Disposable cameras are known as single-use cameras and although they’re not the best for the environment, they are very convenient and affordable. Thus they are great alternatives for highly technical cameras that many folks cannot afford.
Disposable cameras are extremely user-friendly to a level where an amateur can also be a photographer. These cameras are as simple as point-and-shoot. They are made out of disposable and light materials like plastic thus, making them easier to carry.
Although they are not as technical as high-end cameras they still have a series of benefits. Generally, there are only three controls buttons in these cameras, shutter, flash, and shoot. You can subsequently receive the prints or scans of the shoot once you take shots and send off the camera.
10+ Best Disposable Cameras in 2022
- Kodak Ultra F9 Retro Style — The Best Disposable Camera Overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera — Best Budget Disposable Camera
- Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 — Best Value Disposable Camera with Built-in Flash
- AgfaPhoto LeBox Ocean 400 — Best for Regular Use
- Kodak Tri-X 400 Single Use Camera — Best Iconic Films Camera
- Ilford Single Use Camera XP2 — Best Disposable Black and White Camera
- Ilford HP5 Plus B&W Single-Use Film Camera — Most Reliable Disposable Camera
- Kodak Funsaver 35mm Single Use Camera — Best Camera with Generous Exposures
- AgfaPhoto LeBox 400 Flash — Best Disposable Camera with Integral Flash
- Kodak Water & Sport Waterproof — Best Waterproof Disposable Camera
- FujiFilm Waterproof Quick Snap — Best Camera for Quicksnap Waterproof Camera
You may also be interested in our best compact cameras posts.
What is the Best Disposable Camera?
Kodak Ultra F9 Retro Style is the best disposable camera based on value, price and performance. Check out the table to see a comparison of the other best disposable cameras which is right for you.
10+ Best Disposable Cameras in 2002
1. Kodak Ultra F9 Retro Style (Editor’s Choice)
The Best Overall Camera with True Retro Colors
Type of Film: 35mm, color, black and white | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 35 | Flash: Built-in flash
The new Kodak Ultra F9 is a reusable film camera with 35mm film for color, black and white shoots. It has a focused lens and film winding rewinding capacity which has to be done manually. It has a built-in flash with turn on/off options when necessary. It also has a fixed focus lens.
To capture your moments with this camera, all you have to do is just buy a film of 35mm to load and start capturing your beautiful moments. To get the printed photos to rewind the film and get it done in stores.
This Kodak Ultra F9 reusable 35mm/ 135 Film analog camera is super easy to use, and it also comes with the waist strap and card with a coded link to the downloadable user manual.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ The body is very light | ➖ Does not have much control over exposure you might have to use flash often. |
➕ Super easy to use |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 35mm Reusable Film Camera
- For Color and Black and White Films
- Fixed-Focus Wide-Angle Lens
- Built-In Flash
- Optical Viewfinder
2. Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera
Best Budget-Friendly Camera
Type of Film: 35mm, color | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash, flash gels
Lomography’s simple use reloadable film camera comes with preloaded film. It’s perfect to capture your moments with the authentic analog style. You can capture with the creative color gel filters placed over the flash and immortalize memories.
Technically speaking this isn’t a single-use camera as it is reloadable. They have been designed to operate as disposable cameras and for simple use with a shutter button and flash. Once you run out of the roll you can simply change the fill and continue again.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Super easy to operate | ➖ Not technically disposable as the roll can be reloaded |
➕ Flash gels can be tinted | |
➕ Reloadable film |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Analogue made easy with preloaded LomoChrome Metropolis film
- Get creative with Color Gel Flash Filters
- Take your camera everywhere you go
- Reload and keep shooting
- Desaturated colors, muted tones and stark contrasts
3. Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400
Best Valued Camera with Built-in Flash
Type of Film: 35mm, color | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash
When thinking about disposable cameras from back in the day we basically think of Fujifilm QuickSnap. It comes with a powerful fixed focus lens and built-in flash. This disposable film camera comes with a super easy and single-button operation.
Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 is loaded with ISO 400 Fuji Superia color film that does well in the majority of the conditions even at dark times. It is a straightforward, good-quality camera with 27 exposures.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Super easy to operate | ➖ Not for complex process |
➕ ISO 400 | |
➕ Single-button operation |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Disposable One-time-use camera in compact body
- Very sharp pictures with a 10-foot built-in flash
- Fun and easy to use
- Great for taking pictures indoors or outdoors
- Loaded with Superior X-TRA 400 film, 27 exposures per camera (108 total)
4. AgfaPhoto LeBox Ocean 400
Best Heavy Duty Disposable Camera
Type of Film: 35mm, color | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash
Disposable cameras are a great choice for everyone which makes them easy to carry, shoot, and fun. AgfaPhoto LeBox Ocean 400 has the advantage that it is waterproof, sand proof, and children-friendly.
As mentioned above it is a great choice because it can be submerged ib 3m depth inside the sea, water with the strip to keep it secure. It looks little but the controls are big and visible.
Also see our post on the best underwater cameras.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Kid-friendly camera | ➖ Clunky |
➕ ISO 400 | |
➕ Water and sand proof |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Item Package Quantity: 1
- Model Number: 601040
- Country of origin:- China
- Package Dimensions : 4.5L x 13.0W x 15.0H (centimeters)
5. Kodak Tri-X 400 Single Use Camera
Best Iconic Films Camera
Type of Film: 35mm, Black & white | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash
Kodak Tri-X 400 Single Use Camera was uncovered in 2021 with B&W film with the inspiration of back 1954 a dramatic era. It comes with a film that gives high contrast and exposure to all situations. It has a good reputation as it has a flexible format that works in lots of lighting conditions.
It comes with a pre-loaded film of 27 exposures. It includes the iconic and professional TRI-X 400 film that is known for its contrasting, tonality and grain structure.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ High contrast, and tonality of the film | ➖ It is a Monochrome camera |
➕ ISO 400 | |
➕ Good exposure latitude. |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- KODAK Professional Tri-X 400 Black and White Negative Film Single Use Camera
- Panchromatic B&W Negative Film
- ISO 400
- Built-in flash
- Fine Grain and High Sharpness
6. Ilford Single Use Camera XP2
Best Dramatic Black and White Camera
Type of Film: 35mm, Black & white | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash
Ilford XP2 Super Single Use Camera is a black and white disposable camera that gives sharp images. It has a shutter speed of 1/100 sec. This is a great option for taking pictures in daylight as it comes with XP2 film. The film can also be developed as C-41 which means the process of color negative film.
It is easy to use with a built-in flash which is effective up to 3m. It is great in natural light and is loaded with (24+3) 27 exposures with XP2 ISO 400 film.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Looks stylish, the contrast-y film | ➖ It is a Monochrome camera |
➕ ISO 400 | |
➕ C41 process |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 3 single use camera with 35 mm
- XP2 Super 400 ISO film
- With flash
- Approach from 1 m to infinity
7. Ilford HP5 Plus B&W Single-Use Film Camera
Most Reliable Disposable Camera
Type of Film: 35mm, Black & white | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash
Ilford HP5 Plus B&W Single-Use disposable camera is unique and classic as it has HP5 Plus 400 iso film in it. It gives noticeable gran than others in terms of tone, contrast, and exposure latitude.
You can also reload the HP5 film in a Lomo Simple Use for reusing. It performs well in daylight as well as low lights even without a flash. These are the features that make it a great choice for B&W shots than others compared.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Reliable and reusable | ➖ The process is complex. |
➕ ISO 400 | |
➕ Fine-grain and sharpness |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Single use camera with 27 exposures.
- Film HP5 PLUS 400 ISO
- Focus from 1m to infinity.
- Black and White film included and with Flash
8. Kodak Funsaver 35mm Single Use Camera
Best Camera with Generous Exposure
Type of Film: 35mm, color | ISO: 800 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash
KODAK FunSaver 35mm Single Use Camera with 27 exposures loaded and ISO 800. FunSaver comes with built-in flash which is good from about 1.5m to 3.5m Even though they have plastic lens color, and contrast is pretty good.
FunSaver Single Use Camera does not require any loading it is an ultimate choice for one-time use. It can be used both indoors and outdoor which offers superb clarity.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Good even in low light | ➖ Build quality is not good |
➕ ISO 800 | |
➕ Easy to use |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Product Type:Camera Film
- Item Package Dimension:3.81 Cm L X 6.604 Cm W X 13.462 Cm H
- Item Package Weight:0.159 Kg
- Country Of Origin: United States
9. AgfaPhoto LeBox 400 Flash
Best Camera for Integral Flash
Type of Film: 35mm, color | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash
Are you looking for waterproof cameras? Here’s AgfaPhoto LeBox Ocean for a budget that fits right. It can give 27 exposures that’ll look excellent in all sorts of conditions. They also include a built-in flash with a 4m effective range which no other disposable cameras have.
This is designed with a plastic outer case that protects against sand and splashes of water. However, you cannot use this camera underwater for more than 3m deeper as it is designed only for pool use.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Good flash range of about 4m | ➖ Build quality is inferior |
➕ Mid-range ISO 400 | |
➕ Easy to use |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Better prints in a flash
- The fast party camera with a flash
- Smart photo fun in a high class design
- Package Dimensions: 6.096 L x 3.556 H x 12.7 W (centimeters)
10. Kodak Water & Sport Waterproof
Best Disposable Waterproof Camera
Type of Film: 35mm, color | ISO: 400 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: Built-in flash
Kodak Max 800 is faster than Kodak Fun Saver. This is more versatile in lower light areas like underwater. It is designed rugged which makes it a good choice even for underwater shoots up to 50ft deeper.
It also includes a scratch-resistant lens. Kodak Max 800 is a disposable camera that can be used on virtually any outdoor land or water.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Works up to 50 feet deeper in water | ➖ Not that good for outdoor images |
➕ Mid-range ISO 400 |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- Waterproof up to 50 feet
- Rugged, durable, shock-proof rubber shell
- Sunscreen and scratch resistant lens
- Clearest, sharpest pictures
- For outdoor and daylight use only
11. FujiFilm Waterproof Quick Snap
Great Waterproof Disposable Camera
Type of Film: 35mm, color | ISO: 800 | Exposures: 27 | Flash: No flash
FujiFilm Waterproof Quick Snap is a disposable waterproof camera that comes preloaded with Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 800iso. The film is about 35mm grain and has no flash. This is best only in daylight.
This camera is ideally best for shooting in snowy conditions and also operates up to 35 feet underwater.
Pros |
Cons |
➕ Works up to 35 feet deeper in water | ➖ Not that good at dark situations |
➕ High range ISO 800 |
Latest Price on Amazon:
- 35mm & Instant
- Disposable
How to Pick the Best Disposable Camera?
If you are the one looking for the best disposable cameras, there will be a number of options to choose from in the market. For sure those will make you get confused about choosing the best one. Here are a few points that need to check before buying a disposable camera to reduce your confusion.
Type of Film Format
The type of film format is something very important to know when buying a disposable camera. Nowadays disposable cameras come with 35mm films which are easily available. These come with a preloaded film that keeps you out of worry. They are generally designed for one-time use so easily available and are simple to handle as well.
There are some cameras that also allow you to refill, then you will have to reload the film. In these cases, you should know which type of film is needed for your cameras.
Range of Focus
Disposable cameras are quite automatic and have raw features like focus adjustment and the range of the camera. Most disposable cameras will have a range of focus from between 1 meter to infinity. This technically means disposable cameras can focus anything beyond 1 meter.
Disposable cameras will take clear images of substances from a distance. Thus, if you are choosing these cameras always make sure the image is 1m away from the point you shoot. This gives better pictures avoiding the blurry images and wastage of the film.
Flash
If you are buying a disposable camera you’ll get the built-in flash handy. Almost all disposable cameras are mapped out like SLR cameras. Even though most of them come with built-in cameras make sure to check and confirm it beforehand.
Color of the Film
This is an important thing that needs to be considered when buying a camera. You have to make sure to check the camera color film beforehand to suit your genre.
There are different types of cameras available in the market that comes with colored and non-colored (black and white) preloaded cameras. Make sure to decide on it and check for the type of camera you want.
Warranty
It is always important to buy a trusted brand. It will also depend on the quality of the product that we use. Make sure that you buy a product that has a brand and offers a warranty.
In the case of disposable cameras, most of the branded products also do not give a warranty as they are designed to be disposed of after a certain period. But still, you have to check for a warranty in case your product is defective or facing any issues while using so that you will have a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to reload film into a one-time-use disposable camera?
Although most disposable camera manufacturers say that their products are designed to be used only once and are not to be reloaded. Because such cameras are very simple to disassemble. If you want to reuse it you can simply remove the preloaded film and replace it with a fresh one, this is a slightly difficult but not impossible task. However, few cannot be reloaded.
How long can we use the disposable camera?
These are quite delicate cameras to manage as most of them will be built with plastic. If you can reload the film you can use it as long as you want but managing and reloading the film is a bit tricky. If you can do this then you can use it as long as you want.
How will I come to know if disposable cameras are fully used?
In most disposable cameras you will find an exposure counter which shows you the number of pictures taken. However, most of them allow you to capture 27-35 exposures once you reach this level you will have to reload or stop clicking the pictures.
Why are disposable cameras designed?
These disposable cameras are designed for simpler and easy usage. They are designed especially keeping in mind point-and-shoot functionality. This means with just a single click to capture the moment that can be turned into digital images in a week.
Best Disposable Camera Key Takeaway
Photography is a beautiful skill, some people do it for passion and some do it as their profession. There are some people who do not want to miss out on any memories and capture every moment of their life.
However for the ones who do it with passion and for keeping memories having a professional camera badly hits with the technicality involved in operating. Those are also very expensive.
These are the situations where disposable cameras came into existence. No matter if you are a beginner, or just want to have an experience of photography or want to capture moments. Disposable cameras are the best and most inexpensive option that is available in the market.
From the list of disposable cameras, choosing one will lead you to experience the excellence of photography.