Film Cameras Helping Us Capture What is Important in Our Lives Everyday

Film cameras are just that: they use film to capture an image and the negatives are processed to produce the actual image. Among the average consumer, digital cameras are becoming more popular, but this does not mean that film cameras are going extinct. Retail stores still sell both types because film cameras have many capabilities that digital ones do not possess. Depending on your preferences, a film camera could be more beneficial for you.

There are two types of film cameras: Advanced Photo System (APS) cameras and 35mm cameras.

APS Cameras
APS cameras were designed for the simplest of photographers. The drop-in film loading feature is easier for children and the elderly compared to loading a 35mm camera. Although the point-and-shoot APS and 35mm cameras are about the same size, the single lens reflex (SLR) APS camera is noticeably more compact than its 35 mm counterpart. In addition, APS cameras allow you to choose different-sized images (the traditional 4”x6”, a wider-angle 4”x7”, and the panoramic 4”x11.5”) as you take the shot, and it also prints a 4”x6” index showing all the pictures that were taken. In some APS cameras, you can remove the roll of film before you finish all the shots. This is beneficial, for example, when you are taking pictures under different lighting and require different film. Disadvantages are that APS film and processing are slightly more expensive and enlargements are not as high quality.

35mm Cameras
35mm cameras have many extras that APS cameras lack. Although they are heavier, they can perform more functions. Unlike APS cameras that can only use colour film, 35mm ones can use black and white film. There are also many different film speeds available to use depending on the lighting environment (see film types). Most 35mm cameras have autofocus and autoexposure capabilities, but the SLR models allow you to manually configure these options as well. Thus, 35mm SLR cameras are the choice of professional photographers. There are many lenses available for use with these cameras to obtain the desired zoom, focus, and exposure effects. Compared to an APS camera, 35mm ones have larger negatives, which translate into better quality enlargements. Once processed by a lab, they are returned to you usually in plastic sleeves.

Film cameras can range from $10 to over $500. The lower-priced models are one-time-use (i.e. disposable) cameras, which are good to bring along on vacation. There are also underwater disposable cameras available. The pricier models are professional cameras that are used to achieve the desired zoom, focus, and exposure effects since they can be manually adjusted.

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