There are a lot of different color films to choose from,
but all of them fall into one of two categories: color slide films (also
called transparency or reversal films) and color print (or negative)
films. Color slide films are direct positive films; that is, the film that
goes in your camera and the slides you get back are the same film. With
color print films, the film that goes in your camera is processed to a
negative that the processing lab enlarges into color prints. Which is
better? It depends on your needs and your tastes, and also the particular
shooting situation.
First, consider your preferences. By far the majority of amateur
photographers use color print (negative) films because they are so
convenient. With print films, you get back fairly large prints that are
easy to view and can be readily shared with others or stored in an album
for future viewing. Print films yield excellent enlargements and can be
transferred onto video tape. Color slides are used mainly for projection
or viewing in hand-held viewers, but you can also use them to make color
prints and enlargements, or have them transferred to video tape. Color
slides are also less expensive, since no printing stage is involved. If
your primary interest is in giving slide shows, use color slide films.
Each type of film also has technical characteristics that may make one
or the other better in a given situation. Color slide films, on the whole,
are more contrasty and can therefore add more snap to dull or low-contrast
scenes. Correct exposure is also much more critical with color slide
films. Color negative films, on the other hand, can record a wider
contrast range and allow greater room for exposure error.
The professionals at Andover Photo will be glad to assist you wit
selecting the best film for your desired outcome.
Andover Photo - Picture The Memories!