Still a Niche for Film

WENDY TOTH

An older technology, single-use film cameras, is still relevant in the face of digital photography, according to industry sources.

“One-time-use cameras have carved out a niche as a complement to digital cameras. They are youth and event cameras,” said Gary Pageau, group executive for content development and strategic initiatives for PMA — The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations, Jackson, Mich.

He also noted that customers can easily have the film digitized and developed on CD.

Kodak recently released a single-use camera with a new film: Kodak Ultra Max 800-speed. “We believe there will always be a market for single-use cameras as a stylish, compact and inexpensive alternative for consumers when an expensive camera is not available, the memory card is full in their digital camera or they're worried about exposing an expensive camera to the elements,” said Kodak single-use-camera marketing manger Daehn Steffen.

Single-use cameras can help supermarkets remain relevant as a reliable source for a high-quality alternative that lets consumers capture and create their stories, he said.