How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Disposable Camera? Find Out More!

February 22, 2023February 27, 2023

It’s not very expensive to purchase disposable cameras. However, purchasing them is only the first step; in order to view the photos you took, you must have them developed.

So how much does it cost to develop a disposable camera and where to do it? On average, you will pay about $15 to develop your photos.

Looking back, it is clear that the photography market has undergone significant change. This article will outline the precise cost of developing your disposable camera as well as all the additional options you have. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What’s a Disposable Camera and Why Use One?

It is a piece of single-use photography equipment that is incredibly affordable. Anyone, even kids, can use this equipment because it is so simple to use. Furthermore, you can carry it anywhere with no problems because it isn’t as big and heavy as DSLRs.

So, how does it function? Well, inside it has a roll of film rather than a digital processing sensor like modern compacts. Once the film is developed, most of these cameras are thrown away, though some of the more modern ones allow for film refills from certain retailers.

When the roll is finished, you will need to take it to a processing facility or, if you know how to properly develop the film, you can do this on your own.

It is fairly easy to use, as well. To use this camera, all you have to do is look through the eyepiece as you would with a regular traditional camera, manually advance the roll’s gear so that the film is in the right place, and then press the shutter button when you’re ready.

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Disposable Camera?

Developing a disposable camera might cost nearly as much as the camera itself!

That does not imply that the procedure is costly. Since the majority of your expenses go toward developing your photos rather than the cameras themselves, these cameras are incredibly affordable.

24–27 exposures are typically included in disposable cameras. This means that, on average, you’re looking to pay about $15 to develop your photos.

Where to Develop a Disposable Camera?

Typically, anyone who has created a black-and-white film camera can create a black-and-white disposable camera. The procedure is the same as developing a typical film.

You can develop your disposable cameras in a lot of places. To visit the closest department store, however, is the easiest option.

You can also choose online photo labs if you want your pictures to be handled by experts. However, since it will take too long to receive the photos back, this option may not be practical.

Examining the choices in more detail is a good idea.

Walmart

So does Walmart create disposable cameras? This is one of the locations where you can find a processing facility for your 35mm or 120mm film that is most frequently found (in Canada and the US).

The good news is that there is no shortage of Walmart locations. You should find it simpler to bring your single-use device here since almost every town in North America has at least one store.

You also receive a digital copy of your photos (on a CD) along with a standard 4&Prime print here. They won’t give you the negatives back, which is why. Additionally, it takes a minimum of 6 days to process an order.

Listed below is their price range.

12 shots- $7.96/$9.96
24 shots- $9.96/$12.96
27 shots- $10.96/$14.96
36 shots- $13. 96/$18.96

You should be aware that there is a drop-off and pick-up schedule if you intend to have your disposable equipment developed here. Since they will be the ones processing it completely, you must leave the camera itself.

Everyday before 9:00 am is when you drop off your child. If you are unable to arrive before then, your order will be processed the following day with the subsequent batch.

The prints and CD are then ready for pickup six days later, every day after 5:00 p.m.

Walgreens

This is another location you should look into if you reside in the US.

Is Walgreens also a manufacturer of disposable cameras, you might be wondering. As a result of the store’s history as a pharmacy chain, I encounter this query most frequently. Who would have thought that a pharmacy would also process films?

However, the company’s founders have continued to grow it, and as a result, they have come to be known as a general retail store.

Therefore, your disposable camera and negatives can be developed at any Walgreens location that houses a photo lab. To avoid wasting time shopping from store to store, you simply need to check which locations have it.

Here are their prices for 4 x 6 prints:

# of Exposures – One Set/Two Sets

12 – $11.99 / $13.99
24 – $14.99 / $18.99
27 – $15.86 / $20.43
36 – $17.99 / $23.49
39 – $18.82 / $ 24.39

They also offer additional goods. You must pay $3.99 for each image if you want them printed on 8 x 10″ paper. You can purchase a CD for just $5.99 if all you want to do is digitally copy the negatives without printing.

However, they charge $10.48 for a Photo CD from film to digital (with no paper output as well).

CVS

Developing services for disposable cameras are provided by this additional retailer. However, not all CVS locations—like Walgreens—have a photo center, so to save time, call ahead before going.

The United States’ fourth-best image processing service provider is them. They provide high-quality prints that will undoubtedly last a long time in addition to a competitive pricing structure.

Look at their pricing list here in double sets:

12 exposures – $12.99
24 exposures – $17.85
36 exposures – $21.99

They also provide file transfers from negative/film to USB or DVD if you don’t want prints. DVDs and USB transfers typically have a starting price of $25.99 and $34.99, respectively.

It will take a few days to finish, just like at any other processing facility. To be more precise, their processing times can be between 7 and 10 business days. Given this, it’s a significantly longer period of time than the two other stores mentioned earlier.

The Takeaway: How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Disposable Camera?

What does it cost to develop a disposable camera, and where does it happen?

Typically, it costs around $15 to develop 24 exposures, depending on where you do it. Nearby stores like Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS all offer disposable camera development services.

Additionally, some online services, such as Photo Lab, Darkroom, and Shutter Junkies, can develop your disposable cameras. If you have the necessary tools and abilities, you can even complete it at home!