Film Camera

A film camera remains a good choice if you want point and shoot simplicity and good quality for relatively low cost. The same goes for anyone who wants color prints without a lot of fuss and isn't especially concerned about ordering reprints or editing photos.

Major camera companies include Canon, Fuji, Kodak, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, and Pentax. Most make point and shoot cameras in both 35mm and APS (advanced photo system) formats. Many of those companies also make single lens reflex (SLR) models.

Cameras these days, no matter the format, are highly automated. Flashes are built into practically all point and shoot models and some SLR models. Low priced film cameras are fixed -focus, like an old fashioned box camera. Features that raise the price include auto focus, automatic exposure control, automatic film winding, and a zoom lens.

Compact 35mm Cameras - Small, light and inexpensive. More expensive models include a zoom lens and many automated features.

APS cameras - These models use film that you never see out of its cartridge, and accompanying magnetic coating can store such information as processing instructions and the date of the snapshot. Film handling is easy.

35mm SLRs - Bulkier than point and shoot models, SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses let you see what the camera sees. SLRs are typically sold without a lens or are bundled with a zoom lens.