The best disposable cameras are a fun way to enjoy analogue shooting. Low cost and easy to use, these little point-and-shoots are great to pick up at weddings or other social gatherings, whether you're using them yourself or giving one to each of your guests as a party favor (nowadays, they're often sold in multipacks).
The feel of analog photography simply can't be replicated with a phone. In contrast, disposable cameras let you experience the delayed gratification of pressing the shutter and not knowing how the shot came out for weeks on end. Best of all is, you get physical prints that you can hang up or keep in a scrapbook, rather than digital files left to languish on a hard drive.
Contemporary disposable cameras aren't just cheap plastic – manufacturers have stepped up their game, and the little shooters are much more resilient than they used to be. They aren't even as wasteful as you might think: single-use cameras are eminently recyclable, and many of the firms that produce them, like Kodak and Fujifilm, will break them down to reuse the parts in another batch rather than throwing them away.
While there are plenty of disposable cameras on the market, some do tend to go in and out of stock, especially if you're outside of the US, so we've included plenty of options on our list. If there's one you like the look of but can't find in your territory, consider one of the alternatives on the list.
Our options are split into four categories… disposable cameras that shoot color film, cameras that use black-and-white film, cameras that can be used underwater, and bulk deals.
Best disposable cameras in 2023
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Color
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 cameras such as this. Note: 27-exposure versions also exist, but the "27+12" 39-exposure option is usually better value.
This camera is a fan favorite, as the pre-loaded ISO400 Fujifilm 35mm roll film gives a suitably antique film look that will please any photography nostalgic. Providing 27 exposures, this disposable camera comes with a built-in flash offering a three-metre range for gloomier conditions. Alternatively, you can 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.
Though the Ilford name is generally associated with black and white films, the firm revealed a little surprise in 2021 – this disposable camera loaded with Ilfocolor film. The cool colours of this stock hearken back to the photography of the 1960s, and the zingy design of the camera allows you to stand out from the crowd. The auto-recharging flash with a recycle time of 15 seconds also allows you to fire off a few lit shots in succession.
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.
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 worrying about it getting 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.
Lomography prides itself on producing unusual films that give a retro look to your images - and this camera is loaded with a roll of LomoChrome Metropolis, which is designed to give moody, muted shots. The effect is similar that you might have got from an Eastern European film from the cold war era - with colors that look slightly wrong, but which give your photography its own artistic edge. You can give your portraits even more unusual colors using the three filter gels, that can be placed over the flash. This camera allows you to replace the film, and the battery, making it possible to re-use; and the next time you can use any 35mm you wish.
Black-and-white
With a focus range from one metre to infinity, this 35mm disposable option from film experts Ilford is the perfect 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!
Kodak's Tri-X 400 is one of the most famous monochrome films of its era, with many photographers falling in love with it for its dramatic, contrast-y look. Now, it's available in a single-use camera, which may make for the perfect gateway drug for anyone looking to dip their toes into analogue photography. As well as 27 shots of Tri-X, you also get what Kodak describes as the most powerful flash on a disposable camera, which perfectly complements the high-key drama of the Tri-X film stock.
Waterproof
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, 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
We have seen some great bulk deals on this Agfa disposable camera - and particularly if you buy ten at a time (making a great for weddings, and other big party gatherings). But do check the price - as buying in number doesn't always guarantee a discount. Perplexingly, it can be better to buy one at a time!
The Agfa camera offers just 27 exposures per camera - but as disposables used at parties don't often get fully used, this may be a wise decision if the price is right.
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. You'll 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.
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 five, six, 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).
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.
Waterproof down to depths of ten metres (33ft), these disposable cameras are a great choice for pool parties, or for outward-bound adventures. This bulk pack gets your four cameras loaded with ISO800 film - which will give you the latitude to cope with sub-aqua shooting or overcast days. The over-sized shutter release lever and the large film advance knob are designed to make it easy to use underwater or in freezing conditions.
Read more:
Best film cameras in 2023
Best instant cameras
Best waterproof cameras in 2023
Best cameras under $100
