Editing Advanced Photo System (section)

== Design ==
The film is 24&nbsp;mm wide, and has three selectable image formats:
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:100%;text-align:center;"
|+APS image formats<ref name=PopPhoto-9410/>
! Name !! Meaning !! Frame size !! [[Aspect ratio (image)|Aspect ratio]] !! Print !! [[Crop factor]]<br/>(vs. 36×24 [[Full frame (cinematography)|full frame]])
| rowspan=4 | [[File:APS Film Frame Sizes.svg|frameless|upright=1.2|alt=Diagram of the APS-H, APS-C, and APS-P film frame sizes, in comparison to the standard 35 mm frame]]<br/><span style="color:#C80032;">APS-H</span>, <span style="color:#26C832;">APS-C</span>, and <span style="color:#0078C8;">APS-P</span> film frame sizes, compared to the standard 35 mm frame
|-
! H
| High Definition
| {{cvt|30.2|*|16.7|mm|in|1}} || 16:9 || 4×7"
| {{#expr:((36^2+24^2)/(30.2^2+16.7^2))^0.5 round 2}}
|-
! C
| Classic
| {{cvt|25.1|*|16.7|mm|in|1}} || 3:2 || 4×6"
| {{#expr:((36^2+24^2)/(25.1^2+16.7^2))^0.5 round 2}}
|-
! P
| [[Panorama|Panoramic]]
| {{cvt|30.2|*|9.5|mm|in|1}} || 3:1 || 4×11"
| {{#expr:((36^2+24^2)/(30.2^2+9.5^2))^0.5 round 2}}
|}

The "C" and "P" formats are formed by cropping the 30.2 × 16.7&nbsp;mm "High Definition" image, which uses the same 16:9 aspect ratio as [[high-definition television]]. The "C" format has the same 3:2 aspect ratio as a [[135 film]] image. Most APS cameras (with the exception of some [[disposable camera]]s) can record all three formats.

The entire "H" frame is recorded on the film for each exposure, and information is recorded on the film to instruct the photofinsher to print the format selected by the photographer; an image recorded in one aspect ratio can be reprinted in another. In addition to the frame format, the ''information exchange'' (IX) standard included with APS identifies the film cartridge with a unique six-digit serial number. Some cameras can use IX to record additional [[metadata]], including exposure information, onto the film, either optically or magnetically.

The format selection is indicated on the film by a series of exposed squares alongside the image area (optical recording) or in a thin, transparent [[magnetism|magnetic]] coating (magnetic recording), depending on the camera. In the absence of an operator-specified format, the machine printing an APS roll will use these indicators to determine the output format of each print.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Langford|first=Michael|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gClySvAhrzAC&q=Most+APS+cameras+(with+the+exception+of+some+disposable+cameras)+can+record+all+three+formats;+the+format+selection+is+indicated+on+the+film+by+a+series+of+exposed+squares+alongside+the+image+area+or+recorded+on+the+magnetic+coating+depending+on+the+camera.|title=Basic Photography|date=2000-08-23|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-136-09653-2|language=en}}</ref>{{page number needed|date=September 2024}}

=== Updated usage ===
Presently the format names APS-C and APS-H are most often used in reference to various makes of digital SLR that contain imaging sensors that have approximately the same [[crop factor]] as those formats, albeit with different actual dimensions, as APS-H digital sensors have a 3:2 aspect ratio, not the 16:9 aspect ratio of the APS-H film frame. Some of the lenses originally released with the APS SLRs have survived and are now marketed towards use on "APS" digital SLRs for the same reason. In reference to digital cameras, ''APS'' may also mean [[active pixel sensor]], a type of [[CMOS]] [[image sensor]].

=== Film and cartridge ===
[[File:KODAK Advantix APS Film.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|right|KODAK Advantix APS film cartridge]]

The film is on a [[polyethylene naphthalate]] (PEN) base,<ref name=PopPhoto-9601/> and is wound on a single spool, housed in a [[plastic]] cartridge {{cvt|39|mm}} long. The PEN base is both thinner and lies flatter than traditional film base.<ref name=PopPhoto-9611/> In cross section, the cartridge resembles a [[squircle]] with varying corner radii. The basic diameter across one diagonal is 21&nbsp;mm, while the basic diameter across the opposite diagonal measures 30&nbsp;mm, including the corner slot where the film exits.<ref name=Kodak-About/> The slot is protected by a lightproof door. It is available in 40, 25 and 15 exposure lengths.

The film includes a transparent magnetic coating over the entire rear surface; information is recorded on narrow tracks near the edge of the film.<ref name=Kodak-FAQ/> Each frame has four tracks: two below the frame, reserved for the camera, and two above the frame, reserved for the photofinishing equipment.<ref name=Kodak-About/> Some APS cameras use this coating to record exposure information via the IX system.

APS simplifies film handling by allowing the camera to wind the film automatically when loaded, and similarly by rewinding automatically after all the exposures have been taken; some cameras also can rewind partially exposed film cartridges, allowing them to be removed and used later. Numbered symbols (called 'visual indicators') on the cartridge end indicate the status of the film cartridge:<ref name=Kodak-About/>
[[File:IX240 Indicators.jpg|thumb|Visual indicators on an APS cartridge; this cartridge is in state 4 (fully exposed and developed)]]
# Full circle: Unexposed
# Half circle: Partly exposed
# Cross sign: Fully exposed but not processed
# Rectangle: Processed

Additionally, a tab on one end of the cartridge indicates that the cartridge has been processed. On the end opposite the visual indicators, a reflective bar code-like system is used to indicate precise film speed (at release, coded from ISO 25 to 1600), type (reversal or negative), and number of exposures; for simpler cameras, a mechanical notch indicates if the film speed is greater than or less than ISO 200.<ref name=PopPhoto-9603>{{cite web |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7BPJaraVKOUC&pg=PA28 |title=Advanced Photo System |first=Herbert |last=Keppler |author-link=Herbert Keppler |date=March 1996 |pages=28–34;100 |magazine=Popular Photography |access-date=18 October 2024}}</ref>{{rp|29}}

Kodak initially released its APS color print films under the Advantix brand, in ISO 100, 200, and 400 speeds;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.kodak.com/ciHome/APS/selectingFilm.shtml |title=Selecting the Best Film |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970122052923/http://www2.kodak.com/ciHome/APS/selectingFilm.shtml |archive-date=January 22, 1997 |url-status=dead |publisher=Eastman Kodak Company |access-date=21 October 2024}}</ref> in July 1996, Kodak introduced ADVANTIX 200 Professional.<ref name=Kodak-FAQ>{{cite web |url=http://www2.kodak.com/catHome/faqs/faq-0398.shtml |title=Frequently Asked Questions: Kodak Advanced Photo System Films |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970122072330/http://www2.kodak.com/catHome/faqs/faq-0398.shtml |archive-date=January 22, 1997 |url-status=dead |publisher=Eastman Kodak Company |access-date=21 October 2024}}</ref> By 2000, Kodak had introduced a monochrome print film.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kodak.com/cgi-bin/webCatalog.pl?product=KODAK+ADVANTIX+Films |title=Kodak Advantix Films |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001202164500/http://www.kodak.com/cgi-bin/webCatalog.pl?product=KODAK+ADVANTIX+Films |archive-date=December 2, 2000 |url-status=dead |publisher=Eastman Kodak Company}}</ref>

In 1998, Fujifilm offered color print and slide film under the established Fujichrome (ISO 100) and Fujicolor brands (ISO 100, 200, and 400) along with a new "SmartFilm" brand;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fujifilm.com/home/sbu/filmcam/apsfilm.htm |title=Fujifilm APS film |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980119131320/http://www.fujifilm.com/home/sbu/filmcam/apsfilm.htm |archive-date=January 19, 1998 |website=Fujifilm USA |access-date=21 October 2024}}</ref> by 2002, Fujifilm had dropped the reversal film and was branding its APS color print film as Fujicolor Nexia, extending the range to ISO 800.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fujifilm.com:80/jsp/fuji/epartners/Products.jsp?nav=0&parent=234660 |title=24mm Advanced Photo System Films |website=Fujifilm USA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020317083558/http://www.fujifilm.com:80/jsp/fuji/epartners/Products.jsp?nav=0&parent=234660 |archive-date=March 17, 2002 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Information exchange (IX) ===

A major distinction of APS film is the ability to record information other than the image. This [[metadata]] information is most commonly used for print aspect ratio, but can also be used to record the date and time that the photograph was taken, store a caption, and record [[exposure (photography)|exposure]] data such as [[shutter speed]] and [[aperture]] setting. This information can be read by the photo printing equipment to determine the print aspect ratio, print information on the back (or, rarely, the front) of the photograph, or to improve print quality. The system was invented by four engineers at Kodak, who were awarded patents in 1992 and 1993 and who jointly were named the National Inventor of the Year in 1996.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.kodak.com/aboutKodak/corpInfo/pressReleases/pr19960515-01.shtml |title=Engineers Named National Inventors of the Year For Their Contributions To Kodak's Advanced Photo System |date=May 15, 1996 |publisher=Eastman Kodak Company |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970319232828/http://www.kodak.com/aboutKodak/corpInfo/pressReleases/pr19960515-01.shtml |archive-date=March 19, 1997 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Two methods for storing information on the film are employed: "magnetic IX" and "optical IX". Optical IX is employed by less expensive cameras and disposable cameras, and employs a light source to expose a small section of the film, outside of the image negative area. This method is limited to determining the print aspect ratio of the finished print.<ref name=PopPhoto-9603/>{{rp|34}}

Magnetic IX is used in the more expensive cameras and allows for more information exchange. Most cameras with magnetic IX automatically record the exposure date and time on tracks in the magnetic layer, outside the visible area, with more advanced models allowing the user to specify a predetermined caption to be printed on the photo or record the exposure settings, as well as determine print aspect ratio.<ref name=PopPhoto-9603/>{{rp|34}} Kodak claimed that a 40-exposure roll could record more than 80&nbsp;KB of data.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kodak.com/ciHome/APS/apsMagnetics.shtml |title=Magnetics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970122052958/http://www.kodak.com/ciHome/APS/apsMagnetics.shtml |archive-date=January 22, 1997 |publisher=Eastman Kodak Company |url-status=dead}}</ref> Magnetic IX reportedly caused some problems for photo processors, who found their magnetic reading heads had to be cleaned frequently, or that their equipment's ability to print this information was limited, but Kodak's testing indicated magnetic deposits were not a concern.<ref name=Kodak-FAQ/>

=== Processing ===
[[File:IX240 Cartridge.jpg|thumb|right|Fujifilm APS cartridge, assigned FID code 708-759]]
After the [[film developing]] process, APS film is stored in the original cartridge, unlike 135 film. For identification, every cartridge is assigned a unique nine-digit cartridge identification (CID) code and the associated strip of APS film is assigned an identical filmstrip identification (FID) code; while the CID code has nine digits, the FID code has six human-readable digits and nine machine-readable digits.<ref name=Kodak-About/> The six-digit FID code is printed on the cartridge label, at both ends of the processed negative, and also is stored magnetically (as a nine-digit code) in the IX layer. This FID is usually printed on the index print as well as the back of every individual print.<ref name=PopPhoto-9603/>{{rp|34}} The CID/FID system was designed to be an additional convenience both for the photoprocessor, who can easily match each processed film strip and prints with its cartridge, and each cartridge to a particular customer's order, and for the consumer, who can easily locate the correct cartridge if reprints are desired.

To facilitate automatic processing of film, a unique [[DX number]] is assigned to the different types of film.

APS film is typically processed by using a small machine to transfer the exposed APS film from the original cartridge to a reloadable one, then re-attached to the original cartridge and rewound using another machine after processing. After support for APS was withdrawn in 2011, many film processors dispose of the APS cartridge and return the exposed film strip bare.

[[Image:IX240 Negative.jpg|thumb|center|upright=4|An IX240 negative strip; note printed FID (708-759) preceding first frame]]