Film speeds

Film is film...right?  Wrong.  Depending on what kind of conditions you're shooting under, you want either faster or slower film.  The chart above specifically applies to Fuji brand film, but is a good general guide to use when planning a shoot.  Because I usually use my 300mm zoom lens most of the time, I keep a supply of  800 speed film.  I also have 200 and 400, and occasionally use them, but my personal preference is faster film.  As you can see from the chart above, faster film can be used in any situation.  Slower films have more limitations, and if you use multiple cameras as I do, it can be difficult to remember which camera has which kind of film in it.  I have a Minolta HTSi, a Minolta Maxxum 3000, and a Minolta Maxxum, 300si.  The Htsi always gets the faster film because that's the camera I use the most.  I don't like having to change lenses, so the 300mm zoom stays on that camera.  When it's time to reload, I know the long lens means 800 speed film.

400 speed film is a good all occasion film, but if you're going to be using a telephoto lens, or taking action pictures of any kind such as sports, it sometimes doesn't perform as well.  It will be cheaper than faster film, but if it can't perform as well, how much did you really save?

200 speed film works wonderfully...under specific lighting conditions.  Usually outdoors, or when a flash is used.  It is even less expensive than 400 speed film.  But it comes with limitations that make it a good choice only under the conditions above.

It doesn't matter what kind of film camera you have. (I'm personally partial to Minoltas)    Kodak, Fuji, and even store brand films will usually work quite well as long as you remember to buy film based on the conditions under which you'll be shooting.  Happy Shutter bugging!