In the age of digital photography and smartphones, you may be surprised to learn that disposable cameras are still being widely used today. Many people enjoy the nostalgic, vintage look that the lower quality prints provide. Disposable cameras are also popular for special events like weddings, parties, and trips where guests can snap candid photos to capture fun memories.
If you‘ve used a disposable camera recently, you‘ll need to get the film developed in order to see and enjoy your pictures. But where can you go to get disposable cameras developed these days? Your local Walmart is one of the most convenient and affordable options. Here‘s everything you need to know about Walmart‘s disposable camera developing service.
Does Walmart Develop Disposable Cameras?
Yes, Walmart does develop disposable cameras at most of its store locations that have a Photo Center. Walmart makes it very easy to get your disposable camera film developed for a reasonable price and a relatively short turnaround time.
The process works like this:
- Purchase a disposable camera and snap your photos until the film is used up. Most disposable cameras have about 27 exposures.
- Take your disposable camera to the Photo Center at your local Walmart. Most Walmart stores have a Photo Center, but you may want to check ahead to confirm that your location offers disposable camera developing.
- Locate the film processing dropbox and envelope station. Take an order envelope and fill out the required information, including your name, phone number, and the quantity/size of prints you want.
- Open your disposable camera and take out the film. Place the film inside the envelope and seal it. Drop the envelope into the film processing dropbox slot.
- Your disposable camera film will be sent out to a 3rd party film processor that Walmart partners with. They will develop your photos and send the digital files back to your Walmart.
6.Your local Walmart will print your photos in the sizes you requested and will typically have them ready for pick-up within 7-10 days, though it can sometimes take up to 2 weeks.
So in short, while you drop off your disposable cameras at Walmart, the actual film developing is done through a 3rd party service. But Walmart makes the process convenient by providing the dropbox, handling the orders and shipping, and notifying you when your prints are ready for pick-up.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Disposable Camera at Walmart?
The price for developing disposable cameras at Walmart is quite reasonable, especially compared to other photo printing services. The exact price will depend on the quantity of exposures and prints you request. Here is the pricing breakdown:
- 12 exposure disposable camera – $7.96 for single prints or $9.96 for double prints
- 27 exposure disposable camera – $10.96 for single prints or $14.96 for double prints
All of the prints are done in a 4×6" size, with the option for single prints (1 print of each photo) or double prints (2 prints of each photo). The price includes a free photo CD with your digital images. Walmart does not return your negatives – they are discarded by the film processor.
How Does Walmart‘s Disposable Camera Developing Compare to Other Stores?
Walmart is one of the best options for getting disposable cameras developed because of their convenient Photo Centers, reasonable prices, and quick turnaround times. Let‘s see how they stack up to some of their biggest competitors:
Walgreens
Like Walmart, most Walgreens locations have a Photo Center where you can drop off disposable cameras. Their prices are a bit higher than Walmart‘s at $14.99 for 24 exposures or $17.99 for 27 exposures, and that‘s only for single prints. Double prints will run you $18.99 for 24 exposures and $21.99 for 27 exposures. The turnaround time is similar at about 7-10 days.
CVS
Most CVS locations have also phased out their in-store photo development services. For disposable cameras, you may be able to place an order for mail-out development through their photo kiosks if your store has one. However, CVS does not publicly list their prices for these services, so it‘s hard to compare the cost to Walmart. The wait time is likely a bit longer since you have to factor in shipping both ways.
Costco
If you happen to have a Costco membership, their Photo Centers are another good option for disposable camera developing. Like Walmart, they send the film to a 3rd party processor. Costco‘s prices are a bit higher than Walmart‘s at $9.99 for 24 exposures and $11.99 for 27 exposures. Double prints will cost $13.99 for 24 exposures and $15.99 for 27 exposures. Costco is known for high quality prints, but their turnaround time is a bit slower at 2-3 weeks.
As you can see, Walmart has some of the most affordable prices and a large number of convenient locations with Photo Centers that develop disposable cameras. The 7-10 day turnaround time is fairly standard. For most people, Walmart is going to be the best bet for easy, budget-friendly disposable camera developing.
Tips for Getting the Best Disposable Camera Pictures Developed at Walmart
To make sure your disposable camera photos turn out as good as possible, keep these tips in mind:
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Don‘t open your camera until you‘re ready to develop it. Opening the camera too soon can expose the film to light and ruin your photos. If you need to change out the film before you‘ve used up all the exposures, do so in a dark room.
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Fill out the order envelope clearly and double check that all your information is correct. Include your phone number so Walmart can contact you if there are any issues with your order.
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If you‘re developing more than one disposable camera, put each one in its own envelope. This makes it easier to keep track of your orders.
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Choose your print sizes and quantities carefully. While you can always get reprints later, it‘s cheaper to get double prints or any enlargements as part of your initial order.
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If you want to do any photo editing or retouching, request the photo CD so you‘ll have the digital files. You can then use photo editing software to crop, adjust, and apply filters to your images.
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Store your negatives in a cool, dry place. While Walmart does not return your film negatives, if you use a different developer that does, it‘s important to save them so you can get reprints or enlargements in the future.
With a little bit of care and planning, you can get great results from your disposable camera photos. Walmart makes it easy and affordable to get your memories preserved and printed.
The Future of Disposable Cameras
With the rise of digital cameras and smartphones with high-powered cameras, you may be wondering how much longer disposable cameras will be around. The truth is, despite the retro appeal, disposable camera sales have been steadily declining since the early 2000s.
However, there is still a niche market for disposable cameras, particularly for special events and creative photography. Many people enjoy the aesthetic of film photography and the element of surprise that comes with disposable cameras – not knowing exactly how your photos will turn out until you get them developed.
As long as there is still a demand, major retailers like Walmart will likely continue to sell and develop disposable cameras. However, it‘s hard to say how much longer this service will be available as digital photography continues to dominate. If you enjoy using disposable cameras, now is the time to snap up a few and create some fun photo memories.
Beyond disposable cameras, Walmart‘s Photo Centers offer a range of other film developing and photo printing services, including:
- Developing 35mm film
- Reprints and enlargements
- Digitizing old VHS tapes and camcorder footage
- Personalized photo gifts like mugs, blankets, calendars and more
- Passport photos
No matter what kind of photography you‘re into, Walmart provides affordable and convenient solutions for turning your images into prints and gifts.
Final Thoughts
Getting your disposable camera film developed is easier than you might think thanks to Walmart Photo Centers. While the disposable camera developing process may seem old-fashioned compared to the instant gratification of digital photos, there‘s something to be said for the nostalgia, surprise, and physical prints you get with disposable cameras.
I‘ll always remember the excitement of picking up photos from a disposable camera that I took on a high school trip and eagerly flipping through the prints to relive the memories. And I still enjoy using them today for parties and events to add a fun, interactive element and capture candid moments.
Whether you‘re an avid disposable camera fan or just have one or two rolls to develop, Walmart is the perfect place to get it done at a great price. Hopefully this guide has told you everything you need to know to get your disposable camera film developed at Walmart. Happy snapping!
