35mm Color Film Review

Introduction to 35mm color film

In researching color film, we especially appreciated reviews at dedicated photo publications. Editors at Photographic magazine, Popular Photography and Photo.net base recommendations on rigorous testing and lifetimes of professional experience. Less helpful are opinion sites like Epinions, which combine some well-thought-out commentary with less insightful write-ups. Another opinion site, PhotographyReview.com, is more useful. Contributors here range from advanced amateur to expert.

Popular Photography also includes a chart of 83 color films. Resolution, color, sharpness, contrast, exposure latitude and ISO rating are all listed for comparison. While digital photography continues to steal market share from film-based photography, Julia Silber and Peter Kolonia say that color films continue to become more sophisticated; they "incorporate significant advancements in film technology, and together belie the notion that film has reached its evolutionary peak."

Although experts express a wide range of film preferences, they do agree on one thing--you should pass on generic films often available at your local supermarket or drugstore. Decent film is inexpensive enough that "Brand X" just isn't worth the risk. Developing costs are the same for brand names or off-brand films, and the dollar or two you save on the front end may result in substandard prints.