The Basics: 35mm Cameras

For many people, a film camera is the only way to take a picture. They balk at using the digital camera. And while it is more and more uncommon, you can still purchase a point-and-shoot film camera. A trip to the camera store can be bewildering to someone unfamiliar with cameras. Row upon row of gleaming chrome and shiny black cameras, of all different sizes and prices--how do you choose? The process isn't hard if you first determine exactly what you want to do with the camera.

Before buying a camera, first determine the types of photos you'll be taking and the degree of personal involvement you want to have in the process. Shop for a camera that will best suit your needs. Even some less expensive cameras provide sophisticated systems to automate your photography.

Single Lens Reflex (SLR) Cameras

With this type of camera, you are looking through the same lens that will form the image on the film; this is the most precise viewing method available. Most SLR cameras feature interchangeable lenses, and this is one of the reasons to consider an SLR. Lens choices range from wide angle and telephoto to a wide variety of zooms and close-up or "macro" lenses. The major brands of SLR cameras also have extensive accessory systems that let you tackle almost any photographic task. Whether it's special lenses and flash units for close-ups of tiny insects, an intervalometer for recording a time-lapse series of a flower opening up, or a high-speed motor drive that permits taking up to ten pictures per second for fast-action series, the SLR is the most versatile and adaptable form of camera. Another variation, the ZLR (zoom lens reflex), has a permanently attached zoom lens. While slightly less versatile, it is a good choice for traveling because it avoids a lot of separate components that might get lost or stolen.

35mm Compact Cameras

Nearly all 35mm compact cameras have just a single focal length lens and fixed (or focus-free) lenses that are capable of producing sharp pictures of subjects about 4 to 5 feet away to infinity. Most models include auto exposure and a built-in automatic flash so they may be used anywhere. However, they are generally limited to one or two basic shutter speeds and can just be used outdoors in good weather or indoors with the flash within a rather limited flash range of usually 4 to 10 feet.

24mm APS Cameras

The 24mm camera format was introduced a few years ago. The cassette holding APS film looks very similar to a 35mm cassette, but they are not compatible. APS is far more user friendly and features simple drop-in loading without contending with a leader as is necessary on 35mm film. The small APS film cassette is simply dropped into the camera body (it only fits the correct way) and after the loading door is closed, the film is automatically extracted and moved to the first frame. The camera cannot be accidentally opened while loaded. After the film is exposed and processed, it is returned stored (uncut) in the original cassette.

Instant-print Cameras

Polaroid makes the only instant-print cameras available in the U.S. They use only Polaroid film, which is more costly per print than 35mm or APS film. However, there's no denying the appeal of having a fully developed color or black-and-white print in hand in a matter of seconds or minutes after taking the photo. Polaroid cameras have been popular with partygoers for decades, and probably will be for the foreseeable future.

How to Shop

If you are looking for a point-and-shoot film camera, some of the features to look for are autoexposure, built-in flash, and auto film advance and rewind. If a camera that is featured here appeals to you but is a bit too expensive, or perhaps lacks a particular feature you're looking for, keep in mind that there is often a companion model just above or below the one reviewed. You might save money by deleting an unnecessary feature.