Wedding cameras?

Question

Has anyone purchased the recycled wedding cameras from theknot.com? If so, are they of good quality? Has anyone had a bad experience with wedding cameras in general?

We are only talking $2.99 each here. I don't think that's a major expense.

I'm getting quite alot of bad feedback about these, and I really don't think the outcome will be anywhere near what some of you have experienced. We are older and don't believe anyone invited wouldn't be immature enough to take photos of thier privates (my goodness, how terrible), not to mention it's a very formal adult reception.

Answer 1

Be very careful about recycled cameras! I work in a photo lab, and I've taken apart recycled cameras that were being held together with electrical tape and had a piece of black foam keeping light away from the film. If you want to go this route, you might want to buy just one.. and either take it apart yourself or take it to your local photo lab and ask if they can take it apart for you so that you can have a look at what is keeping the camera together. You may want to take some pictures with them as well, in lighting conditions similar to what will be at your wedding reception and see how they come out, some of the off brand films they put in those kind of cameras are horrible.

If you're going to be having your reception at a place that will be fairly dark, you will also want to consider the film speed of the cameras, the darker it is the higher film speed you'll want.

Your best bet may be to go to a local store that sells disposable cameras and see if you can get a deal that way. This gives you control over all the important aspects.

Also, there are hundreds of horror stories about people taking bad pictures at wedding receptions and it can happen at the most formal events, especially if there's alcohol involved. Most of the time though, these pictures turn out very well, and you get more special pictures of your friends and family, because your photographer will generally be focusing on the bridal party.

Answer 2

I'd go with Kodak, rather then those cheapy ones you buy online. However, if I can give you some advice. I really wouldn't do this. I've heard mixed reviews about it. If you put cameras on the table, you are letting anyone take pictures. Which is fine. But, not everyone is such a good photographer. If you do this, you run the risk of people taking crappy, blurry photos or just taking self-portraits of themselves or others at their table. Also, people might accidentally take them home or spill something on the camera (which would ruin it) You might get a few nice pictures. But, I feel it's not worth all the money for 3 or 4 usable pictures. You figure a disposable camera is about $10 (I haven't bought one in years) So, if you have 10 tables, that's $100 right there. Not to mention the cost of developing 10 or more disposable cameras. It seems to not be worth the money or the hassle. Try hiring someone who's affordable. You'll be more happy in the long run.

Answer 3

Like others have mentioned, the cameras are an expense, and most of the time only yelid a handful of good, usable photos. My sister had some at her wedding. Most never got used, and those that did get used were mainly used by the kids.

Instead of spending the money on disposable cameras for every table, why not buy film or memory card for a few friends and family members and have them take pictures during the reception. This is a great job for those people who aren't that social or don't enjoy small talk and you'll get more usable photos.

My friends and family know that I'm willing to do whatever they need for their weddings or other speical events. They also know that I have a great camera, a unique eye and I enjoy taking picutres. I can usually be found behind the camera at many weddings. At my friend's wedding in September I did all the makeup (I'm a makeup artist), took most of the photos, and helped clean up the wedding site. I'm a 'Jess of all trades'.

Answer 4

I don't think I'll use them at my wedding - my friend used them (not from theknot.com) and though she got a few nice pictures, mostly it was a waste of money. Some cameras only had a few snapshots on them and the rest were blanks, a lot of pictures of the floors, ceilings, blurry, red dots, etc. She paid almost $60 to get the cameras develop and maybe had 10 or 20 nice pictures. It's not worth it. I like the idea of asking friends and family to bring their cameras and then upload them on snapshot.com, I've never heard of that and will look into it.

Answer 5

I haven't used the cameras from theknot.com specifically, but at my wedding, I used the disposable ones, and they worked out just great, and I couldn't have been happier with the variety of pictures that I got letting the guests take pictures of the party. Most of the pictures were things I would never have even considered asking a photographer to get, and I would have missed out on other wise...it was great to have them there.

Answer 6

Don't do it! Although a great concept, it's a waste. The cost of getting them developed isn't worth the very few good photos you'll get. Once people start drinking, some of them will take really stupid pictures and take the cameras into the bathroom and take pictures of their genitals. That happened when I paid for my first wedding and I'm not going that route for my upcoming wedding. I was so mad when I saw the developed pics. Nowadays, with everyone having digital cameras, ask some of your friends if they don't mind bringing their digitals and snapping some pics. I'm sure they won't mind. Good luck!

Answer 7

I haven't used theknot.com, but I know a few ppl who did the disposable camera thing for their weddings. For the most part it's not worth it. Ppl take random pictures that you don't want (a chair, the ceiling, etc) and if kids get a hold of them you'll have an entire roll of film with nothing useful on it. Some ppl just give them to kids to keep them entertained. I think you'll be disappointed with the results. I'd suggest hiring a photographer or getting a friend/fam member to take pics. You want to make sure you get pics of the moments you want to remember.

Answer 8

I have never purchased wedding cameras from theknot.com, however my mom was recently remarried, and she used wedding cameras. It can be a good idea, there is a good chance that there will be a lot of good pictures and memories captured, but be prepared for the jokers who are going to take pictures of their genitals, or other inappropriate things. Its really your call though.

Congratulations on the wedding!

Answer 9

A friend of mine did. None of the cameras were used up completely...most only had a few shots on them. So she brought these cameras everywhere she went for months, just to use up the film.

If people care about taking pictures at your wedding, then they'll bring their camera. It will probably be digital, and they'll send you the pictures they take anyway. The wedding cameras might not be a big expense, but they're pretty useless.

Answer 10

I think it is an expense you don't need. My cousin had disposable cameras at her wedding as well as a professional photographer. After the wedding she started a group on snapfish.com and have everyone who went to the wedding who had a digital camera put pictures on there. If you have 2 of these three options you are fine. Even a professional photographer is good. I have always not liked the disposable camera idea.