<P> Digital cinematography captures motion pictures digitally in a process analogous to digital photography . While there is no clear technical distinction that separates the images captured in digital cinematography from video, the term "digital cinematography" is usually applied only in cases where digital acquisition is substituted for film acquisition, such as when shooting a feature film . The term is seldom applied when digital acquisition is substituted for video acquisition, as with live broadcast television programs . </P> <P> Professional cameras include the Sony CineAlta (F) Series, Blackmagic Cinema Camera, RED ONE, Arriflex D - 20, D - 21 and Alexa, Panavisions Genesis, Silicon Imaging SI - 2K, Thomson Viper, Vision Research Phantom, IMAX 3D camera based on two Vision Research Phantom cores, Weisscam HS - 1 and HS - 2, GS Vitec noX, and the Fusion Camera System . Independent filmmakers have also pressed low - cost consumer and prosumer cameras into service for digital filmmaking . </P> <P> Digital cinematography cameras capture images using CMOS or CCD sensors, usually in one of two arrangements . </P> <P> Single chip cameras designed specifically for the digital cinematography market often use a single sensor (much like digital photo cameras), with dimensions similar in size to a 16 or 35 mm film frame or even (as with the Vision 65) a 65 mm film frame . An image can be projected onto a single large sensor exactly the same way it can be projected onto a film frame, so cameras with this design can be made with PL, PV and similar mounts, in order to use the wide range of existing high - end cinematography lenses available . Their large sensors also let these cameras achieve the same shallow depth of field as 35 or 65 mm motion picture film cameras, which many cinematographers consider an essential visual tool . </P>

When did movies switch from film to digital