Film Speeds

Film speeds are important in photography. It is just that simple. If you are not using the right film speed for the moment and the shot, your results may not be as good as you had hoped. The good news is learning more about this important aspect of photography has never been easier.

In simple terms, film speed has to do with the film's sensitivity to light. Film stock with a lower sensitivity to light requires a longer exposure and is thus called a slow film. This type of film will have a lower ISO film speed rating. Film with higher sensitivity (higher ISO speed rating) requires shorter exposure and is called a fast film.

In the past this process was known or called ASA film speed. That term is outdated now and the ISO ratings are the ones that most photographers and processing labs use. There are other terms used in the film speeds world as well, but none are as important for you to understand as the ISO ratings for the various film options that are available.

For those wishing to learn more about this subject and in much greater detail, there are online sources where film speeds are explained. Some of these sources will even go into the math that is required to determine a particular film speed rating. Other sources will go into details about the special needs of some photographers such as the best film speed for underwater shots or for large panoramic shots.

For the average photographer, however, learning the basics of the difference between film speeds is fairly cut and dry. Once you understand how variables such as lighting and movement affect a photo you can begin to use the film that is best suited for your needs.

In many cases and for many consumer photographers the film canister itself will have some information on it to help you determine if that particular film is best for your needs.

Knowing the difference between slow film and fast film and the few options that slip in between can really make the difference in the results that you get on your prints. When you know which film speeds are best for landscape shots versus action shots you will see an immediate improvement in your photos.

As mentioned above, you can learn a lot about film speeds by doing some simple research online or by visiting your local photo shop. This may be the best investment in time that you can spend on your photography skills.