How to Use a Disposable Panoramic Camera

Single-use, recyclable panoramic cameras are convenient for people who appreciate point-and-shoot simplicity. Panoramic cameras are also ideal for many one-time events, such as a vacation to a mountain range or to a city with a great skyline. For many amateur photographers, sophisticated equipment is unnecessary and cumbersome, making disposable panoramic cameras the perfect solution.

Instructions

Use a Disposable Panoramic Camera

1. Buy a disposable panoramic camera to use when photographing "wide" subjects, such as large groups of people, cityscapes, sunrises, the horizon over the ocean or a sweeping outdoor market.

2. Understand that these are not truly panoramic cameras, because they actually just crop out the top and bottom thirds of 35 mm film frames. This enables you to take long, skinny photos using standard-size lens and film.

3. Study your subject quickly before snapping a picture. Be sure there are no objects in the panorama that would distract from the photograph.

4. Hold the disposable camera as parallel as you can to your subject. Holding it at an angle will detract from the rectangular shape of your scene. This is especially true if you have captured the horizon or any other horizontal plane, such as the roof of a building or a straight highway shot from the side.

5. Use your disposable panoramic camera for traditional shots, as well as for wide-angle shots. Panoramic cameras capture images the way our eyes really see them--which is why movie theaters and wide-screen televisions are so popular.

6. Take your disposable camera to the same location where you get regular 35 mm film or disposable cameras developed. Disposable panoramics use the same equipment for processing as other 35 mm film.

7. Plan to receive prints in the standard size: 4 by 10 inches. To display your panoramic shots, you may need to buy specially sized photo frames or albums.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a panoramic film camera if you do not have a digital camera or the necessary software to edit together photos on your computer.

• Allow yourself ample time to shop before you need the camera. Disposable panoramic cameras are becoming increasingly hard to find due to the rising popularity of digital cameras and film cameras with built-in panoramic capabilities.

• Enlarge 4 by 10-inch prints only if you need to. Disposable panoramic cameras use standard 35 mm film, simply cropping out the top and bottom third of the negative. This small negative size can make enlargements look blurry and grainy, even with quality film.