A camera that you can just throw away? Is that really a thing? Well, the answer is yes, and no. Disposable cameras have been around since the late 1980’s, though some iterations of them existed before then, and for several decades were extremely popular. While sales declined after the release of the original iPhone, they never completely stopped and disposable cameras are still being produced today by Kodak, Fuji, and a few other manufacturers.

But what exactly is a disposable camera? What is a disposable camera used for? How does a disposable camera work? These are all questions we are going to explore as we look into the world of disposable or single-use cameras

What is a disposable camera?

Disposable cameras were created during the days of film, when the cost of 35mm cameras was still quite high as an alternative to lugging your expensive Minolta camera around or sending your Nikon SLR to camp with your 7 year-old kid. A disposable camera consists of a plastic shell body, a plastic lens, some simple electronics, and extremely simple shutter, and a roll of 35mm film. The modern version of the disposable camera was created by FujiFilm and Kodak soon released their own 35mm film version. Today, disposable cameras still use 35mm film, iso 800 in Kodak cameras and iso 400 in FujiFilm cameras. Other brands and varieties of disposable cameras exist, such as black and white versions from Ilford and Kodak, but we will mainly be discussing the color negative 35mm film disposable cameras.

Disposable cameras were built to be durable, affordable, simple and easy to use, but still functional enough to produce a decent image even in the hands of an amateur photographer. They are essentially an extremely simple point-and-shoot style film camera. There is no focus, only a focus range. There are no adjustments, shutter speed, aperture, and film speed are set. And the only option you have to try to control exposure is a battery-powered flash which is activated by pressing or sliding a button on most models.

Framing your image is also very basic. Your are given a viewfinder, however it only approximates the image to be taken. Some people struggle with this as most individuals are used taking photos on their phone where they can see in a live view that the image is going to look like. The trick is to try to allow enough space in the frame for any errors by backing up just a little bit. The closer you are to the subject, the more “off” your image will be from the view finder. But for the most part, it won’t ruin your disposable camera pictures unless you are trying to take serious portraits, which no one really does.

What can you use a disposable CAmera For?

Disposable cameras are great for a lot of different purposes. Even though they are designed for simple use, their design and use of 35mm film produces really great results. In many situations, disposable cameras produce better looking results than iPhone and other cell phone cameras. Here are a few scenarios where a disposable camera would work much better than a camera phone.

Outdoor Adventure

The rugged nature of camping, river rafting, hiking, climbing, and anything else outside make it difficult to justify the risk of taking your expensive phone along to get photos. The difference in cost is absurd. A disposable camera might cost as much as $25 companies to a new phone which could easily run $1000 or more. Dropping your phone, cracking your screen is a very real risk, and not just while you’re holding it in your hand. One wrong fall could ruin your phone! Disposable cameras very rugged and can endure a lot of punishment thanks to their simplicity of design. Disposable cameras also carry their own power source and do not need recharging to take photo, where a camera phone would be much more difficult to keep charged on a longer trip.

On an outdoor adventure, a disposable camera has these advantages:

• Rugged and durable

• Cheaper to replace if lost or damaged

• Does not need recharging

• Takes amazing photos outside during the day or night!

Kids Summer Camp

The kids are going away for a week, or two, or if you’re lucky a month or more, but there’s a really good chance that your awesome but someone irresponsible child might not make it back with their expensive smart phone if you allow them to use it freely. Disposable cameras are perfect for Summer Camps! The same lower-cost if lost principle applies and being very rugged and durable doesn’t hurt either. Plus, your child will be the coolest kid there when they pull out their film loaded disposable camera while all of the other nerds are using those lame camera phones.

At a summer camp, a disposable camera has these advantages:

• Rugged and Durable

• Cheaper to replace if lost or damaged

• Does not need recharging

• Cool factor

• Simple to use

• Can be customized with markers, paint, and/or stickers

Parties

Disposable cameras are fantastic for parties of all sorts, but disposable cameras are absolutely amazing for parties where things might get a little crazy. If there’s going to be a lot of alcohol involved, disposable cameras are an absolute must! Rugged, durable, cheap, all apply here, but there are several other factors introduced by the party environment that you might not have considered.

At a party, a disposable camera has these advantages:

• Rugged and Durable

• Cheaper to replace if lost of damaged

• Does not need recharging

• Cool factor

• Simple to use, even if you’re intoxicated

• You can’t drunk-text an ex with one

• You can’t share embarrassing images the moment you take them

• Any embarrassing images you do take can just be throw away before anyone else sees them

A Night on the Town

Heading out to the bar or the club or even a concert with your friends? A disposable camera is a perfect addition and takes great photos, as long as your remember to use your flash! For all of the same reasons above (rugged, durable, cheap, etc) a disposable camera can add an element of fun and adventure to your night out!

Conclusion

What is a disposable camera? A disposable camera is an affordable alternative to using your cell phone or an expensive digital or film camera that allows you to add a unique look and vibe to your images! They are not instant, but they are fun in that moment. The click of the shutter, the flash of light, and winding to the next frame, make the experience something memorable.

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