The best disposable cameras are loads of fun. Great for weddings and parties, or just shooting for yourself, these are a fantastic low-cost way of getting into analogue photography. These cameras tend to be easy to use, with few controls beyond pointing and shooting, and with how cheap they are, you don't have to worry too much about dropping or breaking them.Â
You might have assumed that the advent of digital photography and smartphone put paid to the market for single-use film cameras, but the distinctive look produced by these devices still has its place. Many also come with functionality like waterproofing or an integral flash, improving your options when it comes to the shoot. Some are also made by some of the finest 35mm film manufacturers in business, such as Ilford, giving you an inexpensive way to get a taste of 35mm photography.
These cameras will shoot a single roll of film with a set number of exposures. Once they're  spent, you can generally get them processed at a high-street chemist or dedicated film processing lab. Sidebar: if you prefer the types of cameras that give you a picture instantly, take a look at our list of the best instant cameras including the latest from Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax.Â
Contemporary disposable cameras are a lot hardier than they used to be, and also are sometimes available in great-value multipacks, which is great if you want to add them as a fun activity for a wedding or party. As mentioned, they also tend to be easy to use, to the point where both young children and avowed technophobes can have fun with them. And then, at the end of all that, you get a selection of physical prints that you'll be able to keep for years afterwards.
With all the above in mind, let’s have a look at a bunch of the best disposable cameras you can buy right now…
Best disposable cameras in 2021
Color
Pre-loaded with ISO400 Fujifilm 35mm roll film providing 27 exposures, you’ll probably want to make use of that built-in flash with its three-metre range in gloomier conditions. Alternatively, use this small fixed aperture and single fixed shutter speed camera in mainly in bright light outdoors. While it may not be sophisticated, it serves the purpose for which it was created.
This brightly colored disposable camera ups the usual 27 exposures to a generous 39 on Kodak Kodacolor film and comes with a built-in flash offering a 4ft to 10ft range. This is all wrapped in a durable plastic casing that should withstand a few knocks. It feels like the adage ‘can’t go wrong’ should have been invented for photographic propositions such as this. Note: 27-exposure versions of this camera also exist, but the "27+12" 39-exposure option is usually better value.
A non-waterproofed, regular-use point and shoot disposable camera featuring built–in flash with four metre range and batteries from the instantly recognisable Agfa brand, this is another option for parties and social gatherings where you want something to pass around without stressing that it will be lost or damaged. Again we get a standard 27 exposures to shoot with. When finished, just send it off or drop it in to your local high street processor.
Loaded with Kodak Max Versatility 800 speed film providing 27 exposures and equipped with a manual flash that needs to be ‘charged’ – by holding down a button – between each use, this is your bog standard disposable camera, being lightweight and compact enough to slip into any pocket. An advantage over some competitors is that the combination of ISO800 and flash makes it suitable for party pictures in dimly lit rooms.
Black-and-white
With a focus range from one metre to infinity, this 35mm disposable option from film experts Ilford is strictly a monochrome shooter. The key details include 27 exposures from a roll of XP2 Super 400 ISO film and a built-in flash to provide added visual punch. A big advantage is that you can take the unit to any high street processing centre to get the prints developed, as the XP2 film uses the same process as C41 color negative. Neat!
This ‘simple use’, as opposed to single use, camera can actually be used again if you’re brave enough to re-load it ‘at your own risk’ once you’ve shot the initial 36 frames of Lady Grey film, says its manufacturer. Fine grain, characterful black and white images is the appeal here – but if you do want to use it again with a roll of color film loaded, you can. ‘Analogue madness’ says its manufacturer. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
An alternative to Ilford’s XP2 film loaded single use camera is this one, alternatively loaded with HP5 Plus 400 ISO film instead. Focusing from one metre to infinity, this will deliver black and white images, while its built-in flash provides a useful creative fall back when you’re not shooting outdoors with plenty of natural daylight. Despite the plastic casing to the front perhaps indicating otherwise, this option isn’t waterproof. So stick to the urban jungle, not the local water park!
Waterproof
This is not just a disposable camera... it is an underwater camera too! Waterproofed to a depth of 10 meters (17 feet), you may be paying a slight premium here for the plastic housing, but we reckon it’s worth it. Pre-loaded with Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 800 color film, there are 27 frames with which to capture the poolside fun. Exposure is fixed at 1/125sec at f/10, so look to shoot in sunnier conditions to achieve the best eventual prints.
Here’s a funky looking camera for making a splash with. It features tangibly large controls that should prove no problem for younger family members to operate. There’s no flash with this one, as it’s intended for use down to watery depths of 50 feet / 15m. Loaded with Kodak Ultra Max 800 film for clearer pictures beneath the waves, we’d otherwise advise outdoor and daylight use only. With a sunscreen and scratch resistant lens the film sits within a durable and shock-proof shell.
A ‘one size fits all’ option for holidaymakers, this Agfa branded camera with flip up plastic ‘sports finder’ can function in the wet as well as the dry – and greatly aids accurate composition underwater. Its plastic outer case, meanwhile, protects against sand and splashes. Loaded with ISO400 film, up to 27 exposures are provided. This one can’t be used as deep as some alternatives, as it’s waterproofed to just three metres, but that should make it just fine for pool use.
Bulk packs
With multi pack bundle deals varying between territories, one consistent is this Fuji twin pack option loaded with Superia X-TRA ISO400 film providing 27 exposures each, or 54 total. The thinking being that two cameras are better value than one, you’ll probably want to make use of that built-in flash with its three-metre range in gloomier conditions, or use this small fixed aperture and single fixed shutter speed camera in mainly in bright light outdoors.Â
Want a bunch of cameras for a social occasion, or to hand out to guests at a wedding? While waterproofed cameras generally cost slightly more than the standard variety for use on land, here we get a pack of waterproof cameras at a value added price, capable of use down to a depth of 10 metres (17 feet). Pre-loaded with Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 800 color film, there are 27 frames with which to capture the fun in the pool. As exposure is fixed at 1/125sec at f/10, we reckon sunnier conditions will deliver the best prints. Available in packs of three or four, depending on where you shop - so compare prices carefully.
Grab yourself fistful – or more - of disposable cameras with bundle deals on this Kodak single use camera, which offers the advantage of up to 39 exposures, whereas most others max out at 27 shots. We also get a built in flash with a decent 4ft to 10ft reach, encased in a durable plastic sell that should withstand a few knocks. Again, you can’t really go wrong for the price either if buying this camera on its own or in a pack such as this. With multipacks available with 5, 6, 10 or 20 cameras - you have lots of bulk buying options. Do check that the cameras offered are the ones with the 39 cameras (27+12, as Kodak calls it).
If you’re looking for maximum bang – or should that be flash – for your buck, then look closely at this fistful of five cameras with integral flash bearing the Novocolor brand. While the name may not be familiar the proposition is; namely a useful 27 film exposures with flash per camera and a construction utilizing ‘high quality material’, it’s claimed. Available in either packs of five or ten.
Read more:
Best film cameras in 2021
Best instant cameras
Best waterproof cameras in 2021
Best cameras under $100
