Are there disposable instant cameras? Or a Polaroid disposable camera? Unfortunately we have bad news: there is no such thing as a disposable instant camera (anymore).
The deception with the disposable instant camera
If you look at the search suggestions on Google, it quickly becomes clear that a large number of people search for terms such as “Polaroid disposable camera” or “disposable instant camera” every day. And windy websites take advantage of this demand and optimize so-called landing pages for these Google search terms. The trick: On these pages, so-called “disposable cameras”, e.g. from Fujifilm are then offered for sale. However, these cameras have nothing to do with an instant camera!
Why there are no disposable Polaroid cameras!
In contrast to the technology of a classic camera or a real disposable camera, instant cameras are much more complex. And accordingly more expensive to manufacture. A variant for single use, as is the case with disposable cameras, is therefore simply unprofitable. The purchase price of these devices would not be in any relation to their usefulness.
Thus, those who want to enjoy a Polaroid camera will not avoid to buy a “real” instant camera. Alternatively, there is also the possibility to rent devices for weddings or birthdays at reasonable prices. Otherwise, the only option for a one-time use is to buy a “real” disposable camera.
Understanding what makes an instant camera
Google’s search queries on the subject of disposable instant cameras make it clear that for many people the difference between a true instant camera and disposable cameras is not clear. With a Polaroid, the captured photo is ejected from the camera immediately after it is taken. For this purpose, there is a film in the camera that provides the necessary photo papers. With classic cameras such as the Polaroid Onestep 2, the chemicals required for developing the photo are contained in the paper. Cameras such as the Instax Mini 9, on the other hand, rely on so-called Zink photo paper, in which the image is developed via crystals applied to the paper. But all these cameras have one thing in common: you hold the finished picture in your hand immediately after taking the photo. This is not possible with a single-use camera.
At this point, therefore, I would like to make a note:
There are no disposable instant cameras or disposable Polaroid cameras!
Sites that advertise with these terms are dubious and should be avoided.
Polaroid PopShots
In fact, there used to be disposable cameras of the Polaroid brand. However, these had nothing in common with instant cameras. They were regular disposable cameras without instant image ejection. The pictures had to be developed afterwards, as was usual in the past. A lonely exception in history is a model called Polaroid Pop Shots: this “disposable instant camera” was available on the (American) market for a short time in the 90s, and was intended for single use. Due to the high material costs, the camera was provided with a return envelope, so it should be recycled more cost-efficiently.
Today, the Polaroid Originals brand exclusively sells products related to instant photography.
For fans of real instant cameras, here is an overview of the most popular models.
VIDEO: The rainbow unicorn among the Polaroid models: the Polaroid PopShots
