Why We're Moving Away From Disposable Cameras

And why a point-and-shoot is a better alternative

At Take It Easy Lab, we develop a LOT of film. Every week, we see rolls come in from all kinds of cameras: all the way from your top-end SLR’s to battered old point-and-shoots, and yes, plenty of disposables too.

We get the appeal. Disposable cameras are easy. You buy one, shoot a roll, drop it off. No settings, no fuss. But over time, we’ve come to feel that disposables just aren’t the best way forward - not for your photos and definitely not for the environment.

With today, June 5th, being World Environment Day, we thought it was the right time to make a bit of a change. We’re launching our first collection of reusable point-and-shoot cameras, fully tested and ready to use - and we want to make the case for why they’re a better option all round.

What’s the issue with disposables? 

It’s simple: they’re designed to be thrown away.

Once you finish the roll, the whole camera is often binned. Even though it contains plastic, electronics, and a battery, most disposables aren’t properly recycled. Some brands do reuse parts, but the majority don’t. Multiply that by the number of people using them, and the waste adds up fast. And from a photo quality perspective, disposables are hit and miss. The lenses are plastic, there’s no control over focus or exposure, and results can be unpredictable, usually not in a good way.

What makes point-and-shoots better?

A point-and-shoot camera gives you all the ease of a disposable, but with none of the throwaway waste.

• Reusable: Load it with film again and again. One camera can last years.
• Better quality: Better lenses (usually glass, as opposed to plastic disposable lenses), autofocus, and auto exposure give clearer, sharper results.
• Still simple: No complicated settings. Just point, shoot, and enjoy.
• More sustainable: Less plastic, less waste, less landfill.
• Cheaper long-term: Buy it once, keep using it - no need to re-buy a camera every roll.

They’re ideal for anyone just getting into film, or anyone who’s been relying on disposables but wants something a little better.

Why we’re doing this

We’re not here to make anyone feel guilty for using a disposable. But we do believe that there’s a better option, one that’s just as easy, gives better photos, and doesn’t end up in the bin. We love film photography. We want more people to enjoy it. And we want to do it in a way that’s more thoughtful, less wasteful, and better in the long run.

If you’ve been curious about getting into film, or you’re ready to retire the disposables, we’d love to help you get started. You can browse our selection of point-and-shoots on our web store, or pop into the lab to check them out in person. We're always happy to answer questions, help you find the right camera, or just chat film!