If you are about to go on a vacation or getaway where you are planning on some water activities such as scuba or skin diving, you'll definitely want to have a disposable underwater camera on hand. These are specifically designed as a single use camera. They are very affordable and an easy alternative for the casual photographer.

And if you're a heavy duty underwater adventurer, it can make more sense buying one of these disposable cameras vs buying and/or renting some of the expensive underwater cameras on the market. They can also be fairly complicated to use.

Once these single use cameras have been used, you just take the film out and dispose of the camera at your convenience. This makes a disposable camera the ideal choice when you go on your snorkeling, surfing, or diving trip.

Most disposable waterproof cameras can be used at depths of up to 50 meters. The common misconception about these cameras is that they are less durable and have low quality pictures, but in fact that is not the case. These cameras can do just as well as any regular underwater camera. An added bonus to these disposable cameras is they can take great photos regardless if you are on land or water.

While underwater disposable cameras main use is for taking snapshots beneath the water’s surface, there are many other places this sturdy camera can go. They're great at the pool, beach, and desert – anywhere sun, sand, or water may be, where using a normal camera may be risky. So underwater cameras are pretty much all weather cameras and will take great shots regardless how unpredictable the weather may be.

When buying a disposable underwater camera, make sure that it's rugged and durable. Most of these cameras feature easy grip construction allowing for easy handling, even for kids. They should be compact enough to fit into a pocket or pouch. All cameras should be preloaded, ready to use with film ASP 400 speed or more, and exposure of between 27 – 36 shots available. Don’t expect to spend too much money on a disposable camera either. Having a flash may or may not be a hindrance as it may pick up the reflection off the water or cause a grainy or blurred effect.

When you do take your camera away with you for those memorable underwater photos make sure you keep the sun behind you to avoid dark or blue images.

Here are 2 of the top disposable underwater cameras to consider:

Fujifilm Quick Snap Waterproof 35mm Single Use Camera

For the great all round, all weather camera, its got to be Fujifilm Quick Snap, great for wet or snowy weather. This user friendly camera has large shutter release and really easy for anyone to use. The Fuji Quick Snap comes preloaded with a Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 800 35mm film that allows up to 27 exposures. The perfect choice for underwater photos and operates up to 17 Ft deep and comes with a hand strap to keep your camera close. The Fuji is also available as a 4 pack of the same camera for the next water activity you go to.

Recent Customer Comments...

We used this camera on a trip to Hawaii and it takes great snorkeling pictures…. so the pictures taken in bright sunlight turned out better… if you are just planning on going on a snorkel trip or going swimming this is ideal…

Tanya N. Moran

I purchased 3 of these... This camera produced fabulous shots both above and below the surface. It's lever is just the right size for using in the underwater environment, it wound remarkably easy with wet water logged fingers, and it's large gripping rubber band safety string kept it at fingers reach and safe for the duration of my excursions. It's completely flat on the side you put your face too which is rare, and yet essential for taking shots underwater with a mask on. Also, it's big enough to be useful yet still small enough to fit easily in the pockets of your swimtrunks. With this camera I did not waste a single shot…This is a wonderful product and I recommened it without any reservations, or qualifications.

Matt Steiner

This waterproof camera really did the work for me. I bough three Fuji Quick Snap waterproof camera for my honymoon in Hawaii. My wife and I went snorkeling and took the photo under waters. The result came out good. This little camera really did the job for keeping the wonderful moment. Good product!

Yi C. Chang

Kodak MAX Water & Sport Single Use Camera

The Kodak Max Water, the all outdoor camera built for the extreme adventurer. This camera is the perfect companion to bring with you, swimming, snorkeling, camping, backpacking or rock climbing, for those once in a life-time shots. Its rugged look and durable exterior, makes it the best option to take with you on your vacation. It has a scratch and sunscreen resistant lens that won’t mind the odd bump and knock as the shock proof rubber shell absorbs and protects it from rough handling.

This great single-use camera is one of the elite of its kind. It’s the best way to take photos during the harshest of the weather elements and is waterproof of up to 50 Ft. Take great holiday snaps while snorkeling or diving of the gorgeous wildlife and surroundings beneath the water. This ready to go camera uses Kodak Max Versatility Plus 800 Film to capture the most vibrant of colors and fast action pictures.

Recent Customer Comments...

This little Kodak camera worked out so much better than my digital would have …as I wouldn't have dared bring the digital INTO the water! The pictures came out crisp and full of color, it was fun to use and to take underwater pictures of friends, and to top it off it was super cheap! This is actually my first experience with a single use camera where the photos came out... I'd recommend this camera to anyone who wants to take some water shots in the sun. For that use, this a five star item!

Tiffany Ann

I work at a professional photofinishing lab, and I can attest to the quality of the film inside this camera. The Kodak Water & Sport camera provides excellent results both in and out of the water… it produces a high-quality image in most situations. There is no flash on the camera (though using a flash underwater can produce unpredictable and sometimes undesirable effects), so do not plan on using it in low-light situations…

Josh S. Zerin

Although the camera has no flash, it worked perfectly fine at depths up to 1 meters. I guess the lack of flash can be a problem for some other locations or if outside is not a sunny day, …The wheel that turns the film does a specific noise when the film is correctly positioned and ready for a new shot; Out of 27 positions, I got 20 pictures I consider good enough and "keepers". The picture turned out crisp …For best colors, take pictures of close divers/fishes (less than 1-2 meters away)... We also used a non-disposable 35mm plastic camera with case and underwater casing, but the Kodak yielded better quality pictures… this camera is a good choice. I don't regret buying it.

Alin Constantin

So there you have it! Underwater disposable cameras are a fantastic alternative to capture your memorable moments on vacation or any getaway you might be going on. The cameras are preloaded, so it comes down to simply pointing and clicking. Plus they're inexpensive, take great photos on land or in the water, and by purchasing one of these cameras, you avoid the risk of damaging a more expensive camera. It's not worth it when you can pick up one of these disposable cameras for just a few bucks.

Beautiful Underwater Photos: