Pros & Cons of Various Film Formats

Subminiature (16mm, 110 etc.)

Advantages -

Very small size is easy to carry at all times
Unobtrusive for candid photography.

Disadvantages -

Very small negatives require 200X or more blow-up to make 8X10 prints.
most cameras of this size have limited versatility.

APS (Advanced Photo System)

Advantages

Small size, light weight equipment.
Nifty filing system built into the processing.

Disadvantages

Although there are several color print films available, black & White was only recently introduced and there are no slide films yet.
Smaller negatives. 8X10 is probably the maximum practical limit on blowups.

* Personal rant - This is a new format designed specifically for the amateur market. The jury is still out on APS. Personally I can't see any good reason to buy expensive new equipment to make negatives smaller than 35mm. The filing system is nice but I suspect they could have done it with 35mm, they didn't need a new format. Some processors are now providing an index sheet for 35mm.

Update - Fuji is now referring to their APS cameras as "24mm" because they believe it is not catching on due to a lack of identity that distinguishes it from 35mm. This may be an indication that in the long run APS will go the way of 110 and disk cameras. When APS was introduced it was expected to take over the bulk of the amateur market. Over 5 years later it has captured only 15% of that market.

35mm format -

Advantages -

Available in many styles and types including point & shoot, rangefinder and SLR.
Reasonable price for the features due to economies of mass production for amateur market.
Ready availability of a wide variety of film brands and types.
Relatively small size and light weight.
Availability of automation makes ease of operation.
Wide range of accessories available.

Disadvantages -

Small negative size, 62X blow-up to reach 8X10.

The list of disadvantages is short because there is a lot to like about 35mm for amateurs and pros alike. But they aren't for everyone, read on..................

Medium format (6X7, 6X6, 6X4.5cm etc.) -

Advantages -

Larger negative requires less blow-up (16X to 24X) to make 8X10s.
Available in a variety of types, & some systems that are as versatile as 35mm.
Good range of professional quality films available.
Most are still small enough to be convenient and hand holdable.
Automation available on some models.

Disadvantages -

Many are *EXPENSIVE* compared to 35mm cameras with similar features due to lack of a mass market.
Local availability of film and processing is limited unless you are in a metropolitan area.

For big blowups with little or no grain, only a large format camera will beat these. If you are into *image*, working with a medium format camera will make you look like a PRO even if you aren't one.

Large format (4X5, 5X7, 8x10 11X14, 4X10, 8X20) -

Advantages -

Makes high definition prints due to little or no blow-up required. 4X5 to 8X10 is only 4X.
Greatest degree of image control available. Most cameras have various movements to control depth of field and perspective.
Very high quality films available due professional usage.
Wide range of lenses available and any manufacturers lens can be adapted to any camera.

Disadvantages -

Large size makes handholding impractical for most uses.
Requires more skill to manipulate (no automation).
Equipment is expensive if new.
Local film and processing availability limited or non-existent outside cities.
Equipment is bulky and inconvenient to transport.

Working with one of these in public areas is not inconspicuous. That can be an advantage or a disadvantage. I've had people step aside to get out of my camera's view with a 4X5 camera and trouble getting them to move when working with 35mm. On the other hand the 4X5 can inspire a lot of questions and interruptions from onlookers.

General Recommendations -

Buy the best equipment you can afford, particularly lenses.
A good used piece of equipment may be better than a new one for the same price.
Newer lenses are likely to be better than older ones if buying lower quality brands.

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