Disposable Digital Camera

Digital cameras are now everywhere and probably you already have or
had one or more of them. And now you can purchase single-use digital
cameras as well, that cost hardly more than their film counterparts.
CVS drugstores sell two models in this category, a $10 basic version and
one that costs $20 with a small color display. Both store 25 photos. Ritz
Camera has similar products, charging $18.99 for the model with the color
display and $10.99 for the one without.

The term disposable is again being stretched to its limits. In this case the
cameras are actually rentals. After using up the memory card you return
the camera to the store and the photos are loaded onto CD for you while
you wait. The store keeps the camera.

The cameras themselves are of rather poor specification and you might
be better off buying a real cheap digital camera that you actually get to
keep. The resolution is only 2.1 million pixels. The screen is there only to
help you compose the shot. You can't review images or delete any from
the card, thereby removing two of the major benefits of digital
photography.

We also heard that CVS is planning to stock a disposable (there's that
word again) video camera. The $29.99 digital video cameras can capture
up to 20 minutes of video and sound. CVS will process the camera for
$12.99 and return a DVD. The camera itself even has the ability to
review and delete footage which puts it one up on the stills variety.