Are disposal cameras any good?
Mar 26th, 2005, 09:07 PM
#1
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Are disposal cameras any good?
I have a camera that is very special to me. It takes wonderful photos (unless I goof up).
I am leaving for a trip to Atlanta in a week. I have been working on taking less and less on trips these last years, especially after 911 due to all that we have to through due to security etc.
I do want to take photos while I am on my trip. I was wondering if I buy a disposal camera in Atlanta if I will get decent photos. I have never used a disposal camera so I know nothing about them.
Any advice would be appreciated. Should I take a chance and use a disposal camera? If so, what should I buy? Any other thoughts would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance.
I am leaving for a trip to Atlanta in a week. I have been working on taking less and less on trips these last years, especially after 911 due to all that we have to through due to security etc.
I do want to take photos while I am on my trip. I was wondering if I buy a disposal camera in Atlanta if I will get decent photos. I have never used a disposal camera so I know nothing about them.
Any advice would be appreciated. Should I take a chance and use a disposal camera? If so, what should I buy? Any other thoughts would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Mar 26th, 2005, 09:18 PM
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Thats all I take on trips every since I left my $600 camera in a Las Vegas taxi. I've had no problems with any of my disposable cameras--I"ve purchased ones with flash, no flash, wide format, underwater so I can take them in the ocean with me. Of couse what you see in the viewfinder is what you get meaning you can't push a button and get close ups you have to actually move up yourself. Of course I used my regular camera when I'm touring in a helicopter over Hawaii or if I wanted to get closer shots of the Golden Gate bridge or the Effile (spelling) tower. I have such confidence in disposables that I took one to my brothers wedding and got great shots. Go ahead give them a try.
Mar 26th, 2005, 09:27 PM
#3
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Jeffy, thank you for your advice! I would want to take pictures of my friends plus if we go to Charleston I would imagine I would want to take some photos there. I would like something that could be used for daytime and also inside at night.
What type of disposable camera would you suggest I buy?
What type of disposable camera would you suggest I buy?
Mar 26th, 2005, 09:40 PM
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We always take a few disposable cameras as back-up to our digital and 35mm cameras. Sometimes we get better shots with them than the real cameras - but that is usually user-related. We actually have some great panaramic views of Grand Canyon! And if it is convenient we get them developed while we are away to avoid the camera-at-security annoyances.
We buy Kodak or Fuji - usually a little cheaper. Pick with flash - you can turn it on or off - or just daylight. Buy them at destination so you don't need to worry about them thru x-rays. The only time we bring them with us is when we are goping someplace more remote or where they will cost 3 times as much.
We buy Kodak or Fuji - usually a little cheaper. Pick with flash - you can turn it on or off - or just daylight. Buy them at destination so you don't need to worry about them thru x-rays. The only time we bring them with us is when we are goping someplace more remote or where they will cost 3 times as much.
Mar 26th, 2005, 10:04 PM
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gail, thank you for all your information. Just tonight I wondered if I should just wait until I get to Atlanta to buy a disposable camera, so I will.
The camera I have is not only wonderful it is very sentimental to me (as silly as that sounds) and I always seem to be the one pulled aside for extra security checks at the airport (I say with a big sigh) which means that I don't always have a good eye on my carryon. I have gotten so the last year or so I haven't even taken my camera with me but this trip I want to take photos. That is what got me thinking about a disposal camera.
Between your post and jeffy's I will not worry about using a disposable (GADS, I just noticed that I typed this wrong on the title of my thread - sorry - and thanks to both of you for understanding my question #-o )
The camera I have is not only wonderful it is very sentimental to me (as silly as that sounds) and I always seem to be the one pulled aside for extra security checks at the airport (I say with a big sigh) which means that I don't always have a good eye on my carryon. I have gotten so the last year or so I haven't even taken my camera with me but this trip I want to take photos. That is what got me thinking about a disposal camera.
Between your post and jeffy's I will not worry about using a disposable (GADS, I just noticed that I typed this wrong on the title of my thread - sorry - and thanks to both of you for understanding my question #-o )
Mar 27th, 2005, 05:04 AM
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I hate to be the one to play devils advocate here, but I don't think there is any comparison between the pictures I take with a disposable and my "real" camera. The pictures always seem dull-colored and the subjetcs appear too far away, no matter how close I am. However, I don't like taking my nice camera on trips, either. I have compromised by buying a pocket-sized digital camera to take on vacations (nothing fancy, just a regular old point and shoot digital). It's smaller and easier to tote around, and I can see if my pictures turn out well immediately after taking them.
Mar 27th, 2005, 05:13 AM
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A few years ago we went to New Orleans and from there flew to Florida to see John Glenn be shot into space for the second time. I took a disposable camera and sent the photos through the mail to a film house to be developed. Point being, the pictures got lost, but the family that received them by mistake took the time to find us and sent the pictures with a note saying it looked like we had had a fun vacation and the pictures turned out great. I thought that was quite a compliment for a little ol' disposable camera. I've also learned that if you are sending the film out to be developed to have the envelope ready and mail the camera before you leave - one less thing to pack and you're ahead on development time.
Mar 27th, 2005, 09:03 AM
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I have used the disposables, and you get what you pay for. Never had a problem with them at all, but they take the basic pictures. I give them to my kids for holiday gifts, too. When going on a boat, I buy a waterproof disposable instead of taking my camera.
On the other hand, perhaps purchasing a basic 35mm camera for traveling might be the thing to do. I have a little Olympus and love it.
On the other hand, perhaps purchasing a basic 35mm camera for traveling might be the thing to do. I have a little Olympus and love it.
Mar 27th, 2005, 09:10 AM
#9
I have been using disposable cameras for years now (Europe, Mexico, etc.) and think they are fantastic. Nothing more valuable then one shot roll of film to worry about, they don't take much room packing (when you are done you can bust the camera apart and remove the roll of film), drop it over the side of the vaporetto or off the Eiffle Tower... no big loss.
I have used regular daylight ones, ones with flash, encased for underwater, and a favorite for use in Europe the panoramic! I have both bought them at home and/or picked them up once I arrived.
My caution is you need to be a good photographer to get good results with a disposable. Take time to frame up the shot, get in close to the subject so it fills the frame, watch your lighting.
I have a set hanging on my wall that you'd love, LoveItaly. Taken with the panoramic in Venice, then scanned, color enhanced, enlarged and framed. People love 'em. And often ask what kind of camera I used ~LOL!
I have used regular daylight ones, ones with flash, encased for underwater, and a favorite for use in Europe the panoramic! I have both bought them at home and/or picked them up once I arrived.
My caution is you need to be a good photographer to get good results with a disposable. Take time to frame up the shot, get in close to the subject so it fills the frame, watch your lighting.
I have a set hanging on my wall that you'd love, LoveItaly. Taken with the panoramic in Venice, then scanned, color enhanced, enlarged and framed. People love 'em. And often ask what kind of camera I used ~LOL!
Mar 27th, 2005, 11:26 AM
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One thing I forgot to mention is that the disposables are NOT "SLR": what you see in the viewfinder will be off a degree from what the camera will shoot. Therefore, be sure to give yourself extra space around your subject so you don't cut off anything you want.
Mar 27th, 2005, 11:40 AM
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A few basic "facts of life" about using disposable cameras:
1. Sure you can get good results, but taken in total, in no way will the results compare with a decent camera. And that includes a decent point-and-shoot.
2. One of the previous posters is correct about what you see in the viewfinder not matching the actual picture you get.
3. They are fine for bright sunny weather (i.e., an ASA 100 kind of day). Forget it on a dark, cloudy day. Nighttime? Closeup flash shots are about all you can expect!
I can't understand why anyone would spend the money on a camera and then be afraid to take it on vacation!
PS: Suze, do you really dump your trash in the Grand Canal or off the Eiffel Tower? And, you wonder why American tourists are not universally loved?
1. Sure you can get good results, but taken in total, in no way will the results compare with a decent camera. And that includes a decent point-and-shoot.
2. One of the previous posters is correct about what you see in the viewfinder not matching the actual picture you get.
3. They are fine for bright sunny weather (i.e., an ASA 100 kind of day). Forget it on a dark, cloudy day. Nighttime? Closeup flash shots are about all you can expect!
I can't understand why anyone would spend the money on a camera and then be afraid to take it on vacation!
PS: Suze, do you really dump your trash in the Grand Canal or off the Eiffel Tower? And, you wonder why American tourists are not universally loved?
Mar 27th, 2005, 11:42 AM
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Again, thank you everyone. I will use a disposable camera this trip. All your information is a big help for sure. Beentheretwice, thanks for the info about leaving some space around the object I want to photograph. I didn't know that either.
Suze, your Venitian photo sounds beautiful. What a good idea. You have me thinking. I have one photo I took in Venice years ago that is breathtaking too. Perhaps I should think about doing what you did. Lovely idea.
About my photography skills. Some photos are so so but others have been terrific. Took a photo of three of my handsome grandsons recently and the photo came out breathtaking. It even amazed me. Their parents are framing their copy and putting in on display.
Think the photo turned out so well as they worked with me to get the in the spot I thought would be good for light and background. My casual photos never do justice to anyone.
Suze, your Venitian photo sounds beautiful. What a good idea. You have me thinking. I have one photo I took in Venice years ago that is breathtaking too. Perhaps I should think about doing what you did. Lovely idea.
About my photography skills. Some photos are so so but others have been terrific. Took a photo of three of my handsome grandsons recently and the photo came out breathtaking. It even amazed me. Their parents are framing their copy and putting in on display.
Think the photo turned out so well as they worked with me to get the in the spot I thought would be good for light and background. My casual photos never do justice to anyone.
Mar 27th, 2005, 03:01 PM
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I have purchased disposables for my kids on trips. They each get one camera and can take the alloted number of pictures as a special memory for themselves.
Someone told me to put an address sticker on the outside of the camera. If it is lost, it may find its way home. When it's developed, the developer will be sure to put it in the correct envelope. I did it for camp for one of the kids which proved useful especially since a lot of parents sent disposable cameras with their kids to camp.
Someone told me to put an address sticker on the outside of the camera. If it is lost, it may find its way home. When it's developed, the developer will be sure to put it in the correct envelope. I did it for camp for one of the kids which proved useful especially since a lot of parents sent disposable cameras with their kids to camp.
Mar 28th, 2005, 08:42 AM
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My feelings about disposables are you can buy an inexpensive point and shoot film camera for not much more than 1 disposable.
I too, purchased a small (as compared to my SLR) digital camera that I can throw in my purse when we travel, although I take both cameras on major vacations.
I have used disposable underwater cameras when we've done beach vacations.
I too, purchased a small (as compared to my SLR) digital camera that I can throw in my purse when we travel, although I take both cameras on major vacations.
I have used disposable underwater cameras when we've done beach vacations.
Mar 28th, 2005, 09:17 AM
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I think disposables are great for small children and in a pinch. However it seems that it would be worth it to buy an inexpensive camera (digital or not) as the cost of buying disposables trip after trip is going to be more than it is worth. Plus you do get more features/flexibility with even a lower end 35mm or digital.
Mar 28th, 2005, 10:39 AM
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What are you saving your "special" camera for? If you can't take your favorite camera on a vacation, what's the point? I cherish our pictures and want to produce the best that I can. Worst case is that it gets stolen...that's what insurance is for. After it's not your child.
Disposables are not in the same league. I have experimented and the only time I use one now is if it a specialty situation like underwater.
Disposables are not in the same league. I have experimented and the only time I use one now is if it a specialty situation like underwater.
Mar 28th, 2005, 11:19 AM
#20
Thank you KT!
HowardR- oh for goodness sakes, of course I do not throw trash ANYwhere, EVER!!! TWO separate thoughts:
#1- you can break the roll of film out and not have to carry the "camera" body home only the film
#2 if you lost your grip of the camera in stormy seas, you're only out $7 and one roll of film... not thousands of dollars or loss of a sentimental possession.
I will try to be more clear in the future so as not to encourage people to throw garbage off the Eiffel Tower... sheez!!!
HowardR- oh for goodness sakes, of course I do not throw trash ANYwhere, EVER!!! TWO separate thoughts:
#1- you can break the roll of film out and not have to carry the "camera" body home only the film
#2 if you lost your grip of the camera in stormy seas, you're only out $7 and one roll of film... not thousands of dollars or loss of a sentimental possession.
I will try to be more clear in the future so as not to encourage people to throw garbage off the Eiffel Tower... sheez!!!
