The most striking difference among digital, 35mm and APS cameras is the way that each camera stores images.
APS (Advanced Photo System) and 35mm cameras (whether standard or disposable) use rolls of film that are usually limited to 24 or 36 shots. Consequently, pictures taken with these cameras have to be processed before the photographer can see their images.
However, digital cameras store images in a different manner. Instead of using use film, digital cameras record images on a built in chip, disk or memory card. This gives you the ability to store hundreds of pictures at a time!
Basics of Film Speed
With film, you shoot at one film speed, or ISO (a number established by the International Organization for Standardization). The higher the speed of the film, the more sensitive the film is to light, meaning the film needs less light exposure it need to capture an image. For example, 100 speed film is good for outdoor shots in good light, while 400 speed film is better for indoor and action shots.
While digital cameras do not use film, many mid to high-end cameras do allow you to adjust the film speed by using a built in sensor. However, the process has to be repeated for each shot to match the changing light conditions.
One of the advantages of an APS camera is the option of removing a roll of film before finishing it. This allows you to use the appropriate speed film for the conditions. An unfinished roll can be returned to the camera and advanced to the next empty frame. The same isn’t true for 35mm cameras, in which the entire roll needs to be used before it’s taken out of the camera. Taking it out before will ruin the roll.
Camera Resolution
A digital image is made up tiny dots called pixels. The term “resolution,” when used to describe a digital camera, refers to the size of the digital image the camera produces. This number is usually expressed in terms of “megapixels” or how many million pixels it can record in a single image. A camera with more megapixels can produce a larger and higher resolution image of considerably better quality than a camera with fewer megapixels.
Traditional 35mm and APS film has a higher resolution than most of today’s digital cameras. The photographs produced by these cameras can be enlarged, resulting in high quality photos at sizes as large as 20×24 inches. On the other hand, digital cameras are limited to picture size based on the number of megapixels. For example, a 2-megapixel camera will produce images equivalent to 35mm quality at both 4×6 inches and 5×7 inches.
Processing Your Photos
When using a digital camera, the technology allows you to shoot more pictures and immediately delete pictures you don’t want. Similarly, they also allow you to download and transfer photos through the Internet. When processing digital photos, the digital images from these cameras can be transferred to your computer, allowing you to print photos from the comfort of your home computer without ever going to the photo lab.
However, while high-end digital cameras are often very expensive, they allow you to process your photos are home by printing them your digital printer. Although they can record a number of pictures on their memory cards, the high-resolution pictures take up a lot of space on your memory card. Similarly, the file size of these images means that high-resolution images can’t be easily sent through e-mail.
Developing 35mm film is very easy and simply involves removing the film canister and dropping it off at the photo lab where the professionals take care of the developing. However, if you want to develop the film in your darkroom, the film must undergo a series of chemical baths and processing with an enlarger. A major drawback to 35mm is the cost per roll in addition to the processing fees.
APS Format Bonus
Probably the most attractive feature of an APS camera is that it offers the option of selecting the format of a picture when it’s taken: classic, horizontal or panoramic. Consequently, the photographer can more effectively manipulate his shots. In addition, if you want to change the format of the picture after your film has been developed, all you have to do is ask your photo processor to make the change.
