If I had to buy a disposable camera, it would be these two

Kodak disposable cameras I'd buy
(Image credit: Kodak)

Buying a disposable camera is a fun way to enjoy analog photography again, without having to invest a considerable amount of cash to get you going. The low cost of a disposable camera and ease of use make these little point-and-shoots great to pick at weddings, social gatherings or to record memories on holiday. Disposable cameras are a versatile, yet easy-to-use solution to get some of that film nostalgia.

There are many types of disposable cameras, from ones that shoot in color, black and white, or even those designed to be by the poolside and underwater. As a person that still shoots a lot of film in 35mm and 120 medium format, I have often used these disposable wonders when on holiday when I don't want to take my more expensive, professional cameras along for the ride.

So here are my thoughts and recommendations for a great disposable camera to give you that film feeling, without the heavy price tag!

(Image credit: Kodak)

1. Kodak FunSaver Single Use Camera

The best disposable camera for taking lots of shots

Specifications

Type: Single-use
Film format: 35mm
Film type: Color
ISO speed: ISO400 or 800
Number of exposures: 39 (or 27)
Lens: 30mm f/10
Viewfinder: Direct vision
Modes: Auto

Reasons to buy

+
Generous number of exposures
+
Easy to get processed

Reasons to avoid

-
Flash needs to charge

This brightly colored disposable camera ups the usual 27 exposures to a generous 39 on Kodak Kodacolor film, so you are already starting with a bargain!  It also comes with a built-in flash offering a 4ft to 10ft range, so if party flash is your views this little gem wont disappoint. This is a plastic-fantastic all wrapped in a durable plastic casing that should withstand a few knocks, but its not going to be the most rugged camera, so look after it if you can!. 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, and we all love getting more bang for our buck!

Product shot of Kodak Tri-X 400, one of the best disposable cameras

(Image credit: Kodak)

2. Kodak Tri-X 400 Single Use Camera

The best disposable camera for black-and-white flash photography

Specifications

Type: Single-use
Film format: 35mm
Film type: Black & white
ISO speed: ISO400
Number of exposures: 27
Lens: 30mm f/10
Viewfinder: Direct vision
Modes: Auto

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptionally bright flash
+
Stylish B&W film

Reasons to avoid

-
Some may not like contrasty look

Now if you're anything like me, you will love the look and feel of black and white photography, 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 disposable camera, which may make for the perfect gateway drug for anyone looking to dip their toes into analogue photography. 

As well as getting 27 shots of wonderful Tri-X at your disposal, 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, making your images look like a million dollars - This really is champagne results for beer money and quite possibly the best black and white solution on the market if you want to dip your toes into the world of black and white for cheap.

Some photographers think that you should buy a film camera over a disposable one, and we've got plenty of ideas on the best film cameras.

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Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specialising in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound and many more for various advertising campaigns, books and pre/post-event highlights.


He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science and is a Master of Arts in Publishing.  He is member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected in to BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. 


He is familiar with and shows great interest in medium and large format photography with products by Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa and Sinar and has used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI and everything in between. His work covers the genres of Equestrian, Landscape, Abstract or Nature and combines nearly two decades of experience to offer exclusive limited-edition prints to the international stage from his film & digital photography.