Re: Advice for an amateur

Norm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> I need some advice on a compact camera.  I have looked at some APS models
> and some compact 35 mm models.  Can someone point out the significant
> differences or post a link or 2.  I'm not sure which format would be best
> for me.  Thanks in advance.

Since you describe yourself as an amateur looking for a compact camera,
I'd say go by the model of camera, not the film format. You've probably
noticed there's a greater number of 35mm than APS models, so
statistically, I'd guess you're more likely to end up with 35mm.

APS is 'supposed' to have three main advantages over 35mm which are:

(1) Simple film loading - drop in the APS cassette, shut the hatch and
the camera does the rest. However, loading 35mm film isn't exactly
rocket science and most modern 35mm cameras have automatic loading
anyhow.

(2) Three picture formats - APS cameras let you choose between 'HDTV',
'Classic' and 'Panoramic' formats. Unfortunately, this is really a
gimmick since the image recorded on the film is exactly the same (HDTV)
whatever format you choose. It gets cropped during printing if you
choose the others. Obviously, you can just as easily get your full frame
prints blown up and them crop them to any format you want in 35mm just
as easily as APS. That's what I do.

(3) Improved Print Quality - the APS film has a magnetic layer on which
the camera can record info about how each exposure was made. This info
can be used by auto printing machines to optimise the settings for each
print. In 5 years of shooting APS I can't say I've noticed that minilab
prints from APS are on average better than from 35mm. And if you want
the best possible prints from your negatives (APS or 35mm), you get them
hand-made by a person who knows what they're doing and actually LOOKS at
your negatives.

Conversely, 35mm also has advantages over APS:

Image size - the image on the film is a bit bigger in 35mm than APS, so
35mm will have the edge in final image quality, all other things being
equal.

Choice of film types - 35mm has probably a wider choice of film types
available than any other format. There are some good APS films, but the
overall range available is quite limited.

Running costs - APS films cost more than comparable 35mm films. APS
processing costs are also more than for 35mm.

Flexibility - If you like doing your own processing or darkroom work,
APS is not going to be your friend, while 35mm can be fun.

All that said, if the camera you like best is an APS camera, go for it.
The system works well and can give very good results. Straightforward,
trouble-free photography is what it's all about.

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