Film PhotographyBeginners
24 vs. 36 Exposure Film: What’s the Difference?
Same film, different roll length. Which is better value, when 24 exposures makes more sense, and why you sometimes get bonus frames.
October 7, 20263 min read
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Buying Guide
Buying Guide
8 articles
Film PhotographyBeginners
Best 35mm Film for Beginners: 7 Rolls We Recommend
The forgiving color and black & white films we recommend most at the counter — and how to choose the right first roll for your camera and light.
October 7, 20265 min read
Film PhotographyKodak
Kodak Portra 400 vs. Gold 200: Which Film Is Right for You?
Natural pro color or warm, nostalgic consumer film? How Portra 400 and Gold 200 compare on look, speed, grain, and price.
October 7, 20264 min read
Film PhotographyKodak
Kodak Portra 400 vs. UltraMax 400: Is Portra Worth It?
Same speed, very different films. What you get for Portra’s higher price — and when UltraMax 400 is the smarter roll.
October 7, 20265 min read
Film PhotographyKodak
Kodak Gold 200 vs. UltraMax 400: Which Should You Buy?
Gold for sunny days, UltraMax for everything else? How Kodak’s two most popular films compare, and which to load for the light you’ll be shooting in.
October 7, 20265 min read
CamerasBuying Guide
Mirrorless vs DSLR: Which Should You Buy?
Mirrorless cameras get all the new technology, but used DSLRs have never been a better value. Here's an honest breakdown of how they differ and which one fits how you actually shoot.
June 29, 20264 min read
CamerasBuying Guide
Used Camera Buying Checklist: What to Inspect Before You Buy
A used camera can be the best value in photography or a very pretty paperweight. Here's the exact checklist to run through — shutter, lens, meter, seals — before you hand over your money.
June 28, 20265 min read
CamerasFilm Photography
Best Film Cameras for Beginners (2026)
You don't need an expensive or exotic camera to learn film photography — you need one that's reliable, easy to meter with, and cheap to feed. These are the cameras we recommend to first-time film shooters.
June 27, 20265 min read