Kodak Waterproof Sport - Film Review

The Kodak Waterproof Sport 35mm Single Use Camera is one of the more durable and purpose-built disposable cameras on the market, designed specifically for underwater and rugged outdoor use. While it functions like other single use cameras – with a fixed exposure for daylight, a fixed-focus plastic lens, and simple point and shoot operation – its fully waterproof housing sets it apart. This camera is made for swimming, snorkeling, beach trips, kayaking, and situations where you wouldn’t risk bringing a regular camera. It’s also loaded with 800 ISO color negative film, giving you slightly better low-light performance than standard 400 ISO disposables, though it still requires plenty of light to perform well.

Unlike most disposable cameras, the Kodak Waterproof Sport does not have a flash, which is extremely important to keep in mind. Because underwater environments reduce available light quickly, this camera should be used on bright, sunny days for best results. It can be used above water as well, but only in strong daylight. For indoor shooting, shade, or cloudy conditions, we recommend choosing a standard single-use camera with a flash instead.

In terms of image quality, the Kodak Waterproof Sport produces results slightly less sharp that more stared waterproof models, with classic Kodak color and the expected softness of a plastic-lens disposable. However, underwater shooting has additional limitations: reduced clarity, lower contrast, and the need to stay close to your subject. Staying near the surface where light is stronger dramatically improves the quality of your photos.

Tip: Like all disposable cameras, the Kodak Waterproof Sport has a fixed focus. Its optimal focus range is roughly 4–9 feet – this is especially important underwater, where light loss and water clarity can reduce sharpness. Stay close to your subject, stay near the surface, and shoot in bright conditions for the best results.

The Kodak Waterproof Sport includes 27 exposures and is widely available online and at some vacation-area retailers. There are essentially two main underwater single use cameras available today – this Kodak version and the Fuji version – and both produce very similar results. We recommend simply choosing whichever is the most affordable or easiest to find.

Why We Recommend It:
Here at The Darkroom, we develop, scan, and print many waterproof disposable cameras each year – and we recycle every one that comes through our lab. While these cameras aren’t meant for everyday shooting, they are excellent for specific environments where your main camera would be at risk: beaches, rivers, lakes, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and other water activities. If you don’t plan on going underwater, we strongly recommend choosing a standard single use camera with a flash instead, as you’ll get far better results in everyday conditions. But for true underwater use, the Kodak Waterproof Sport is a durable, reliable, and fun option that lets you capture moments no other disposable camera can safely reach.