This is our official list in search of the best disposable underwater cameras on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and a useful guide to choosing a good disposable camera.
5 Highest Reviewed Disposable Underwater Cameras
The best disposable underwater camera makes it possible to catch unforgettable moments, and since most regular cameras aren’t waterproof, they’re easily ruined by moisture. The problem with your typical underwater camera is the price, and for most people, it’s too expensive.
Incredible Shots
By purchasing the disposable version, you can capture unforgettable experiences and save money. Most people want to take pictures while they’re scuba diving or snorkeling, and if you’re snorkeling in a tropical environment, you might never get another chance to capture incredible photos.
Trusted Brands
Fuji and Kodak offer some of the best disposable cameras, and if you need something that’s waterproof, they’re the first brands to consider. These products come with a standard roll of film, and to prevent moisture damage, they’re designed with a waterproof case.
Affordable
For greater affordability, the case is almost always made of plastic, and you can use these cameras the same way you’d use a regular camera. Some products can take pictures at a depth up to 35 feet, and you can take about 27 pictures per camera.
The only downside is that disposable cameras don’t come with a memory card, and once the film roll has been used, the camera is useless. Below, you’ll find reviews for five of the best products available.
1.) Fujifilm Quick Snap Waterproof Disposable Camera
The Fujifilm Quick Snap camera is waterproof, and since it’s a disposable camera, it’s designed to be used once and thrown away. It comes with a Vivitar floating foam strap, which keeps it secured to your body while diving or snorkeling.
Since this is an all-weather camera, it can be used in almost any environment, and it’s even great for shooting photos in snowy conditions. With a waterproof enclosure, this camera can be used up to 35 feet underwater, and it can take up to 27 pictures. For better pictures, the Fujifilm Quick Snap is equipped with a Samsung 32GB Pro Extreme Speed Class 10 memory card.
PROS
- Waterproof up to 35 feet
- Comes with convenient carrying strap
- Includes compact messenger bag
- Perfect for snowy or rainy conditions
CONS
- Picture quality isn’t the best
2.) Weekend Underwater Disposable Camera
The Kodak underwater camera is great for weekend vacations, and although it offers a massive amount of value for the money, it’s available for an affordable price. If you ever have any problems, it’s easy to get help from customer service.
This camera is made with high-quality components, and when it comes to cameras, Kodak is one of the biggest names in the industry. The Kodak Weekend camera can be used almost anywhere, and it’s a great choice for snorkeling expeditions, pool trips, water parks, misty hikes and hot tubs.
Since this is a limited-use camera, it’s made to be used once and thrown away. As a 35mm camera, it’s suitable for outdoor settings, and it’s waterproof up to 12 feet. The Kodak Weekend camera offers 27 color prints, and it even comes with a convenient wrist strap.
PROS
- Popular choice for Caribbean cruises
- Great for snorkeling and water parks
- Clear photo and color film
- Waterproof up to 12 feet
CONS
- Trigger button is very small
3.) Eastman Kodak Company 8004707
The Eastman Kodak Company 8004707 camera is designed to be used once, and unlike many competing products, it can be used at a depth up to 50 feet. The outer shell protects critical components and features a durable, shock-proof and rugged design.
When compared to other disposable cameras, the Kodak 8004707 camera takes sharper, clearer pictures, and it’s made to be used during the day. If you’re thinking about purchasing this camera, you should know that the lens is designed for outdoor photos.
Due to a lack of protection, a standard digital camera can’t be used underwater, but the Eastman Kodak 8004707 camera has a protective case, which allows it to be used up to 50 feet underwater. This product is suitable for snorkeling and diving, and it can be used where most cameras can’t go.
PROS
- Waterproof up to 50 feet
- Great for snorkeling or diving
- Easily captures unforgettable moments
- Can go where other cameras can’t
CONS
- Only good for one-time events
4.) Polaroid Waterproof Single Use Disposable Camera
Polaroid is another popular brand, and this is one of the best waterproof cameras available. Unlike some competing products, this camera is focus free, and for deep diving adventures, it can take pictures up to a depth of 32 feet.
To give you a better aim, this camera is designed with a flip-up viewfinder, and it’s very useful when trying to aim the camera through goggles. This waterproof Polaroid camera comes loaded with 27 exposure 800ASA color film, and it even includes a convenient wrist strap.
If you want to take pictures where other camera can’t, this product is worth considering, and the clear waterproof housing is rugged enough for any underwater environment. Most people use this camera for boating, skiing, camping, scuba diving and water-parks.
PROS
- Keeps water out
- Great for tropical vacations or home pools
- Waterproof up to 32 feet
- Rugged and reliable
CONS
- Pictures might be grainy
5.) Suprema Disposable Underwater Camera
The Suprema underwater camera is designed for one-time use, and when you’re finished taking pictures, you can remove the film and throw away the camera.
For high-quality pictures, this camera comes with 400 ISO 27 exposure film, and the focus-free lens can take close-range pictures. With the ability to block water up to a depth of 60 feet, this is one of the best waterproof cameras available, and it’s a popular choice for scuba diving and snorkeling.
One of the major advantages of choosing this camera is convenience, and with such a simple design, it can be used by kids and adults. For easier aiming, it’s equipped with a flip-up viewfinder, and this feature allows you to frame underwater photos within seconds.
PROS
- Excellent choice for snorkeling and diving
- Great for capturing unforgettable memories
- Provides great value for the money
- Waterproof up to 60 feet
CONS
- Doesn’t use the best film
Brief Guide to Disposable Underwater Cameras
What Are They?
Disposable underwater cameras are very simple cameras that are only meant to be used once, and are waterproof for varying depths.
They contain batteries, and will use one roll of film, then you take the camera to a photo processing center to get the photographs developed, and that’s it. At the processing center they usually have to take apart the camera with a screwdriver in order to get at the film.
Underwater cameras are wrapped in a casing which is very tight and lined with rubber so that the water doesn’t get through it. This means it will take a bit more effort to get the film out, and sometimes may require a specific tool.
What To Look For
Underwater cameras will handle varying amounts of depth, as there is greater water pressure the lower you go. If you are just snorkelling then you probably only need one that will go down 10 feet, but if you are scuba diving then you might need a deeper depth rating.
The photo quality on these cameras isn’t that great, but some cameras are definitely better than others. You also need to be aware that the deeper you dive in the water, the more the colors are filtered, so the more blue everything will get. It may be possible to get the colors adjusted at a photography shop or studio though, when you have the film processed. If you can find a camera with a flash, then this will help the colors be more true to what they really are.
Be aware that the type of film used will make a difference to the quality of the resulting pictures. Pay attention to the ISO on the film as this is what describes how sensitive the film is to light. A lower number will need more light but will be a better quality, whereas a higher number won’t need as much light, but will result in a more grainy image.
The most common ratings are ISO400 which would be good for well lit conditions, such as above the water photography, and ISO800 which would be better for low lit conditions such as deeper underwater. If you think you’re likely to drop the camera, or it might get roughly handled, then look for a shock proof camera. Some even have lenses that are scratch resistant.
Who Can Benefit
You can use these cameras for all type of water photography – whether you’re sailing or water skiing above water, swimming on the surface, snorkeling below the surface, or scuba diving a lot further below the surface.
If you are going on vacation or a weekend trip and plan to be in the water and take pictures but you don’t want to ruin your usual camera then this would be a great option for you. Disposal cameras are also quite small and lightweight so great for portability and for if you want to pack light.
Even though they are called underwater cameras, they are also good for when you’re around the water and on the beach and don’t want to take your usual camera or phone. Just be prepared for less quality than you would get with a digital camera.
These cameras are very affordable, so an easy option to have more memories of your trip. If you want to take lots of pictures you can buy a few of the cameras so that when one is finished you just go on to the next. With one of these you can capture some great memories of your snorkeling, with all the fish and coral reefs and even some swimming selfies!
What To Avoid?
Be careful where you get your film developed, as some places will do a better job than others. Local photography shops often will do the best work. Also be aware that the X-Ray machine at an airport may destroy the film, but many people say they are fine afterwards too.
Don’t use these to take photos at night, as underwater disposable cameras need a lot of light to take a good shot. Also make sure that what you’re taking a photo of is at least three feet away, which is the usual minimum distance for these kind of cameras, and keep it as steady as you can to make up for the lack of focus.
Be aware that it is like an old style camera, where you can’t see the photos that you took, so you just need to take one and hope for the best!
FAQs
How do you hold the camera and swim at the same time?
It can be tricky, and you may not be able to look through the viewfinder very well if you’re swimming at the same time, but even if you just point the camera and take a shot it should come out pretty well if it’s a good camera.
Some cameras come with a wrist band so that you won’t drop them, which is handy. Do try and keep your hand as steady as you can though, since these cameras aren’t top quality, and avoid strong currents which are likely to make them move.
What kind of things can you take pictures of?
You can take pictures of people, fish, coral reefs, anything really – but don’t get too close as the camera probably won’t focus very well on something that is less than three feet from you. Also make use of light when you can, to help you take a good photograph.
Do I need to develop the pictures?
Yes – it is the old style of 35mm film in these type of cameras, so you will have to take them somewhere to get them developed.
Often a pharmacy will develop them for you, or a photography shop. If you want the best quality you might want to opt for your local photo shop. Sometimes they will give you digital copies, which you can then enhance the color of if you want.
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Wrapping Up
With the best disposable underwater camera, you can capture life’s unforgettable moments, and since it’s designed to be used once, it can save you a lot of money.
Regular cameras aren’t designed to be used underwater, and even if you purchase a protective case, a tiny mistake could cost you thousands of dollars in ruined camera gear. Disposable cameras are easy to use, and they’re perfect for a wide range of underwater activities.