Disposable Camera Market Size, Share Global Analysis Report, 2022 – 2028

Industry Insights

[222+ Pages Report] According to the report published by Facts Factors, the global disposable camera market size was worth around USD 837.45 million in 2021 and is predicted to grow to around USD 1232.1 million by 2028 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 6.7% between 2022 and 2028. The report analyzes the global disposable camera market drivers, restraints/challenges, and the effect they have on the demands during the projection period. In addition, the report explores emerging opportunities in the disposable camera market.

Market Overview

A disposable camera is a basic camera box to be used only once. Most of the disposable cameras use fixed-focus lenses, while the more advanced versions are equipped with a flash section while some can be used underwater as well. Single-use cameras typically use an Advanced Photos System (APS) cartridge or a 135 film, popular for still photography. The technology was pioneered by Kodak, a global leader with origins in the United States dealing with aspects of analog photography. Disposable cameras are most popular in situations where it is difficult to afford an actual camera, or there are chances of theft like while traveling, or if someone has forgotten to carry the regular camera. Tourists and people who are traveling are the largest consumers of disposable cameras. The global market has taken a step ahead with some companies offering one-time digital cameras, although they have lacked the popularity attained by analog disposable cameras. In other instances, the high-voltage flash capacitors installed in the cameras are sometimes removed and utilized to power coil guns, homemade Geiger counters, stun guns, and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) devices.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global disposable camera market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 6.7% over the forecast period (2022-2028)
• In terms of revenue, the global disposable camera market size was valued at around USD 837.45 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 1232.1 million, by 2028
• Due to a variety of driving factors, the market is predicted to rise at a significant rate
• Based on type segmentation, color was predicted to show maximum market share in the year 2021
• Based on application segmentation, amateur the leading application in 2021.
• On the basis of region, North America was the leading revenue generator in 2021

Covid-19 Impact

During the pandemic, the global market cap generated less revenue owing to the travel impositions, resulting in the market players losing the largest consumer segment in the form of tourists. Although, in some situations, disposable cameras were put to excellent use to determine the outside environment during the complete lockdown. For instance, as per a reported incident, students in California documented their life during Covid-19 with the help of disposable cameras.

Growth Drivers

• Technological advancements to propel the market demand

The global disposable camera market is projected to grow in the coming years because of the growing consumer database propelling market players to invest in research & development along with further technological advancements to create better versions of disposable cameras. For instance, in 1986, Japan witnessed the launch of Utsurun which was well-accepted in the regional market following which other competitors like Canon, Konica, and Nikon started manufacturing their own versions of the disposable camera. To tackle this, Fuji, the original creator of Utsurun added other features like waterproof cameras, panoramic photography, and a flash facility to attract more customers while retaining the already existing consumer database. Some of the current cameras offer zoom-in and zoom-out facilities.

Restraints

• Limited scope to restrict market expansion

The global market cap may face restrictions during its growth trend owing to the limited scope of use of disposable cameras. Even with all the current technological advancements, disposable cameras cannot meet the standards set by regular cameras. They are good for one-time use but eventually, standard cameras are what people prefer for the long run. The unavailability of the product restrained due to its one-time use-only feature will eventually impede further growth.

Opportunities

• Growing number of players to provide growth opportunities

The global disposable camera market size may benefit from the growing trend of increasing domestic and international players providing disposable cameras and related services. The increase at the domestic and regional level is far higher than at the international level since many small and medium-sized firms have been targeting the consumer segment by releasing medium to low-quality products since they are to be used one-time only hence makers have some liberty to experiment with the final good quality.

Challenges

• Questionable film quality to challenge the market expansion

The global market growth trend may face challenges when it comes to providing high-quality films, which is observed in the case of local products. The device also lacks the warranty that comes with regular cameras owing to their price. Since consumers pay less for disposable cameras, they do not have a lot of expectations, and companies tend to take this for granted resulting in poor-quality products and services.

Segmentation Analysis

• The global disposable camera market is segmented based on application, type, and region.

Based on application, the global market is segmented into amateur and professional, with the former leading the global market revenue. Disposable cameras are generally used by people who intend to not spend hefty amounts on traditional cameras, resulting in the product having a huge consumer database in the traveler's segment who generally use the product for recording memory. But given the limited scope as well as poor film quality, it is not recommended to be used for professional purposes. A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera which is generally used by professionals costs over USD 500 while a disposable camera may be priced between USD 40 to USD 50.

Based on type, the global market is divided into color, and black & white. The global market generates the highest revenue from the color segment due to consumer preference. However, there is a growing trend of people preferring a retro look for the pictures which is a mixture of color and black & white, giving the photo the look of an old picture. The film in disposable cameras lasts for 2 to 3 years, however, if stored properly, they may be used for 5 to 6 years. For instance, a Fujifilm disposable camera generally comes with 27 exposures.

Recent Developments:

• In December 2021, The Eastman Kodak Company, a US-based producer of analogue photography-related products, announced the release of a new single disposable camera called Tri X 400. However, the company has received backlash from environmental groups accusing the firm of leading to more carbon footprint and creating unnecessary wastage by manufacturing expensive non-reusable cameras that ultimately go to waste.
• In August 2022, Alfie Cameras, a UK-based startup, announced that the company was looking for beta-testers to test and review its next-in-line product called Alfie TYCH which comes with a 35mm film camera and will be launched in September 2022. The new product can create 72 half-sized photos along with features like compactness.

Report Scope

Regional Analysis

• North America to lead with the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The global disposable camera market is projected to generate the highest revenue in North America in the coming years with the United States leading the regional revenue. The growth is projected to be driven by the presence of industry leaders like Kodak and others that are constantly renovating the product since its inception. In 2006, disposable cameras were showcased in the film in one of the scenes. In previous years, one-time-use cameras were extremely popular forms of wedding favors. With the increasing number of tourist travelers from the US to other regions, the demand for the product may witness more growth, although one of the key factors companies have to deal with is the increasing concerns of environmentalists and the general take toward environmental pollution and plastic use.

Competitive Analysis

• Kodak 
• Fujifilm 
• Rollei 
• Ilford 
• AgfaPhoto

The global disposable camera market is segmented as follows:

By Application

• Amateur
• Professional

By Type

• Color
• Black & White

By Regional Segment Analysis

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Nordic Countries
    • Denmark
    • Sweden
    • Norway
  • Benelux Union
    • Belgium
    • The Netherlands
    • Luxembourg
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Malaysia
    • Singapore
    • Rest of Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America