What type of films requires a shorter developing time compared to regular films?

The correct answer, high-speed films, requires a shorter developing time compared to regular films because they are designed to be more sensitive to light. High-speed films contain larger or more efficient silver halide crystals, which enable them to capture images at lower light levels. This increased sensitivity means that they can produce an image with shorter exposure times, and consequently, when developing, the processing times can be reduced as well.

In practical terms, high-speed films are often employed in situations where light conditions are not optimal, allowing photographers to still achieve clear images without needing prolonged exposure times. This characteristic not only streamlines the capture process but also allows for greater flexibility in various shooting conditions, making high-speed films popular in both professional and amateur photography.

In contrast, other types of films, such as chloride, orthochromatic, and panchromatic, typically do not share this rapid sensitivity and thus require more extended developing times to achieve the desired image quality.