Disposable cameras are designed for convenient single use. These cameras are simply a small box with a roll of film installed on the inside. When it is time to process the film, the entire camera is dropped off at the photo center. These disposable cameras were invented in the mid-1980s by Kodak and Fujifilm. Since then, they have become increasingly more complex.

The disposable cameras that are available today have many options. Focus-free lenses, flash units, zoom, and high-speed capabilities are just a few of the features that are available. One of the most recent disposable cameras on the market is the disposable digital camera.The disposable digital camera works the same way as the traditional disposables, except it uses digital technology to capture the image instead of 35mm film.

However, there are plenty of other niche cameras on the market. For days at the beach, there are sport and water cameras that are not only waterproof, but are also durable enough to handle an afternoon in the elements. The lenses on these cameras are smudge and scratch resistant, and can be used to take underwater photos up to 50 feet under the surface.

Disposable cameras are popular in large part because they allow people to take photographs in places that they wouldn't feel comfortable bringing an expensive camera. At the beach, on the water, or on vacations are typical situations where the disposable camera is suitable. They are also used frequently at weddings to capture candid shots of the reception.