When browsing disposable cameras, you'll notice most are loaded with colour film, but there's a compelling alternative that many photographers overlook: black and white. Each film type offers a distinct aesthetic and emotional quality that fundamentally changes how your photos look and feel. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right camera for your vision and occasion.
This guide explores the technical and artistic differences between colour and black and white film, helping you make informed decisions about which to use—and when to use both.
The Science Behind the Aesthetics
How Colour Film Works
Colour negative film contains three light-sensitive layers, each responding to different wavelengths of light:
- Blue-sensitive layer: Records blue light, creates yellow dye
- Green-sensitive layer: Records green light, creates magenta dye
- Red-sensitive layer: Records red light, creates cyan dye
During development, these layers interact to produce the full colour spectrum. The process, called C-41 development, is standardised and available at virtually every photo lab.
How Black and White Film Works
Black and white film is simpler—a single layer of silver halide crystals records light intensity without distinguishing colour. The developed silver creates the dark tones, while areas with less exposure remain lighter.
Traditional black and white film requires different chemistry than colour film. However, some black and white films (like Ilford XP2) are designed to be developed in the same C-41 process as colour film, making them convenient for disposable cameras.
The Ilford HP5 Plus disposable camera contains traditional black and white film, but many labs can still process it. The Ilford XP2 uses C-41 compatible chemistry and can be developed anywhere that handles colour film.
Visual Characteristics
Colour Film Aesthetics
Different colour films have distinct "personalities":
Kodak films (used in FunSaver cameras) are known for:
- Warm, golden skin tones
- Rich reds and yellows
- Slightly nostalgic, sunset-like quality
- Pleasant grain structure
Fujifilm stocks (used in QuickSnap cameras) typically offer:
- More neutral, true-to-life colours
- Excellent greens and blues
- Natural skin reproduction
- Slightly finer grain
Black and White Aesthetics
Removing colour fundamentally changes how images communicate:
- Emphasis on form: Without colour distractions, shapes and textures become prominent
- Tonal range: The interplay of light and shadow becomes the main visual element
- Timeless quality: Black and white photos feel less dated by fashion and decor trends
- Emotional weight: Many viewers perceive black and white as more serious or artistic
Colour tells you what something looked like; black and white tells you how it felt. Choose based on the story you want to tell.
When to Choose Colour Film
Events and Celebrations
Colour is usually the better choice for:
- Weddings: Capture the colours of flowers, dresses, and decorations
- Birthday parties: Document the vibrant cake, balloons, and festive atmosphere
- Holiday gatherings: Christmas lights, Halloween costumes, Easter eggs all benefit from colour
Travel and Nature
Colour excels at capturing:
- Tropical beaches with blue water and golden sand
- Autumn foliage and colourful markets
- Sunset and sunrise scenes
- Food and local cuisine
- Cultural events with traditional dress
Everyday Documentation
For general-purpose photography and family moments, colour provides the most accurate record of how things actually appeared, making it the default choice for most situations.
When to Choose Black and White
Portraits and Character Studies
Black and white is exceptional for:
- Portraits: Emphasises facial features and expressions
- Street photography: Captures the human condition without colour distractions
- Documentary work: Adds gravitas and timelessness
Architecture and Urban Scenes
The absence of colour highlights:
- Geometric patterns and lines
- Textures in stone, brick, and concrete
- The interplay of light and shadow on buildings
- Graphic compositions
Artistic Expression
When you want a more dramatic or artistic feel:
- Moody, atmospheric scenes
- High-contrast situations
- Projects with a vintage or classic aesthetic
- Gallery or exhibition work
Black and white film can "save" photos that might fail in colour—harsh lighting, colour casts, and busy backgrounds become less problematic when reduced to tones of grey.
Technical Considerations
Light Sensitivity (ISO)
Both film types in disposable cameras typically come in ISO 400 or 800:
- ISO 400: Finer grain, better for bright conditions
- ISO 800: More versatile, better in low light, slightly more grain
Black and white film generally handles underexposure better than colour, making it more forgiving in challenging lighting situations.
Flash Performance
Both film types work well with flash, but the results differ:
- Colour with flash: Can produce slightly artificial-looking skin tones
- Black and white with flash: Creates dramatic contrast that often looks more intentional
Development Options
Consider where you'll have your film developed:
- Colour C-41: Available everywhere, from Officeworks to specialist labs
- Traditional B&W: Fewer labs offer this; may require specialty processing
- C-41 compatible B&W: Can be developed at any colour lab
Using Both Together
For special occasions or extended projects, consider using both film types:
Two-Camera Approach
Carry one colour and one black and white camera:
- Use colour for documentation and group shots
- Switch to black and white for artistic moments and portraits
- Choose based on the mood of each moment
Thematic Division
Assign film types to different aspects of an event:
- Wedding example: Colour for reception and celebration; black and white for ceremony and formal portraits
- Travel example: Colour for landscapes and food; black and white for street scenes and architecture
Making Your Decision
Still unsure which to choose? Ask yourself these questions:
- Is colour essential to the story? If the event is about colourful decorations, vibrant locations, or fashion, choose colour.
- Do I want timeless or contemporary? Black and white has an immediate classic quality; colour feels more immediate and current.
- What's the lighting like? Challenging light often works better in black and white.
- Who's the audience? Family often prefers colour; artistic work may benefit from black and white.
Ultimately, there's no wrong choice—both colour and black and white film have been capturing beautiful images for over a century. The best approach is often to experiment with both and discover which speaks to your personal vision.