Ther are some factors for both sides of this ongoing discussion:
The 8x10 lenses are equal now-if speaking of the last 10 or 15 years to the quality of the latest 4x5 lenses so that isd less of an issue than before. A great benefit of 8x10, not mentioned yet, is that composing on an 8x10 is much easier than any of the smaller formats. You are looking at a 'finished size', so you have a better perception of what it might look like on the wall.
The down size is traveling with an 8x10 and the film. Airlines not making it easier.
The new films thought:Ektar 100 and Pro 160 do scan better than most transparencies so can yield some outstanding results given a good scanner and operator.
The larger formats do lend them selves to the alternative processes without again going onto computers.
On the digital side, Color control is much easier with Digital than Film. Especially with the WB control available now and the RAW adjustment capabilities as well.
The time on a computer verses the time in the darkroom is about a wash for the more skilled photographic worker who has a high 'GE' factor(Good enough).
So there are things to be said for both. I did 20+ years of 8x10 and 4x5. I still shoot 4x5 some but find I love the control, acciracy and precision of my technical camera so much that I want to photograph even more often than before.
So both are good, both have advantages. I guess we all just choose...
The 8x10 lenses are equal now-if speaking of the last 10 or 15 years to the quality of the latest 4x5 lenses so that isd less of an issue than before. A great benefit of 8x10, not mentioned yet, is that composing on an 8x10 is much easier than any of the smaller formats. You are looking at a 'finished size', so you have a better perception of what it might look like on the wall.
The down size is traveling with an 8x10 and the film. Airlines not making it easier.
The new films thought:Ektar 100 and Pro 160 do scan better than most transparencies so can yield some outstanding results given a good scanner and operator.
The larger formats do lend them selves to the alternative processes without again going onto computers.
On the digital side, Color control is much easier with Digital than Film. Especially with the WB control available now and the RAW adjustment capabilities as well.
The time on a computer verses the time in the darkroom is about a wash for the more skilled photographic worker who has a high 'GE' factor(Good enough).
So there are things to be said for both. I did 20+ years of 8x10 and 4x5. I still shoot 4x5 some but find I love the control, acciracy and precision of my technical camera so much that I want to photograph even more often than before.
So both are good, both have advantages. I guess we all just choose...