how to choose the right camera

While out on the trail, the time may come when you'd like to capture the moment on film. Choosing a camera can be tricky, if you don't know whatto look for. We've chosen some of the newer APS-style cameras and looked at them feature-for-feature. We've chosen a few that would work the best for snowmobilers- some offer zoom capabilities, some are splash proof.

APS (Advanced Photo System) cameras have been around for years, but haveonly recently caught on in the U.S. They offer specific benefits such asthe option of shooting three different sized of pictures- the classic 4x6,wide-vision 4x7 and the 4x10 panoramic size- all on one roll of film. Thefilm comes in a smaller format than the 35mm film, so the cartridges aresmaller, therefore the cameras can be more compact. The film also has noleader, so those of us who have difficulty loading film properly no longerhave to worry! Just put the cartridge in and close. Cartridges also havean indicator at the base of the roll which tells you if the film has beenunexposed, partially exposed, finished but not developed and developed.

Some models give you the opportunity to switch film cartridges any timeduring the roll. This enables the operator to use film with different speedsto tailor the shots to your surroundings. For example, ISO 100 film forbright outdoor scenes and ISO 400 for indoor shots. Another feature foundon some of the APS camera models is the data and title imprint. This featureis useful if you go on a lengthy snowmobile ride and want to remember whenor where you were. There are several different titles in many differentlanguages available, depending on the camera.

With all of these features, it may sound as if these cameras are moretrouble than they're worth. I assure you they're worth it. With the optionof shooting a beautiful panoramic sunset one shot and your buddies in thelodge on the next, the versatility of these cameras are unbeatable for therecreational photographer.

Being that snowmobiling is a cold-weather sport, the camera must alsobe able to function in extreme conditions. Camera functions will slow downas the temperature plummets, but knowing a few tips could keep you frommissing those photo ops. First, keep the camera warm. One way to do thisis to keep it in an inside shirt pocket or near a handwarmer. Keep yourextra set of batteries in your pocket- unless they are kept warm, thosewill be the first to go. Don't remove the batteries from the camera to keepthem warm, keep one set in the camera, and replace those with warm sparebatteries if they get slow or die. When choosing a camera, pick one thatuses lithium batteries, these hold up better than alkaline in the cold.Most cameras will work to 10-15 below, but most batteries will not.

The Minolta Xtreme series cameras are made to be water-resistant, weather-resistantand these cameras have a special eyepiece which allows the user to see clearlyeven though they may be wearing goggles or glasses. With its durable outershell, these may be a good choice for the outdoor photographer. The onlydrawback is that the Xtremes do not have a zoom lens.

If you think you can be careful enough not to drop your camera in thesnow, the Samsung Impax 200i is feature-for-feature the best buy at around$160. With its zoom lens and date/message feature, this small camera willdo a great job.

Some of the models have the slow-shutter sync mode, one of these camerasis the Pentax efina. The slow-shutter feature allows you to shoot your subjectagainst an evening background scene. It also ensures correct exposure withits auto exposure system for optimum exposure settings in various lightingconditions.

One of the special features of the Nikon Nuvis 160i is the fluorescentcontrols and backlit display. This is helpful for pictures in darker conditions,all essential buttons are visible in the dark, even the information displayis backlit for easier visibility of the controls. Another Nuvis 160i featureis the mid-roll change option explained above.

The Kodak 5800 MRX- Zoom is the most costly of the bunch here, but ithas the most impressive zoom range and offers a remote. This is Kodak'snewest APS camera and has the mid-roll change feature and will print bothcustom and pre-programmed titles onto your prints.

Be aware, however, since the cameras are so small, the chances of gettinga thumb or glove in the picture increases, so watch out for that. Also,the image in the viewfinder is not always what will come out on your print.Some manufacturers recommend that you pull back on the shot to be sure to include everything or everybody in your photos.