Even with all the advances in modern camera technology, there is one old-school method of picture-taking that has never lost its appeal - using a disposable camera.
Cheap and cheerful, quick and easy to use, and producing high-quality photos, they make the perfect device for recording your favourite moments, whether on holiday, at a party or special occasion.
Pull them out at events, strike a pose and once it’s shot, that’s it. No editing, no take-two, just a totally candid snapshot of that moment. And what’s best is that, once developed, you have a physical print to remember that time forever.
What to consider when choosing a disposable camera?
There are a couple of things to consider when choosing the right disposable camera for you…
- Number of photos: Check out how many photos the camera is able to take. The average number tends to be about 27, while some take fewer – around 16 – and others can take up to 39. The price usually coordinates with this.
- Colour of photos: Do you want your prints in colour or black and white? Depending on your decision, make sure you choose a camera with the correct colour film.
- Design: Opt for a camera which is compact and lightweight – it will make it more portable and easier to use.
- Features: Where will you be using your camera? Underwater, by the sea or in misty rain? Choose a waterproof camera and you can still have high-quality photos produced. Many also have optional flash control so you can use it in all types of lighting, and inside or outside.
Where can you develop your photos?
Once the poses are struck, the photos have been shot and the film has been used up, it’s time to get your snaps developed. While there may not be an abundant amount of photo printing shops kicking around anymore, places like Snappy Snaps and Jessops are still open and ready to develop your pics. Other shops including Boots and Asda often have a photo-printing service too.
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The CATCH Camera
There’s something about physically being able to hold your treasured snaps that makes them all the more special, and that is no doubt why the popularity of disposable cameras is enduring. You have one chance to get the shot and, once printed, you have a meaningful moment that you can frame. They’re also given a retro sepia tint that makes them that extra bit Instagram-friendly. The only problem? The wasteful nature of the single-use casing. That’s where The CATCH Camera comes in.
It’s a disposable camera without the disposable quality, meaning you can purchase film to reuse the exterior over and over again, all while making the most of the 35mm vintage aesthetic of the snaps produced. It couldn’t be easier to use, just point and shoot, and the exterior has throwback quality. A film camera, no expertise required.
Buy now £60.00, The CATCH Camera
Kodak Fun Saver Disposable Camera
Snap up 27 shots on Kodak’s classic disposable camera – it’s been around for years for a reason. With a fixed-focus lens, it will produce high-quality results and can be used in low-level lighting thanks to its optional flash feature. A reliable design for inside and out.
Buy now £16.76, Amazon
Ilford Ilfocolor Retro Edition Disposable Camera
Go retro with this disposable camera and capture your favourite moments courtesy of Ilford. The funky, striped camera is covered in a protective plastic coating and loaded with 27 snaps and a built-in flash.
Buy now £22.00, Urban Outfitters
Kodak M35 35mm Reusable Film Camera
Whip this camera out on your holiday and catch all your best memories on film. Battery powered and simply requiring a roll of 35mm film, load it up and use it over and over again. Featuring a wide-angle lens and integrated flash button, this is the ultimate adventure companion. Available in a variety of colours including olive green, bright yellow and pastel pink.
Buy now £24.95, Amazon
Fujifilm Single-Use Camera
Don’t miss any of the action with Fujifilm’s disposable camera. Its powerful built-in three-metre range flash makes it great for all light conditions, indoors and outdoors, and can snap up to 27 shots.
Buy now £18.95, Amazon
Kodak Tri-X 400 Black and White Film Disposable Film Camera
Add a vintage look to your holiday snaps with Kodak’s black-and-white camera. Taking 27 shots through an old-school lens, the camera is easy to use with flash control and will bring a real sense of nostalgia to your holiday album.
Buy now £17.99, Amazon
Kodak Weekend Underwater Disposable Camera
Make a splash underwater in front of this waterproof disposable camera, ideal for beach days, water sports or sitting by the pool. Featuring a rugged plastic case for protection and a convenient wrist strap to avoid mishaps, go deep (up to 50 feet) and capture up to 27 colourful shots to print.
Buy now £32.17, Amazon
AgfaPhoto Reusable Camera
Take your disposable camera to the next level with Agfa’s reusable option, finished with a cool 70s-inspired vintage exterior. Pop in a 35mm film, either in colour or black and white, and get snapping, using the built-in flash when required. It comes with a handy carry strap and camera bag for convenient transportation.
Buy now £28.90, Amazon
Weddingstar Disposable Camera with Flash
Scatter some of these disposable cameras across your wedding tables and let guests have some fun capturing special, candid moments from the big day.
The pretty silver heart pattern will fit in beautifully with the occasion’s aesthetics and each camera can take 16 shots. Featuring built-in flash and a three-metre focal range, these will be pictures to add to your album and look back on in years to come.
Buy now £17.97, Amazon
AgfaPhoto LeBox Ocean Disposable Camera
Take to the water with AgfaPhoto’s camera and you can snap away at 27 pictures in clear focus and with high-quality colour saturation. Suitable for down to three metres, the compact and lightweight design is the perfect swimming, snorkelling or surfing buddy. It’s also sandproof so a great option for beach days and sandy walks.
Buy now £14.99, Jessops
YASHICA x Sanrio My Melody Single Use Camera
Pull this camera out during any special occasion and have retro-tinged keepsakes to cherish forever. The 27-exposure film produces a stream of vintage-looking pictures.
Buy now £25.00, Urban Outfitters
