Film photography is loved for its charming and authentic look, but which camera should you choose? There are many options, and the type of camera you pick will greatly influence both the final image quality and how easy it is to shoot with. Some cameras require an understanding of manual settings, while others let you simply press the shutter button without worrying about anything else.
Here, we break down the most popular types of film cameras, their strengths and weaknesses, and who they are best suited for.
SLR Cameras – For Those Who Want High Quality and Manual Control
SLR cameras (Single Lens Reflex) are ideal if you want full control over your images, the ability to switch lenses, and professional-level image quality. You can use a versatile all-around lens, a portrait lens with beautiful background blur, or a zoom lens for distant subjects. However, these cameras are bulkier and require some knowledge of manual settings.
There are two main types of SLR cameras:
Older, fully manual SLR cameras offer a classic analog experience but require you to control everything manually, including focus, shutter speed, and aperture. Examples: Nikon FM2, Canon AE-1, Pentax K1000.
Newer SLR models with autofocus make it easier to shoot quickly and accurately without sacrificing quality. Examples: Canon EOS 300, Nikon F100, Canon 500N.
✔ High image quality
✔ Ability to change lenses
✔ Full control over settings
✖ Requires knowledge and experience
✖ Larger and heavier than other film cameras
An SLR camera is a great choice if you want professional-quality images, don’t mind carrying a larger camera, and understand how to adjust manual settings.
Disposable Cameras – A Fun and Simple Solution
Disposable cameras are the easiest (and perhaps most fun) option if you just want to take film photos without a big investment. Simply press the shutter button, get the film developed once it’s used up, and enjoy the results. They are perfect for parties, festivals, and vacations, where the experience matters more than technical perfection.
✔ Cheap and easy to use
✔ No settings – just point and shoot
✖ Single-use only
✖ Not necessarily cheaper in the long run
A great tip is to buy multiple disposable cameras and let guests take photos at an event—weddings, for example—so you end up with a collection of fun, candid moments captured by the very people who attended the party.
Point-and-Shoot Cameras – The Easy Option with Better Quality
Point-and-shoot cameras work similarly to disposable cameras but can be reused and often have better lenses and autofocus. They are compact, lightweight, and require no technical knowledge, making them a great choice for those who want to shoot film without overthinking it.
✔ Small and lightweight
✔ Fully automatic – no manual settings needed
✔ Better image quality than disposable cameras
✖ Limited or no control over settings
✖ Image quality depends on the specific model
If you want an easy-to-use film camera that still delivers good results, a point-and-shoot is a solid choice. It’s perfect for travel and everyday photography.
Medium Format – For Professionals Who Want the Best Quality
If you’re looking for the highest possible image quality on film, medium format is the way to go. These cameras use a larger film roll (120 film), which provides higher resolution, better colors, and more depth. However, they are large, require full manual control, and shooting with them is generally a more time-consuming process. Additionally, you get fewer shots per roll, and developing and scanning are more expensive.
✔ Significantly better image quality
✔ Larger negatives mean higher resolution
✖ Bulkier and heavier than 35mm cameras
✖ Fewer exposures per roll (typically 10-16 shots)
✖ More expensive for both the camera, film, and development
If you want the absolute best image quality possible, medium format is worth considering. Just keep in mind that the process is more involved and costly.
Which Camera is Right for You?
Your choice of film camera depends on how you plan to use it. Here's a recap:
Want something simple and compact? → Choose a point-and-shoot or disposable camera.
Looking for the easiest way to try film photography? → Disposable cameras are the way to go.
Want full control and high-quality results? → Go with an SLR camera.
Need the highest possible professional quality? → Medium format is your best option.
Film photography has a unique charm. Some images are clean and crisp, while others are raw and grainy. Neither is better than the other—it all depends on the look you're going for and how you like to shoot. Do you want a simple, carefree experience, or do you enjoy adjusting manual settings? The choice is yours.
If you need further guidance, feel free to reach out to us.