Cameras

Q. What are the basic differences between PIONT AND SHOOT and SLR (single lens reflex) cameras?
A. SLR cameras view through the lens that forms the picture, so you can see in the viewfinder exactly what will be in the picture and whether it will be in sharp focus. A mirror reflects the image up into the pentaprism viewfinder. When you take the picture, the mirror swings up, out of the image path, the shutter opens and the film records the image. Most SLRs have interchangeable lenses.Point and shoot cameras view through a lens separate from the image-forming lens. The viewfinder image is not as exact, especially at close distances, but the cameras are more compact and less expensive due to their simpler design.

Q. Some autofocus SLR cameras cost around $300 to $400, while others cost hundreds more. What do I gain by spending more money?
A. The lower-cost SLR9s are fine for typical amateur use and are capable of taking as sharp a photo as a $1,000 camera. More advanced cameras have more advanced exposure control systems, faster autofocus sensors, faster film advance motors, heavy-duty construction, and accept a wider range of specialized accessories.

Q. I want to buy my first SLR but one thing is not clear to me. Can you change lenses in ordinary light without fogging the film?
A. Yes you can. The lightproof shutter is located between the lens and film, so it prevents light from reaching the film when the lens is removed.

Q. I have seen ads for Advanced Photo System cameras. How are they different from 35mm cameras?
A. APS film comes in 15, 25 and 40 exposure rolls. Most APS cameras allow you to choose from three different print formats (4x62, 4x72 or 4x122 panorama) before you take the picture. When the pictures are processed, an index print showing a tiny copy of each photo is made. After processing, the film is returned to its cartridge. If you want to order a reprint or enlargement, you find the negative number on the index print instead of examining the negatives. You then take the film cartridge to the photofinisher for the additional prints.

Q. Which format produces better picture, APS or 35mm?
A. If the quality of the processing is equally good, there should not be any noticeable difference between the two formats when prints up to 8x102 are compared. Above that size, 35mm will probably be better since a 35mm negative has 40% more area than an APS negative, so the 35mm negative doesn9t have to be enlarged as much.

Q. 35mm point & shoot cameras seem to be available for just about any price, from $25 to $400 for example. What do I get by spending more money?
A. A simple, inexpensive camera will have a fixed-focus lens without zoom, fixed exposure and no adjustments. More expensive cameras have automatically-adjusted exposure control, zoom lenses that automatically adjust the focus and special modes that adjust the camera for specific types of photography, such as portraits, action shots, time exposures at night, etc.

Q. What does the term gray market cameras mean? Are they inferior to regular cameras?
A. Gray market cameras are basically the same as others, but they are imported by firms other than the official U.S. distributor and lack the warranty and technical support provided by the official U.S. importer. The camera model name and/or number may be different than the U.S. version and an English-language instruction manual might not be included. For example, a gray market Minolta Maxxum camera may be called a Minolta Dynax and Minolta USA, the official importer, will not provide warranty repair work on it.