Nikon Cameras --click on pictures for more information

The APS format was introduced in 1996 by Kodak, Fujifilm, Minolta, Nikon, Canon and others. APS is mainly used for point and shoot amateur cameras, although some SLR systems were also created: Canon EOS IX, Minolta Vectis, Nikon Pronea with Nikon IX lenses. Of these the Canon EOS IX and the Nikon Pronea could use the existing 35mm SLR lenses, whereas Minolta opted to create a new lens line-up later shared with an early digital SLR. Nikon developed the IX series of lens that were lighter and had a smaller field of view. Although the Nikon IX series of lenses were not compatble with the Nikon 35mm SLR, lenses for the Nikon 35mm SLR were compatible with the Nikon Pronea. Using existing lenses meant that the field of view was reduced by around 1.6x, but had the advantage of a larger lens selection. Creating a new lens system on the other hand gave the possibility of creating smaller and lighter lenses as that had a smaller image circle to cover. APS SLR cameras were too expensive for the high end amateur market when they first appeared, and professional photographers stuck with 35mm cameras, which offered greater image quality and resolution. Few APS film cameras are available new today.