P3D APS Format

[markaren@xxxxxxxxx (Karen Obusek)]

I had a chance to noodle with a couple of APS format cameras and I am
not impressed. The panoramic setting simply crops off the top and bottom
of a standard APS frame, changing the aspect ratio......then this frame
is printed 4X7 instead of 4X6. Since the panoramic frame is enlarged to
fill the 4" height while gaining the additional 1" in width, the image
is closer to 110 film size and quality is lost. Any image printed larger
than 4X6 will become obvious that 35mm renders the better image (
comparing similar quality cameras) in standard or panoramic mode. The
APS film is more expensive, the cost to process and print is more
expensive, and many labs still cannot offer one hour service. 
The slight advantages of APS does not justify the format support but
here a few:
1) drop in loading for a 3 year old :-)
2) hands never touch a negative, film remains in the cannister
3) some machines will date stamp the back of the prints as set by the
camera
4) APS cameras are a little smaller than their 35mm counterparts
Just my opinion...............Mark Dottle


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