can be a big advantage. We've seen documentary filmmakers use 16mm for more intimate moments, then move to 35mm when they want to make a dramatic impression.
16mm vs 35mm Film: Making the Right Choice for Your Project
When choosing between 16mm vs 35mm film, think about what your project needs. This decision affects how your final product gets out to people.
Budget Considerations
Cost factors include:
- Film costs by the foot
- How much do cameras cost to rent
- Developing and transferring footage costs
- Getting gear from point A to point B
- Crew size and skill level needed
At ORWO, we get that indie productions often have tight budgets. Our 16mm film stock is a great value and still meets the highest standards.
Creative and Aesthetic Factors
Visual considerations encompass:
- Preferred grain structure.
- Colour needs for accurate representation.
- Resolution requirements for sharing.
- Visual look to match the project's feel.
- Flexibility is needed for post-production editing.
Did you know that our NC500 Colour Cine stock is available in 16mm and 35mm, and that it gives you consistent characteristics across both formats?
Distribution and Exhibition Factors
Both older and more modern formats work well. So, whether you're working with 16mm motion picture film or 35mm, it all comes down to getting the transfer and mastering right.
Digital Transfer Considerations
Both formats transfer well to digital when:
- The right scanning gear is used.
- Colour correction adjusts for the specifics of each format.
- Resolution is matched to meet distribution needs.
- Grain is managed to keep the film looking without taking over.
Our ORWO film shop technical team regularly helps productions fine-tune their film-to-digital workflows.
16mm vs 35mm: Industry Trends and Future Outlook
The 16mm vs 35mm debate is still going strong. We're seeing plenty of high-profile projects proving they still have a place in modern filmmaking.
Recent Notable Productions
16mm continues thriving in:
- Short films and indie stories
- Documentaries
- Music videos and ads
- Experimental and art-house films
35mm remains essential for:
- Blockbuster films
- Top-tier commercials
- Editorial and fashion photography
- Archiving and restoration projects
At ORWO, demand for film has been on the rise, with cinematographers looking to tap into its unique qualities.
Making Your Decision: 16mm Film vs 35mm
Deciding between 16mm vs 35mm film, it's about finding a balance between your creative goals and practical realities. Here are the main things:
When 16mm Is Your Best Choice
Select 16mm when you prioritise:
- Efficient budgeting without sacrificing quality
- A personal, documentary feel
- Shooting that's easy to set up and adapt
- A unique film texture
- Working on independent or creative projects
When 35mm Serves You Better
Choose 35mm when you need:
- Sharp images, every time
- A cinematic look that's like a pro
- Handles low light with ease
- Gets that classic movie feel
-
Looks great on the big screen
ORWO's Commitment to Both Formats
We're all in at ORWO, giving equal love to 16mm and 35mm production. Our motion picture film collection has great stock for either format. Our 16mm offerings include:
- NC500 Colour Cine for really vivid, colourful images
- Universal Negative UN54 for flexible black and white production
- Special stocks for one-of-a-kind creative needs
Our 35mm selection features:
- Full lineup of negative and print films for all your needs
- High-end emulsions for commercial shoots
- Quality films for archiving your most important projects
Our technical support team is here to help you get the best from it all the way through production.
Your Format, Your Vision!
The choice between 16mm vs 35mm film formats is all about what you're trying to achieve. Both have their strong points, and no matter what you choose, you can expect great things.
So, what's it going to be? The unique feel of 16mm motion picture film or the timeless appeal of 35mm. Either way, you're getting the quality and consistency you need. With over 100 years of film manufacturing experience, we can ensure that every roll meets professional standards.
Check out our full range of motion picture films at ORWO Shop, where over a century of filmmaking expertise awaits you.