Throughout my summer, I noticed friends, family, even random strangers using disposable cameras to take photos instead of their phones.
Disposable cameras are film cameras that have an average of 27 exposures. They cost about $15-20 to purchase and an additional cost of around $17 to develop the photos. All come equipped with a flash and a button to take your photo, truthfully that is all there is to it.
These simplistic cameras started gaining popularity in 2023 but as of 2025 the global market of cameras was about $1.01 billion, they are projected to reach $1.7 billion by 2033, with a healthy 6.67% compound annual growth rate.
The disposable camera industry is strong but I just couldn’t get what the appeal was. Most phone cameras are multifaceted and addicting.
Summer is full of fun events, from going to the beach to attending a concert. And people want to capture those moments. However, the simplicity that comes with not having insane settings, filters and an endless capacity for photo taking is what I saw as part of the allure.
Using disposable cameras brought a vintage aesthetic. While a phone can mimic the image of a film camera, taking a picture without the worry of getting a setting wrong and the opportunity to retake is refreshing.
There is no going back after hitting that button, people are forcing themselves to be more intentional with their picture taking. Taking the perfect photo and then putting the camera down to be in the moment, that’s what I loved about the idea of disposable cameras.
More often than not though, I saw people using a disposable camera and then instantly whipping out their phones to take even more photos. The reality of it is that people enjoy the feel and look of photos taken by disposable cameras.
When the film is developed, companies can transfer the photos to a digital drive rather than have people purchasing physical copies of their photos.
There is nothing wrong with wanting that look but I believe that these cameras are a one-time or special occasion use only. I see no need to buy multiple, they are a decent investment and have tangible environmental impacts because they are a single use plastic.
If these cameras still sound enticing, I recommend the FujiFilm QuickSnap, they retail around $20 but their company has a resume and recycle program, where you can send your empty cameras. They disassemble them and re-pelletized 60% of each camera they get, which goes into making new cameras.
Analog should bring you away from the digital but it is important to watch your consumption of products. Keep yourself in moderation, try to recycle and smile for the camera!