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The humble disposable camera is a tonne of fun, whether you’re purchasing ones for your wedding guests to capture the moments you missed, or are going on holiday and don’t want lug your expensive digital camera around with you. It’s not just a convenient, low-cost way to shoot film, but disposable cameras give you that distinctive look that many Instagram filters and photoshop experts are still trying to re-create to this day.
In this article, we go over everything you need to consider when buying a disposable camera, from colour to black and white film, ISO, exposure and much more! With cameras from some of the finest 35mm film producers in the world, to more economical alternatives we've ranked the top 10 best in the UK from Amazon, eBay and Boots.
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Table of Contents
Without further ado, let’s look into the different features available from different cameras to find what is going to work best for you. We’ll be looking at the film type, ISO speed and number of exposures, as well as a couple of other important factors to consider.
The issue with black and white film is that it isn’t processed in the same way as colour film. This can cause difficulties, or long time delays when it comes to getting your film developed. Remember, once you have shot in black and white, there is no way of turning it into colour.
Colour, on the other hand, can be turned to black and white. This process can only happen if you choose to receive your pictures on a CD, or email download, and not as prints. From there, you can open them on a computer, and you’re back in the land of digital. For this reason, we would say that colour is slightly more versatile.
This is the most common because 400 is the lowest high-speed ISO, which will give you a lot more flexibility. This also means you’ve got a better chance of the picture turning out well when using this film.
If you’re looking for a disposable camera that can be used both day and night, on your holidays, or at a festival, then sticking with a camera that shoots either 400 or 800 ISO would be our recommendation. These speeds generally work the best is all lighting conditions, whereas the 200 will struggle in low light.
The biggest difference between disposable cameras and their digital counterparts, other than the price, is that you have a limited amount of shots before the camera runs out. For that reason, it’s always good to know how many exposures you have.
Most disposables come with 27 exposures, but they can range from below 20 to over 30. As you can imagine, the more shots you get, the higher the price of the disposable. It’s always worth knowing how many exposures you have left once you start shooting. Luckily, most cameras have an indicator that lets you know either how many shots you have taken, or how many you have left.
Whilst taking a camera into the sea isn’t normally advised, there are some disposables out there that are waterproof. This means you can capture shots of tropical fish in Thailand, or just your kids’ silly faces when they’re being dunked underwater for the first time.
These are a great option for people heading to rainy or snowy locations too, as sometimes disposables don't have the sturdiest of constructions. This way you’ll have a little extra protection against the elements, should you need it.
The downside to waterproof disposables is that more often than not, they come with a higher 800 speed ISO, so there will be a little less variety in the term of options. That said, of you are looking to shoot underwater, the higher speed will benefit your photography.
Finally, a great way to save yourself a few pennies when purchasing disposable cameras is by picking them up in multipacks. Disposable cameras can come in packs of 2, 3, 5 or 10, and as you’d imagine, the more you buy, the more money you save.
Of course, we don’t think you’ll need 10 disposables for your weekend away rambling in the Peaks, but these large packs can be great for events such as weddings, or ideal for those looking to get a good feel for film photography before buying a more professional camera.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kodak FunSaver | £14.95 Low Mid | From the Originators of Film Photography | ||
2 | Ilford XP2 Single Use Camera | £12.69 Low Mid | High Street Ready Black and White Film | ||
3 | Agfa Le Box |Pack of 10 | £99.00 High | A Cult Favourite Goes Disposable | ||
4 | Kodak Sports | £12.99 Low Mid | Keep Your Hands Free for Swimming | ||
5 | AP Novocolor | £9.44 Low Mid | A Sturdy Disposable Camera With a Strong Flash | ||
6 | Agfa Le Box Ocean Waterproof |Pack of 3 | £29.99 Mid | Take Photos Both in the Water and Out | ||
7 | Fujifilm Flash 400|Pack of 2 | £32.95 High Mid | Perfect for Those Looking to Dip Their Toes in Analogue Photography | ||
8 | Ilford HP5 Plus | £11.10 Low Mid | A Top Choice From the Leaders in Black and White Photography | ||
9 | Fujifilm Quicksnap Flash Disposable Cameras|Pack of 5 | £49.95 High Mid | Quality Film for Those Taking Pictures of Their Friends and Family | ||
10 | Weddingstar Silver Enchanted Hearts Camera |Pack of 10 | £63.98 High Mid | Disposable Cameras to Fit With Your Wedding Theme |
This is almost certainly what comes to mind when you mention 'disposable cameras' to anyone over a certain age. This range of disposable cameras has travelled everywhere alongside British families, from beaches to stadium-sized concerts, and it pretty much always captures what you want it to without fail.
It's a little bit more expensive than most. However, it does capture 39 shots. It also has a slightly higher ISO speed than most, which give your pictures a unique look. When it comes to film photography, there is no better known or more reliable company than Kodak. For that reason, they take our number 1 spot!
The standout feature of this disposable is that the black and white XP2 film inside can be processed using C41. 'What is C41' I hear you say? These are the same developing chemicals used to process colour film, making this a hassle-free black and white option that can be developed on the high street.
The film itself is pretty unique, with an extremely fine grain and much sharper highlights than most other black and white options. This style can be a positive or negative (pun not intended) depending on the images you're trying to achieve, but it does create some interesting shots.
If you're looking for a reliable multipack of cameras, you'll be hard-pressed to find any as trustworthy as these! They're produced by Agfa, who have gained a cult status among film photographers for their extremely reliable and incredibly affordable film.
Whether you're looking to capture a wedding, party, music festival, or you just want a bunch of disposables to take with you as you please, these are a dependable option at an excellent price.
Most underwater disposable cameras are pretty similar. They use larger function buttons to accommodate slippery fingers, 800 ISO speed, and plenty of exposures to ensure you get the perfect shot. However, this Kodak Sports disposable has one particular feature that we think sets it apart from the competition - and that's the case.
The waterproof outer casing comes with a bracket on the side which allows you to attach a strap. This means you can swim normally while keeping your camera handy.
Now, disposable cameras aren't exactly known for being robust. That's certainly not the case when it comes to AP's Novocolor disposable camera! One of the sturdier options, this camera could be a great purchase if you're one of those who like to chuck things in your bag without too much care.
Moreover, this camera comes with a versatile ISO and a decent number of exposures. Plus, the flash is notoriously strong, which will help you to take better photos in the dark.
This offering is Agfa's flagship waterproof disposable camera. Unlike most marine cameras, it has a lower speed ISO. This means that the camera will be suitable for use out of the water too, which gives you that little more flexibility.
The design of the camera is also a little different, as it has a much bigger button for shooting, and a sturdier wind-on operation. These features ensure that you're going to find the correct function, regardless of whether you've remembered your goggles or not.
This pack of 5 is a little more suitable than single cameras or larger multipacks, for those who are new to film photography. As you'd imagine most of the features are similar to FujiFilm's other disposable models, with the same ISO speed and amount of exposures as their Quicksnap camera at number 9.
The difference is mainly in regards to aesthetics and again, this camera only focuses between 1-3 metres. So you're going to need to remember this to avoid wasting shots.
Ilford is the name in the game when it comes to black and white photography. The HP5 is one of their bestselling films, hence why they've made a disposable camera that uses it. The film is medium-contrast, which is useful in an array of different lighting situations, and for many different styles of photography.
Of course, actually getting your photos developed will likely be more laborious than choosing a colour option. That said, if you're looking for some seriously artsy film photography, nothing quite beats black and white!
Fujifilm are one of the rare companies that are still mass producing film for vintage cameras. This makes them a slightly more trustworthy brand when it comes to picking up a disposable. This particular offering uses classic 400 ISO film with 27 shots.
While the film is well-produced, unfortunately, the camera itself isn't as good. This is because it only focuses when shooting objects that are within 1-3 metres distance. So there'll be no shots of the Eiffel Tower, or the beautiful landscapes you wandered across on your holiday.
These disposables cameras are from the company Weddingstar, so there are no points for guessing what this multipack is primarily intended for. Each camera comes encased in a paper wrapper that's embellished with hearts, which is a nice little touch on the big day.
The cameras come with a 200 ISO, so they'll be best for events that are largely spent outside, or those with bright lights. The downside is that they have considerably fewer exposures than the others in our ranking. So while they're a pretty good deal, you won't have as many pictures from the celebration.
If this articles has piqued your interest in film photography, or you don't much fancy waiting for your shots to be developed, why not try using an instant camera to capture your adventures? From Polaroid to Instax, we've ranked 10 of the best instant cameras in the UK. Plus, some albums to keep them in!
So there it is - our comprehensive guide to finding the best disposable camera. We believe that if you take a few moments to think about what and where you plan on shooting, you'll be able to find the perfect disposable for your needs. Here's to embracing those vintage vibes!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Kodak|FunSaver
No. 2: Ilford |XP2 Single Use Camera
No. 3: Agfa|Le Box |Pack of 10
No. 4: Kodak|Sports
No. 5: AP |Novocolor
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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