Disposable camera
The disposable or single-use camera is a simple box camera sold with a roll of film installed, meant to be used once. Most use focus free lenses. Some are equipped with an integrated flash unit, and there are even waterproof versions for underwater photography. Internally, the cameras use a 135 film or an APS cartridge.
While some disposables contain an actual cartridge as used for loading normal, reusable cameras,[1] others just have the film wound internally on an open spool. The whole camera is handed in for processing. Some of the cameras are recycled, i.e. refilled with film and resold.
"Disposable" digital cameras are a recent innovation. These types of cameras forego film and use digital technology to take pictures. The cameras are returned for "processing" in the same fashion as film cameras.
Renting digital cameras has recently gained popularity as a “green” alternative to disposable cameras. Digital camera rental services deliver fully insured sets of digital cameras which are then returned to have their photos and videos uploaded to a custom photo and video sharing website[2].
In general the one-time-use camera represents a return to the business model pioneered by Kodak for their KODAK camera, predecessor to the Brownie camera; they are particularly popular in situations where a reusable camera would be easily stolen or damaged, when one's regular camera is forgotten, or if one cannot afford a regular camera.
History of film-based disposable cameras
A company called Photo-Pac produced a cardboard camera beginning in 1949 which shot 8 exposures and which was mailed-in for processing. Cameras were expensive, and would often have been left safely at home when lovely scenes presented themselves. Frustrated with missing photo opportunities, A.D. Weir had invented a way to enclose 35mm film in an inexpensive enclosure without the expensive precision film transport mechanism. It cost $1.29. Though incredibly similar to the familiar single-use cameras today, Photo-Pac failed to make a permanent impression on the market.[3])
The currently familiar disposable camera was developed by Fujifilm in 1986. Their Utsurun-Desu ("It takes pictures"[4]) or QuickSnap line used 35 mm film, while Eastman Kodak's 1987 Fling was based on 110 film[5]. Kodak released a 35 mm version in 1988[6], and in 1989 renamed the 35 mm version the FunSaver and discontinued the 110 Fling[7].
In Japan, the Utsurun was released in 1986 for 1380 yen and became widely accepted. Traditionally, cameras had been quite expensive in Japan and were only used during special occasions, and typically only by the male of the household. As a result of the introduction of cheap, lightweight disposable cameras in Japan a cultural shift began, where parents, and children were able to take photos, creating the "snap happy" stereotype that still persists today. Because of the immediate appeal, companies like Konica, Canon and Nikon soon produced their own models. To stay competitive, Fuji introduced advanced features to its original model such as panoramic photography, waterproofing and the inclusion of a flash. Some cameras even have a manual zoom feature which works by shifting two lenses in front of the shutter.
By 2005 disposable cameras were a staple of the consumer film camera market and flash-equipped disposables were the norm.
Common uses
Disposable cameras are popular with tourists and are also a common solution for underwater photography by those who don't own a dedicated underwater camera or waterproof housing.
Since the late 1990s, disposable cameras have become increasingly popular as wedding favours. Usually they are placed on tables at wedding receptions to be used by guests to capture their unique perspective of the event. More commonly they are available in colors to match the wedding theme such as ivory, blue, white, gold, etc.[8]
So-called "accident camera kits" containing film-based disposable cameras[9][10] are increasingly being carried in vehicles[11]to take images as evidence after an accident. Digital photography is not generally acceptable as a form of evidence[citation needed] because it can be easily edited.
Digital
Digital one-time-use cameras (and also digital one-time-use camcorders) are available in some markets; for example the US saw the introduction of a digital camera in 2004 [12]. Digital disposables have not had the success of their film based counterparts, possibly from the expense of the process (especially compared to normal digital camera use) and the poor quality of the images compared to either a typical digital camera, or a disposable film camera. Usually, the display shows the number of shots remaining, and once this is completed, the camera is returned to the store. The digital files are then extracted from the camera, and in return for keeping the camera, they are printed out or stored to CD (or DVD in the case of the Video Camera [1]) for the customer. Almost all digital 'single use' cameras have been successfully hacked[2] to eliminate the need to return them to the store. The motivation is not simply to save money but to remove artificial limitations (such as the 25 shot limit on internal memory that can store at least 199 images), extend it's purpose, or for some specialist use such as this attempt at kite aerial photography[13].
With the growing popularity of the eco-friendly movement, companies such as CameraRenter, Photofest and Picture It Yourself have begun renting sets of digital cameras as an eco-friendly alternative to disposable cameras[14][15][16].
Other uses
The high-voltage photo flash mechanism in some cameras has been used to power devices such as coil guns. However, the disassembly of the electronics is dangerous and you could be injured in the process.[citation needed] However; the amount of Amperage carried in the average flash capacitor is not enough to be considered harmful. See the article detailing electric shock: Electrocute
The circuit is also used to power some amateur capacitor banks for rail guns or tesla coils.
References
- ^ "Ferrania Dual Cassette System". Ferrania Technologies. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
- ^ "Digital Camera Rental and Photo Sharing for your Wedding".
- ^ "The First Disposable Camera". Retrieved 2008-11-25.
- ^ "Throw-Away Cameras Gain A Loyal Following in Japan". Retrieved 2007-12-27.
- ^ "Kodak: History of Kodak: Milestones 1980 - 1989". Retrieved 2007-12-27.
- ^ "CAMERA; This Newcomer Is Disposable". Retrieved 2007-12-27.
- ^ "KODAK: History of KODAK Cameras: Tech Pub AA-13". Retrieved 2007-12-27.
- ^ "DISPOSABLE CAMERAS - VARIOUS-COLOURS". Retrieved 2007-03-05.
- ^ "Accident Camera Kit". Retrieved 2007-03-05.
- ^ "Collision.kit". Retrieved 2007-08-21.
- ^ "Federal Consumer Action Center - Auto Insurance - Insurance Tips". Retrieved 2007-08-21.
- ^ "A disposable digital camera enters the market at $19.99". Retrieved 2007-08-28.
- ^ "Modifying a disposable camera". Retrieved 2008-08-21.
- ^ "Digital Camera Rental and Photo Sharing for your Wedding".
- ^ "CameraRenter - Easy, Elegant, and Eco-friendly Digital Camera Rental".
- ^ "Photofest - Eco-Friendly Digital Camera Rental for Weddings and Special Events".