The best disposable cameras are a great way to capture magic moments. They are perfect for parties and weddings. You can take them on your summer vacations. Or you can use them while you’re hanging out with friends on the weekend.
A disposable camera should be simple, easy to use, and produce fantastic photos. That’s why we’ve picked the Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro as the best disposable camera. It couldn’t be any more simple. It has a versatile 400 ISO film. And the camera has a built-in flash for night photography.
What Is the Best Disposable Camera?
The best disposable camera needs to be easy for anyone to use. Everyone from kids to adults can use a disposable camera without difficulty. Thankfully, most disposable cameras only have one or two buttons. They have the shutter release button. And those with a flash have an on/off button for that function.
You also want to know the camera takes fabulous photos. You don’t want any surprises when it comes to results, so there are a few things you need to check.
First, check if the camera is loaded with color or black and white film. Then you need to check the ISO of the film. This relates to how sensitive the film is to light.
You also have underwater disposable cameras. Be careful before you dive in, not all disposable cameras are waterproof. But we’ve included several underwater cameras on our list.
You can check out all the best disposable cameras in the table below. Then we take a closer look at each camera in the following section. We also have an FAQ section at the end if you need more information on disposable cameras.
- Incredible Ilford color negative film
- Versatile 400 ISO film
- Build-in flash for night photography
- Easy to use and plenty of fun!
- Compact and easy to use
- Built-in flash has a 10 ft range
- Loaded with Superior X-TRA 400 film
- 27 exposures for great pictures in and outdoors
- Built-in flash for day and night shots
- 27 exposures of Kodak MAX film
- 800 ISO film gives you excellent versatility
- High recycling rate in US and worldwide
- Preloaded with Ilford HP5 Plus
- Film has a versatile 400 ISO
- Focus-free design gives you focus from 1 m to infinity
- Built-in flash
- Kodak 800 ISO film for unbeatable clarity
- One-touch flash with automatic recharge
- Flash range of 4 to 14.5 feet
- 27 exposures with bright and vibrant colors
- Waterproof to 17 feet
- Fun and practical single-use camera
- Take pictures at the pool or beach
- Quality Photo Ultra Soft Microfiber Cloth included
- Loaded with Kodak Tri-X 400 film
- Film provides fine grain and high contrast
- B&W film works well in low light with the flash
- Fixed-focus lens means no manual focusing
- Loaded with Lomography Color Negative 400 film
- Camera gives you 36 exposures
- Colored gels for the flash
- 31mm fixed-focus lens
- Perfect for outdoor activities and waterproof to 12 feet
- Includes convenient wrist strap
- 27 color prints
- High quality and reasonable price
- 400 ISO film for bright and detailed images
- Built-in flash for low-light photography
- Couldn't be easier to use
- Excellent value and good option for bulk buying
- Uses LomoChrome Purple film
- Photos are full of purple shades and tones
- 36 exposures per camera
- Uses standard C-41 processing
- Captures stunning highlights and shadows
- Waterproof up to 32 ft / 10 m
- 400 ISO color film is made in USA
- Fixed-focus range is 1 m to infinity
12 Best Disposable Cameras
Now we’ll take you through our top choices for the best disposable cameras. We have something for everyone, with color, black and white, and waterproof disposable cameras. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or holiday, we have the right disposable camera for you.
1. Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro
| Brand |
Brand
Ilford
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
400
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Comes as a pack of two
|
| Best For |
Best For
Superior image quality
|
The Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro is the best disposable camera right now. It’s simple and easy to use, of course. And it delivers incredible color photographs.
Ilford is one of the best film manufacturers. And while they specialize in black and white film, like HP5 Plus, they have also started making color negative film stocks. This disposable camera is the best way to try Ilford’s color films.
You get 27 shots from each camera. And the color negative film has a 400 ISO level, making it versatile. You can use it inside and outside. And the built-in flash allows you to shoot at night.
2. Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
400
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Comes as a pack of two
|
| Best For |
Best For
Superior image quality
|
The Fujifilm QuickSnap is one of the best disposable cameras for color shooters. It has a compact body, making it the perfect pocket camera for any occasion. And it produces some of the best color photos compared to other single-use cameras.
The Fujifilm QuickSnap is preloaded with Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 400. That’s not just one of Fujifilm’s best film stocks, it’s one of the best color stocks still available. Your images will be alive with vibrant color and rich detail. You’ll feel like a professional film photographer.
The built-in flash has a reach of 10 feet, giving you an excellent range for nighttime shooting. It’s very bright at close range, but it means you can take color shots after dark. You can party through the night with this disposable camera.
The Fujifilm QuickSnap relies on the quality of the film. It’s simple, easy to use, and a great choice for color photos.
3. Kodak FunSaver
| Brand |
Brand
KODAK
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Kodak Max
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
800
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Made from recyclable plastic
|
| Best For |
Best For
All occasions
|
Kodak is the biggest name in color film. They have the biggest range of films out there. Despite increasing prices, they remain the dominant film brand. And the Kodak Fun Saver is the perfect entry point into the world of film photography.
The Kodak Fun Saver stands out from other disposable cameras due to the 800 ISO film. You’ll see that most cameras on this list have 400 ISO film. That means the Fun Saver can cope with situations where light is dim or fading. You can still take pictures on sunny days. But you can keep shooting as the sun goes down.
There’s a built-in flash for extra illumination. This means the photography doesn’t stop just because the sun goes down. You can keep shooting from dusk till dawn.
The higher ISO means you’ll see more grain in the photos. But with the renaissance of film photography, more and more people want to see grain in their photos. The Kodak Fun Saver gives you more flexibility and a retro look that people love.
The Kodak Fun Saver isn’t the most durable camera. The body is made of thin plastic and paper, but it is recyclable. That’s important in our climate-conscious era.
4. Ilford HP5 Plus Disposable Camera
| Brand |
Brand
Ilford
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Ilford HP5 Plus
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Black and White
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
400
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Fixed focus from 1 m to infinity
|
| Best For |
Best For
Black and white photography
|
The Ilford HP5 Plus Disposable is the best disposable camera for black and white photography. Ilford is the biggest brand in black and white film. And their HP5 Plus is the most popular black and white film in the world. This camera is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in black and white photography.
Once you’ve used the HP5 Plus, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. It has a 400 ISO, which makes it versatile. It’s also a forgiving film, so you get good photos even in bad conditions. And the quality is great. It has a fine grain structure and it gives you deep contrasts.
It has a fixed focus system. That means there’s no manual or automatic focusing. The lens is set so that it focuses from 1 meter to infinity. You can shoot portraits, landscapes, and anything in between.
There’s a built-in flash for low-light photography. And flash photography can look great in black and white. It gives you bright whites contrasted with deep greys and blacks.
Everyone should try the Ilford HP5 Plus Disposable Camera. Shooting black and white makes you work harder as a photographer. You can’t rely on color to get people’s attention. You need to use other techniques to make your photos interesting. Give it a try!
5. Kodak Max
| Brand |
Brand
KODAK
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Kodak Max
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
800
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Long flash range
|
| Best For |
Best For
Holidays and vacations
|
The Kodak Max is another excellent single-use camera for all occasions. The outer case doesn’t have the best build quality. But it’ll create bright and vibrant photos you can treasure. The colorful photos are the perfect way to remember your summer vacation.
The Kodak Max uses 800 ISO film, giving you more flexibility with shooting times. You don’t need to worry if your wedding party runs into the evening. The 800 ISO film works well despite the limited light.
And when things get dark, you have the built-in flash. It has a max range of 14.5 feet, so you can take a variety of nighttime shots. But there is a minimum flash distance of 4 feet. So you’ll need to stand back a little or it’ll blow out your shots. The flash also means you have to wait a few seconds to recharge after each shot.
6. Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof
| Brand |
Brand
Fujifilm
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Fujifilm 800
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
800
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
No
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Waterproof down to 17 ft / 5.2 m
|
| Best For |
Best For
Underwater photography
|
If you’re planning to get wet, you’ll need an underwater camera. And the Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof is the perfect camera for aquatic activities. It’s as easy to use as the standard QuickSnap. But you can take it beneath the waves for amazing submarine photos.
This single-use camera is waterproof down to 17 ft / 5.2 m. That’s ideal for having fun in the pool. Or you can take it into the shallows to photograph fish, reefs, or your water-loving friends.
Unlike the standard version, the QuickSnap Waterproof uses an 800 ISO film. The extra light sensitivity compensates for the darker conditions under the surface. This camera doesn’t have a flash, so night shots are a no-go. But the 800 ISO lets you shoot into golden hour.
While the QuickSnap Waterproof is the best waterproof single-use camera, we don’t recommend it if you’re not getting wet. It isn’t as reliable as the normal QuickSnap. But you’ll have tons of fun in the water with this disposable camera.
7. Kodak Tri-X 400 Single Use
| Brand |
Brand
KODAK
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Kodak Tri-X
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Black and White
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
400
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Fixed-focus lens
|
| Best For |
Best For
Shooting parties in black and white
|
Kodak also makes fantastic black and white disposable cameras. And the Kodak Tri-X 400 single-use camera is one of the best you can buy. It’s easy to use yet versatile. And it gives you excellent black and white photos.
Kodak Tri-X 400 is one of the best black and white film stocks you can buy. It’s popular with many black and white photographers. It has fantastic contrast for dramatic monochrome pictures. But you still get excellent detail in the grey tones.
The camera is armed with a flash for nighttime shooting. The high-contrast film looks great when using the flash at night. And it means you can create distinctive black and white photos of your next party.
The Kodak Tri-X 400 camera is a fun way to get started with black and white photography. It isn’t the most versatile single-use camera. But you can get creative by making some arty monochrome photos.
8. Lomography Simple Use 400
| Brand |
Brand
Lomography
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Lomography Color Negative 400
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
400
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
36
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Color gels for flash
|
| Best For |
Best For
Creative flash photography
|
The Lomography Simple Use film camera is one of the best disposable cameras for color film fans. Film production is a passion for the folks at Lomography. And their disposable cameras are the perfect first step on any film photography journey.
The Lomography Color Negative 400 film works well in daylight, giving you lovely color tones. But you also get some of the grain that film shooters love. The camera has a 31mm fixed-focus lens for a variety of shots. And the f/9 aperture gives you plenty of light for daytime photoshoots.
The flash works well if you want to continue taking pictures at night. And the colored flash gels add an extra element of creativity to flash photography. The Lomography Simple Use camera gives you 36 shots, which is more than most other disposable cameras.
9. Kodak Weekend Underwater Camera
| Brand |
Brand
KODAK
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Kodak 800
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
800
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
No
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Waterproof down to 15 ft / 5 m
|
| Best For |
Best For
Holidays by the pool
|
The Kodak Weekend Underwater Camera is an excellent option for wild and wet occasions. You can take it on holiday for photos in the pool or at the beach. And they’re excellent for children because the waterproof case makes them extra durable.
The camera is preloaded with 800 ISO film. That’s good for outdoor and indoor photography. And the higher ISO compensates for the lack of light underwater. You can expect good image quality down to about 10 ft / 3 m. Any deeper, and you lose too much light to get the right exposure.
There’s no flash bulb, so you are limited to daytime shooting. But there is a large shot winder for easy winding underwater. It also makes it easier for young children to operate the camera independently. It’s underwater fun for the whole family.
10. Solo Single-Use Camera
| Brand |
Brand
Solo
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
Solo Color Film
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
400
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Excellent value
|
| Best For |
Best For
Film shooters on a budget
|
The Solo Single-Use Camera is a great option if you’re on a budget. It’s a no-thrills disposable camera at a decent price. And it still delivers lovely film photos.
It’s loaded with a 400 ISO color film stock. That means it’s versatile, allowing you to shoot in changing conditions. You can shoot indoors and outdoors. And the built-in flash means you can keep snapping into the night.
The Solo Single-Use Camera suffers from not having a recognizable brand name. But this camera does produce lush and vibrant color photos. The good value makes it a good option if you’re buying in bulk for a party or wedding.
11. Lomography Simple Use Purple
| Brand |
Brand
Lomography
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
LomoChrome Purple
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Black and White / Purple
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
100-400
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
36
|
| Flash |
Flash
Yes
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Purple-infused film emulsion
|
| Best For |
Best For
Experimental photography
|
The Lomography Simple Use Purple is one of the most exciting disposable cameras right now. It uses a film stock called LomoChrome Purple. It has a black and white emulsion infused with purple. That gives you monochrome images with purple tones.
The film is inconsistent, so Lomography labels it 100-400 ISO. That might sound confusing, but you don’t need to worry when shooting in bright daylight. You also have a built-in flash for more light when you need it.
LomoChrome Purple is developed using the C-41 process. Sorry if that sounds technical. But it just means you can process it in the same way as any other color film. Color development is usually cheaper than black and white, so that’s a bonus.
There’s nothing quite like the Lomography Simple Use Purple. It gives you truly unique results. And it’s a great way to get creative with film photography. Film enthusiasts need to try this one.
12. One Shot Underwater Camera
| Brand |
Brand
One Shot
|
| Film Type |
Film Type
400 Color Film
|
| Color / Black and White |
Color / Black and White
Color
|
| Film ISO |
Film ISO
400
|
| Number of Exposures |
Number of Exposures
27
|
| Flash |
Flash
No
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Waterproof to 32 ft / 10 m
|
| Best For |
Best For
Children
|
The One Shot Underwater Camera is a child-friendly single-use camera. It’s perfect for poolside holidays or weekends at the beach. It has simple controls any member of the family can operate. And you don’t need to worry about getting it wet.
It’s waterproof down to 32 feet (10m), which is enough for any swimming pool. The 400 ISO film gives you lovely photos when you’re above water or near the surface on sunny days. But underwater, it does struggle for light the deeper you go.
There’s a minimum focus distance of 3.3 feet (1 m). And the shutter speed is fixed at 1/120th of a second. That’s slow enough for plenty of light on sunny days. But it’s quick enough to avoid motion blur in most situations.
If you’re holidaying with children, check out our full list of the best cameras for kids.
FAQs on the Best Disposable Cameras
Here’s more information to help you find the best disposable camera. Despite their simplicity, there are a few things you need to know. And the following sections address everything you need to know about the best disposable cameras.
What Are the Different Types of Disposable Camera?
The disposable camera is the simplest camera you can find. But there are many different types disposable cameras on the market. And this can make finding the best disposable camera difficult. You want to know that the film camera you buy suits the occasion you need it for.
The most common type of disposable camera is standard color. These cameras contain a roll of color film and you’ll have a collection of color photos once they’re developed. If you’re a color film fan, check out our full list of the best color film for photography.
You’ll also find black and white film cameras. These contain black and white film for moody photos with a retro look. Black and white photography gives you film grain and high-contrast images. They’re great for days with friends or something a bit more artistic. Take a look at the best black and white film in our full review.
Waterproof disposable cameras are another option. They’re ideal for poolside holiday fun with the family. Or you can take them on a surfing adventure for amazing underwater photos.
Which Brands Make the Best Disposable Cameras?
Fujifilm and Kodak are the two biggest producers of disposable cameras. They have the most options on the market. And they produce some of the best single-use cameras. Fujifilm has two fantastic disposables with color film. And Kodak has color and black and white camera options.
Ilford is another brand worth considering. They are famous for producing black and white film. And many consider their B&W film stock to be the best you can buy. They have several disposable cameras with their top-quality film stocks inside. And they even have a disposable camera with color film.
Why Is ISO Important in Film Photography?
The ISO refers to the film’s sensitivity to light. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive it is to light. For example, a film with 800 ISO has better low-light performance than one with 200 ISO. But that’s not the whole story.
A film with a lower ISO produces better quality images. While a high ISO film is more light-sensitive, some quality is lost. The colors are less intense and you start to see signs of film grain. Many film photographers like the grain texture in their images. But it can detract from the overall quality.
A digital photographer can change the ISO with a press of a button. But with film photography, the ISO is fixed. Each roll of film has a set ISO that can’t be changed. The only way to change the ISO on a film camera is to change the film.
How Do I Digitize and Share My Film Photos?
Film photos are fantastic fun. But it’s difficult to share them with friends and family. You can’t upload them to Instagram or send them via WhatsApp like you can with digital photos.
Some photo stores will send you your photos via email when you get them developed. But this service isn’t available in every shop. It also means you often don’t get the printed versions.
Scanning your printed photos is the best way to digitize your images. It’s a best-of-both-worlds solution. You get a printed photo and a digital version. Then you can post them on social media or send them to friends and family. Check out our full list of the best photo scanners to get started.
A dedicated negative scanner is a good option if you shoot a lot of film. Using one of these means you only need to get the negatives developed. That’s cheaper and quicker than having them printed and scanned in the store. See our top choices of the best film scanners here.
Conclusion: The Best Disposable Cameras
Disposable cameras are all about having fun and making memories. You can’t take them too seriously. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get fantastic photos. All the disposable cameras on this list give you photos you can treasure forever.
The Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro is the best disposable camera. It’s simple and affordable. The 400 ISO film is versatile and gives you excellent color and detail. And it has a built-in flash so the fun continues even when the sun sets. You can also buy it in multi-packs, so it’s perfect for special occasions where you want more than one.
