A camera for the 21st Century.

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[check] Television and print ads have been teasing audiences for quite a while with Kodak's vaunted new Advanced Photo System. The products finally have burst upon the market, and the hoopla seems to have been right on target. Between the Advantix line of cameras and a trio of films designed for them, Kodak has taken a bold step towards setting a standard for the 21st century.

With nine models available, ranging from a one-time use, fixed-focus disposable to an auto-focus, zoom-lens camera that can imprint customized titles as well as the time and date the picture was taken on the back of photos, we decided to sample the mid-range 3200AF, which retails for a suggested $119.95. The palm-sized camera weights a mere seven ounces, including batteries and film, and measures 2.5" x 4.7" x 1.5", small enough to slide into a shirt pocket. Just swing up the lens cover with its built-in flash assembly and you are ready to shoot--almost!

That qualifying statement crops up because a decision must be made as to what mode you want your picture to be shot in: the "classic" 4" x 6" most 35mm cameras produce; 4" x 7" to squeeze larger groups into the picture; or panoramic, creating a wide-angle 3.5" x 10.5" for vista shots or tall subjects. Simply slide the setting bar to C, H, or P, respectively. The viewfinder shifts with the setting so that the image you see is in the ratio you are shooting. Moreover, you can shift from format to format in less than a second for each photo, assuring that you can get exactly the picture you want.

With the exception of this decision, the camera virtually takes over every function except depressing the button. The film cartridge drops into place in a sealed cannister that means the photographer never has to handle the film. It even is removable when partially exposed, permitting mid-roll...