You don't need to buy an expensive digital camera, but you may want to when you see the alternatives.

Digital cameras are all the rage, but what if you can't afford one? Today I'm taking a look at a new alternative for those of you who want digital pictures without having to buy an expensive toy.

Kodak advertises "disposable digital cameras" and you can find similar advertisements for other brands, such as Fuji, at major camera stores. The cameras are actually regular disposable cameras. The "digital" part doesn't come in until you develop your pictures.
  • Kodak
    You'll pay about $10 for Kodak's Plus Digital 35 mm One-Time-Use Camera. Expect to pay approximately $12 to develop your film. You'll receive hard prints as well as a PhotoCD.

    When you develop film from a traditional disposable camera, you're looking at development costs plus $7.99 for the PhotoCD.

  • Fuji
    Stores such as Wolfe's Camera offer similar deals on Fuji's disposable cameras and they're a little less expensive than Kodak's. You'll pay about $6 for a camera with 27 shots. Get your film developed at the store where you bought the camera to get your free picture CD with developing (about $10 a roll).


Is it a good deal?
If you're going to buy a disposable camera and order a picture CD anyway, shell out a little extra dough for the more expensive "digital" disposable camera. The price difference is usually less than the cost of ordering a CD separately, saving you a couple bucks in the long run.

Is the camera really digital and disposable? No.

If you want digital, buy digital
I suggest saving up for a digital camera. You can instantly delete unwanted images and print the ones you love instead of paying to develop an entire roll of film sight unseen. Plus, you can print on your home printer or save some ink using a service such as Fuji Frontier.

Fuji Frontier kiosks are set up at Wolfe's Camera shops. Slip your digital camera's memory card into the kiosk, choose the images you want to print, and the kiosk prints your images.

Several online services will also let you upload images and order prints.

Over the long haul you'll save some cash and have more fun.