---
title: What are the economics of digital x-ray vs film?
description: Investing in a digital x-ray machine can be cheaper than film over the long term as you will save money having no film and developing costs.
---

[Maven Imaging Digital X-ray Learning Hub ](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog)

# [What are the economics of digital x-ray vs film?](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/economics-of-digital-x-ray-vs-film)

 Written by [Jennifer Hutchison](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/author/jennifer-hutchison) | Nov 23, 2021 8:13:51 PM

[Investing in a digital x-ray](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/the-biggest-mistakes-people-make-when-buying-an-x-ray-system) machine can be [cheaper than film](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/mobile-x-ray-systems-pros-cons-and-costs) over the long term. The reason why going digital works out more economical in the long run has to do with how much money you will save on film and developing costs.

[Digital x-rays](https://store.mavenimaging.com/collections/digital-x-ray-machine) use computer storage media, which can be reused without any loss of quality. Whereas film needs to be developed every time [an image is taken](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/economics-of-digital-x-ray-vs-film). Although there have been advances in processing speeds over recent years, this has not reduced development costs.

When looking at going digital there's a common misconception that there's going to be a great cost to make the initial purchase. However, nowadays it's almost the same price to [purchase a digital x-ray system](https://store.mavenimaging.com/collections/digital-x-ray-machine) if you finance it over a 72 month period aso what you would spend on a monthly basis for film and chemicals!

Since [most people are not using film](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/economics-of-digital-x-ray-vs-film) or chemicals anymore, it's becoming more expensive as low demand impacts supply. If you are still using them, you will have noticed that the cost of film and chemicals, as well as the cost of maintaining your film processor, keep going up. This is because there are not as many people using film-based [x-ray systems](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/types-of-x-ray-systems).

Depending on the volume of [x-rays](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/types-of-x-ray-systems) you're doing, the cost of film alone could be $200-300 a month. For medical practitioners still using film, we've found their average costs for film, chemicals, processing and maintenance could be several hundred dollars a month or more depending on volume.

With a digital x-ray system, you have a one time purchase which can be financed over a 72 month period. We even have specials right now where for $285 a month, you can get a DR panel which will retrofit your existing film-based x-ray system. After that 72 month term, you have no cost for processing. With all this considered, in the long term the cost of film and chemicals in a film-based system is going to be far more expensive.

Digital machines have no processing costs, while developing costs for film are significant and ever increasing. If you're still using film or chemicals, it is likely going to be more expensive to maintain your current system than it is to upgrade to a digital system. We recommend contacting us about financing options so we can help you get started on going digital.

 

[View full post](https://www.mavenimaging.com/blog/economics-of-digital-x-ray-vs-film)

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