The Advanced
Photo System
copyrighted 1999

For many years, 35mm has been the preferred film format. Camera designers have created a diverse range of models, ranging from single-use cameras that cost under $10 to sophisticated professional system cameras that cost several thousand. Now with the introduction of the Advanced Photo System, we have the choice of a new film format, as well as the traditional 35mm format. The APS system was created by five giants in the photo industry. (Kodak, Fuji, Canon, Nikon and Minolta.) These System Developing Companies developed the APS standards which have then been licensed to other photo manufacturers. The core of the APS format is the film cartridge, which looks somewhat similar to a 35mm cartridge. The APS cartridge is smaller, which lends itself to smaller camera designs. Unlike 35mm, APS is designed to be a drop-in film cartridge with no visible leader. A mechanism in the cartridge thrusts the film out the light trap so the camera can advance it. The APS cartridge has the capability of mid-roll film changing, if the camera offers this feature. Rolls of APS film will be available in 15, 25 and 40 exposure lengths. After exposure, APS film is rewound into the cartridge like 35mm. Unlike 35mm, APS film is returned to the cartridge after processing. A roll of APS film that has been completely exposed cannot be accidentally reshot, nor can a roll of processed APS film be loaded into a camera. Negatives are selected for reprints and enlargements later not by visual examination, but by checking the original print for the frame number or by checking the index print that came with the original processing order. This index print has a miniature copy of each photo on the roll along with the frame number. APS film differs from 35mm in many respects. APS measures 24mm wide (while 35mm film measures 35mm) . APS film has a transparent magnetic coating plus machine- and human-readable number codes along the film edges to improve print quality, increase the amount of information that is printed on the back of photos and automatically tell the printer which print proportion is desired. Many APS cameras will permit pictures to be taken in any of three proportions, or aspect ratios, intermixed on the roll of film. The standard ratio is called C-format and produces a 2:3 aspect ratio. Labs will typically make 3-1/2 x 52 or 4 x 62 prints from negatives shot in this format. Another proportion is the H-format, which has a 9:16 ratio for slightly wider shots, and 3-1/2 x 62 or 4 x 72 prints. Finally, the panorama format available on many 35mm cameras will be called the P-format on APS photos. This 1:3 ratio will yield 3-1/2 x 102 or 4 x 112 prints. 35mm cameras that have a mid-roll switchable panorama feature mechanically mask off the top and bottom of the negative to achieve the panorama format. On APS cameras, all photos will be taken in the H-format, which produces a 30.2 x 16.7 mm film image. Setting the camera to the C, H or P mode changes only the magnetic and optical data codes on the film at the moment of exposure. The printer then reads these codes and automatically makes prints in the corresponding sizes. In other words, a 35mm camera crops the negative to create a panorama photo, while an APS camera electronically tells the printer which print format is desired.

One of the strengths of the 35mm format is the availability of a wide selection of film. Color print film is available in a broad range of speeds form ISO 25 to 1600, plus there is an equally large selection of color slide and black & white fiilms. As of now, APS film is available only in ISO 100, 200, and 400 speeds. The selection of different film speeds will no doubt increase in time. Thousands of mini-labs across the country offer same-day or one-hour processing of 35mm film. APS requires more sophisticated printing equipment, so many photofinishers will send APS order to wholesale labs, at least while there are relatively few requests of APS processing. Most mini-lab owners won't invest in the expensive APS processing equipment until the customer demand justifies the cost. Until that time comes, APS camera owners may have to endure delays in getting film processed.

Advanced Photo System Versus 35mm Comparision of Camera Formats