Choosing how to shoot a portrait.

Better picture guide to photographing people by Michael Busselle.

Image size is the most basic consideration. The image area of a 35mm camera is around 24mmx36mm. With roll film it can be from 45mmx60mm up to 90mmx60mm. The degree of enlargement need for an A4 production is much less for a roll film format than for 35mm and gives a potentially higher image quality.

35mm SLR cameras have the widest range of film types and accessories and provide the best compromise between image quality, size, weight and cost of equipment. Both accessories and film costs are significantly more expensive with roll film cameras and the range of lenses and accessories more limited than with 35mm equipment.

 

The SLR allows you to view through the taking lens and to see the actual image which will be recorded on the film, but the viewfinder camera uses a separate optical system. The effect of focusing can be seen on the screen of an SLR but the whole image appears in focus when seen through a viewfinder camera. Generally, facilities like auto focus and exposure control are more accurate and convenient with SLR cameras and you can see the effects of filters and attachments. SLR cameras have a much wider range of accessories and lenses available to them and are more suited to subjects like sports where very long-focus lenses are needed.