How to Choose a Film Camera

Digital photography hasn't killed the market for film cameras. Plenty of people with digital cameras still use film cameras, and great choices are available in all price ranges. There are a couple of big issues to consider when shopping for a film camera, and lots of features to choose from.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get the picture--decide what you're shooting. If you want great vacation and family snapshots, you'll do fine with a point-and-shoot camera. Don't underestimate the quality you can find in these easy-to-operate cameras--many are full-featured with good optics. If serious photography is your bag, look for a single lens-reflex (SLR) camera, which gives you manual control over a number of features.

2. Consider your film choices. For most uses, you'll choose between 35 mm and Advanced Photo System (APS) film. The former is easier to find, cheaper to buy and process, and easier to develop, while the latter (in the proper camera) lets you shoot panoramic and wide-angle shots on the same roll as normal pictures. See How to Choose Film for Your Camera.

3. Make sure you're aware of the included features, whether looking for point-and-shoot or SLR cameras. Things like flash and zoom lens are almost guaranteed to be found on all models. However, features like date stamp, automatic film loading, winding and rewinding and panorama might not be.

Tips & Warnings

• The majority of SLR cameras use 35 mm film, not APS.
• You can find good deals on SLRs and lenses at reputable used-camera shops.
• Some film cameras have LCDs like digital cameras so you can see the photo you just took (although you won't be able to erase it).

[kance]

on 11/24/2007 Would be nice if you mentioned other types of film cameras and not just 35mm. There is so much more to film cameras than just the 35mm format. Please add Medium Format, Large Format as well.