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Capture vacation memories with the best disposable cameras for travel

Looking for a fun, kitschy way to snap pics on your next getaway? Shop our selection of must-have disposable cameras that the whole family will love.

Updated May 03, 2024
6 min. reading time
Four disposable cameras pictured in a collage

Whether you’re attending a social gathering or going on vacation, a disposable camera can be handy to take along. This simple point-and-shoot device offers the old-school experience of an analog camera with each click of the shutter.

These affordable little shooters are great to take along as backups when you want to save your phone’s battery. They’re light, easy to pack, resilient and completely recyclable. 

Single-use cameras are also great options if you want physical prints to add to your scrapbook or hang up on your walls. We’ve done our research and have come up with the  top picks to help you find the best disposable camera.

Read more: Shop the best neck pillows for a comfy nap when traveling

Peep our picks to snap sweet memories

One Time Use Camera Water & Sport Kodak 35mm Auto
Best for underwater photography
Kodak Water & Sport One-Time Use Camera
$15.99 at B&H
kodak funsaver camera
Best all-around disposable camera
Kodak Fun Saver Single-Use Camera with Flash
$17.91 at Amazon
fujifilm quicksnap disposable camera
Best with built-in flash
Fujifilm Quicksnap 135 Flash
$15.99 at Target
checkerboard disposable camera
Best for black and white photos
One-Time-Use Camera Heyday Checkerboard
$13.79 at Walmart

Best for underwater photography

Specifications:

  • Format: 35mm

  • Waterproof: Yes

  • Dimensions:  5.1 H x 3.2 W x 2 D in

Pros & Cons
  • Waterproof up to 50 feet

  • Shock-proof shell

  • Film for 27 photos

  •  Advancing the film can be clunky

  •  Poor flash quality

Rugged and durable, the Kodak Water & Sport One-Time Use Camera is waterproof up to 50 feet for stunning underwater shots. This camera features a sunscreen- and scratch-resistant lens, so you can get clear pictures. Its shock-proof rubber shell prevents damage in case of drops or falls. 

The camera’s optical viewfinder allows for precise focusing and comes with a MAX ISO-800 speed film that works well in most light conditions.

Best all-around disposable camera

Specifications:

  • Format: 35mm

  • Waterproof: No

  • Dimensions: 3 H x 3 W x 2 D in

Pros & Cons
  • Compact and lightweight

  • Built-in  flash

  • Premium film for vibrant pictures

  • Film for 39 photos

  • Works better outdoors

  • Pricier than other disposable cameras

For consistently bright, vibrant colors, the Kodak Fun Saver Single-Use Camera with Flash is a great pick. This camera is loaded with Gold ISO-400 speed film for high-quality pictures, and it features a built-in manual flash for low-light conditions.

Its lightweight and compact design lets you take the camera wherever you want. The Fun Saver’s point-and-shoot design makes it easy to get natural-looking pictures.

Best with built-in flash

Specifications:

  • Format: 35mm

  • Waterproof: No

  • Dimensions:  2.5 H x 5.9 W x 1.4 D in

Pros & Cons
  • Built-in flash with longer range

  • Good for either indoor or outdoor use

  • Film for 27 photos

  • Flash can fail

  • Average picture quality

  • Film may get stuck

If you want to take quality shots in areas with low light, then the Fujifilm Quicksnap 135 Flash Camera is an exceptional pick. This compact camera offers sharp pictures and a solid range, with a 10-foot built-in flash. It comes loaded with the Superior X-TRA 400 film and has 27 exposures.

The continuous flash switch and straightforward, fixed focus allow you to take multiple shots quickly. Overall, the Quicksnap is lightweight and simple to use, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Best for black and white photos

Specifications:

  • Format: 35mm

  • Waterproof: No

  • Dimension:  2.36 H x 4.52 W x 1.3 D in

Pros & Cons
  • Colorful design

  • Black and white film 

  • Compact

  • Average photo quality

  • Film for just 17 photos

Do you love the timeless feel of black-and-white photos? If so, the HeyDay Checkerboard One-Time-Use Camera is just what you’re looking for. This camera has a built-in flash and is loaded with enough film for 17 black-and-white pictures.  It has a colorful checkerboard design that adds a cute pop of color to the case. 

With its lightweight, compact design and affordable price, this camera is a fun addition to your next party, wedding or vacation.

Best for taking photos anywhere

Specifications:

  • Format: 35mm

  • Waterproof: No 

  • Dimensions: 5 H x 5 W x 1.4 D in

Pros & Cons
  • Built-in flash

  • Waterproof

  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

  • Film for 27 pictures

  • Works better indoors

  • Unreliable film quality

No matter when or where you want to take photos, the Solo Single-Use 35mm Film Camera with Flash is a solid choice. Its focus-free lens and built-in flash allow you to take photos as close as 4 feet, and it’s loaded with 400-speed film for up to 27 pictures. 

You can take this affordable disposable with you just about anywhere you go, making it a good option for active people.

Best affordable option for kids

GiliGiliso Clearance Retro 35mm Disposable Film Camera
Photo: Walmart

Specifications:

  • Format: 35mm

  • Waterproof: No

  • Dimensions: Not specified by manufacturer

Pros & Cons
  • Lightweight and easy to carry

  • Vintage style

  • Great for kids

  • Affordable price

  • Average picture quality

  • Film for only eight photos

If you’re looking for a cheap option for your little one, the GiliGiliso Clearance Retro 35mm Disposable Film Camera is a good value. This retro camera delivers eight nostalgic black-and-white pictures, making it a fun choice for candid shots.

Its small, lightweight design fits little hands, and your kiddo can use it to snap pictures inside and outside. 

Disposable camera FAQs

Which disposable cameras get our vote?

We love disposable cameras for their retro appeal, ease of use and affordability. They’re lightweight and small enough to tuck in a bag, which means they’re always on hand to  snap great photos on all your travels.

They are a great alternative to your smartphone, saving battery while on the go and protecting your pricey device from the elements.  If you can’t decide which option to choose on your next trip, these are our top disposable camera picks:

  • Kodak Fun Saver Single-Use Camera with Flash: This camera lands at the top of our list for its versatility. Though it’s compact, it comes with a built-in flash, making it a good choice for any locale. It also comes loaded with high-quality Kodak film, resulting in crisp, colorful images. Plus, you get more pictures on this camera, with 39 instead of the standard 27 exposures.

  • One-Time-Use Camera Heyday Checkerboard Single-use Camera: This is the epitome of nostalgia, which is why this camera makes our shortlist. With its adorable ‘80s-inspired checkerboard design and black-and-white film, the Heyday Checkerboard camera ticks all of our old-school boxes. It also has a built-in flash and comes with more exposure than some other options.

  • Kodak Water & Sport Single-Use Camera: If you frequent the beach or love water activities, like swimming, surfing or snorkeling, you need a solid waterproof option. This one fits the bill and is great for underwater photos.

  • GiliGiliso Clearance Retro 35mm Disposable Film Camera: To encourage budding young photographers, consider this option by GiliGiliso as a gift for your kid to introduce them to the art form.

No matter what you need, this list provides the best disposable cameras for simple photography at home and on the road.


Prices updated on 05/03/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

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Written by
Odinga Fanuel

With over nine years working within media, Odinga Fanuel is passionate about sharing reliable information with everyday readers. For Smart Shopper, Odinga specializes in writing about tech products, household appliances, travel, automotive and more.

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