Why we love throwaway cameras (and why you should ditch them) - retrolens

Why we love throwaway cameras (and why you should ditch them)

There is a distinct sound that defined parties in the late 90s. It wasn’t the music; it was the high-pitched whine of a flash charging, followed by the mechanical click-wind of a disposable camera. For a long time, we thought smartphones had killed off film photography for good. Why wait a week to see a photo when you can see it instantly in 4K resolution?

But if you scroll through TikTok or Instagram lately, you will notice a shift. The ultra-sharp, perfectly filtered, AI-enhanced smartphone photo is out. The grainy, slightly blurry, over-exposed aesthetic is back in.

We are collectively craving imperfection. We want photos that look like memories, not data. This nostalgia has fuelled a massive resurgence in throwaway cameras. But while the look is iconic, the waste is not. In our pursuit of the vintage aesthetic, we have reintroduced a habit that hurts both our wallets and the planet.

Here is why the disposable camera trend is booming, the hidden costs behind those cute snaps, and how you can get the same look without the guilt.

The psychology of the "imperfect" photo

Why are we suddenly obsessed with low-quality images? It seems counter-intuitive given the technology in our pockets. However, the appeal of film photography isn't about clarity; it is about authenticity.

Modern smartphone cameras are almost too good. They smooth out our skin, brighten dark rooms, and stabilise shaky hands. The result is often a clinical image that lacks soul. A throwaway camera, with its cheap plastic lens and harsh flash, captures the moment exactly as it feels—chaotic, candid, and real.

There is also the "screen-free" factor. When you take a photo with a smartphone, the immediate instinct is to check it, critique it, and retake it five times. With a disposable, you take the shot and move on. You stay in the moment rather than curating it.

The plastic problem in your pocket

While the sentiment behind the throwaway camera trend is pure, the mechanics are problematic. By definition, these cameras are designed to be used once and discarded.

A standard disposable camera consists of a plastic body, a circuit board, a battery (often lithium), and chemically treated film. While some photo labs make an effort to recycle the plastic casing, a significant portion of these components ends up in landfill.

Consider the maths: if you go to a music festival and take two disposable cameras, that is two chunks of single-use plastic and electronic waste generated for the sake of 54 photos. In an era where we are trying to ban plastic straws and shopping bags, the single-use camera is a surprising step backward for eco-conscious consumers.

The financial sting of film

Beyond the environmental cost, there is the hit to your bank account. The initial price of a throwaway camera might seem reasonable—perhaps £15 or £20. But that is just the entry fee.

Once you have finished the roll, you have to pay for developing. Then, you pay extra for digital scans so you can post them on social media. If you want physical prints, that is another cost. By the time you actually see your photos, that "cheap" disposable camera could end up costing you upwards of £40.

If you are a heavy snapper, this adds up incredibly fast.

The solution: The feel of film with a digital heart

So, we have a dilemma. We love the grainy, nostalgic look and the screen-free experience, but we hate the waste and the recurring costs.

This is exactly why we designed retrolens.

We wanted to bridge the gap between the analogue experience and digital convenience. Retrolens is a reusable digital camera that mimics the charm of a disposable. It creates that coveted vintage aesthetic straight out of the camera, with no editing required.

Here is how a reusable alternative solves the disposable dilemma:

1. It is screen-free (mostly)

Just like a disposable, Retrolens doesn't have a big LCD screen for reviewing your photos instantly. This keeps you in the moment. You point, shoot, and hope for the best. You get the surprise of reviewing your photos later, just like waiting for the lab to call—except you just plug it into your computer.

2. Zero waste

Retrolens is rechargeable. One charge gives you up to 800 shots. That is roughly equivalent to buying 30 disposable cameras. You are saving mountains of plastic from entering the ecosystem while still capturing the vibe.

3. Filters included

With film, you are stuck with the ISO and colour profile of the roll you bought. Retrolens comes with 8 built-in filters. You can toggle between black and white, warm vintage tones, or cool, moody hues instantly. It’s analogue photography made easy.

4. Better for your wallet

It is a one-time purchase. No developing fees. No buying new cameras every weekend. You pay once, and you can take thousands of photos.

How to capture the best vintage-style photos

Whether you are using a film camera or a digital alternative like Retrolens, the principles of getting that "90s party" look are the same. It is less about technical perfection and more about capturing the energy of the room.

Here are a few tips to master the aesthetic:

  • Abuse the flash: The defining characteristic of the disposable look is the harsh, direct flash. Use it even when you don't think you need it. It creates high contrast, deep shadows, and makes colours pop in that specific retro way.
  • Get close: These cameras usually have wide-angle lenses. If you stand too far back, your subject will look tiny. Get right in the action.
  • Embrace the blur: Don't worry if your hand shakes a little or the subject is moving. Motion blur adds energy and implies you were having too much fun to stand still.
  • Shoot candid: The best vintage photos aren't posed. Capture your friends laughing mid-sentence, eating pizza on the curb, or dancing.

The verdict

The throwaway camera trend highlights a genuine desire for authenticity in a digital world. We are tired of perfection. We want memories that feel tactile and real.

However, we don't need to create unnecessary waste to achieve that look. You can have the best of both worlds—the grain, the mystery, and the simplicity of film—without the single-use plastic and the developing fees.

If you are ready to ditch the disposable but keep the aesthetic, it might be time to switch to a reusable option. You will save money, save the planet, and still get photos that look like they came straight out of 1998.