Disposable or single use cameras have been popular since the 1980s. From 110 film then to a 35mm format the cameras have been affordable and practical. Despite the proliferation of digital cameras and plummeting prices, disposable cameras are still manufactured. In particular, the waterproof models have remained popular thanks to their ease of use and affordability. But what about disposable digital cameras? Do they exist, do they work, and are there waterproof versions?

The answers are yes, yes, and yes again!

The first disposable digital camera arrived in 2004, from San Francisco company Pure Digital Technologies (recently acquired by Cisco Systems). The 2 megapixel camera was built to be easy to use, compared to the complexity that many digital cameras at the time were exhibiting. While the camera was supposed to be limited to 25 pictures before returning to a retailer for “processing” to CD, it wasn’t long before the camera was “hacked” and allowed consumers to continue to use the camera repeatedly, as well as customize the user interface.

Since then a number of disposable digital cameras have been released. While they have not been able to match the low cost of single use film cameras, they are quite affordable with prices starting from around $15. Many of these cameras are small enough to hook on to your key chain, reviving the spy camera gadget concept.

Waterproof disposable digital cameras are starting to hit the market. The Jazz is priced at around $35 and is an attractive alternative to waterproof digital camera housings, or dedicated waterproof digital cameras. Housings start at $30 for a generic case, but for that you won’t get much control over your camera while underwater. A dedicated housing from your camera manufacturer will cost more, and give you control, but as you upgrade your digital camera the housing is unlikely to fit your next camera.

Calling the Jazz “disposable” isn’t quite the right terminology. These cameras are not like the disposable film cameras you have used before. They can store over 300 images and have a USB interface to connect back to your computer. In other words they are just a very small, low-megapixel, digital camera! The benefit of such a camera is the cost. It is cheap enough to lose or damage and buy another one. It is also cheap enough to buy for a vacation or two without investing in specialized accessories for your primary digital camera.

The disposable digital camera idea might never take off, thanks to the cheap design and manufacturing needed to connect the camera to a PC. However we should expect to see many more low-cost cameras appearing on the market. The quality and technology might not be as advanced as modern consumer digital cameras, but so are disposable film cameras relative to their full sized cousins. Waterproof digital cameras are also available, affordable, and a great option if you are heading to the beach and just want something that will survive the wet.