Film photography may not be the norm anymore, but it never died. Far from it! With its vibrant colours, beautiful black and white images that look like they're from a bygone era, film has a nostalgic charm that won't get old.
Whether you're team film photography, digital photography, or somewhere in between If you're still weighing your options, our film vs. digital comparison guide can help you decide which medium suits you best., we wholeheartedly recommend experimenting with this medium. To nudge you along, we've put together our top film photography tips and the best film cameras for beginners and beyond.
3 reasons to shoot film in 2026
With modern digital cameras and smartphones producing stunning images and videos with the click of a button, you might be wondering: why should I bother shooting with a film camera?
It produces images with undeniable charm
The short answer: the charm! The long answer: as countless Instagram users and photography enthusiasts will tell you, film is all about the unique aesthetic. Thanks to vivid colours and grain, film photography is hard to emulate (though filters try). Plus, if you've ever added a lens flare to your smartphone photos, a cheap point-and-shoot film camera can do that organically — no editing required.
It forces you to slow down
Another reason to pick up a film camera is that it will help you slow down. Modern cameras focus on speed, with lightning-fast AF systems, burst shooting rates, and memory cards with plenty of storage space. But when you're shooting with film, you only have a set number of frames. This means you have to be more selective and put more thought into each image before pressing the shutter.
It makes you a more intentional photographer
While film cameras are easy to use and get the hang of, they also sharpen your photography skills in areas like exposure and composition. That's because you can't rely on post-production to clean up your photos — you have to try to nail the image the first time.
You'll also have to wait a while to see your results. Digital photography gives us instant gratification, and we can upload an image to social media minutes after snapping it. Film takes us back to a time when those processes weren't so simple, and that's a huge part of the nostalgia. When you get your film back, you may not love every result — and that's part of the learning curve. Over time, you'll learn from your mistakes and cut down on unwanted surprises.
How to choose a film camera For a curated shortlist of the best options available right now, see our Top 5 Film & Instant Cameras in 2026.
The best film camera for you comes down to your skill level and how much you want to invest in this type of photography.
If you're new to film:
A point-and-shoot film camera is a fun way to experiment with film photography for beginners For a deeper look at getting started this way, see our beginner's guide to buying a disposable camera.. You can buy a disposable or reusable camera — and the latter is becoming increasingly popular. There are limited controls on these cameras, so all you have to do is load the film, find your subject or scene, and literally point and shoot.
A standard roll of film will give you 24 or 36 shots to work with, and you'll need to wait for your film to be processed to find out if your photos turned out as you envisioned. You can also make creative choices — such as deciding whether you want black and white or colour — when you choose a film stock to load in your camera.
Ted's top picks: If you want to start your film journey with a disposable camera, go for the Ilford Ilfocolour Single Use Camera with flash. And if you're in the market for a reusable camera, the Ilford Sprite 35 II Flash Reusable Camera will become an everyday and holiday staple.
If you already have experience with film photography:
Consider a 35mm SLR camera — also a great choice for those using film as an opportunity to learn the manual side of photography. SLRs are easy to find on the second-hand market and have different levels of automation depending on the model and era, so do your research before buying. With an SLR, you'll have more options when it comes to key camera settings, as well as access to different lenses and accessories.
Ted's top pick: It's hard to go past the Agfa Retro 35mm Camera w/Flash — Black/Silver, which works with both B&W and colour film. It has a built-in flash and a fixed focal length of 31mm, so you can fit plenty of scenery in your frame.
Processing and printing your negatives
When you're done shooting and your film has been exposed, it's time to process it. This turns your roll of film into sheets with visible negatives of your images, which you can inspect and make prints from.
If you shot black and white film and like the idea of a DIY approach, you might enjoy using one of our film processing kits. They come with the chemicals and materials you need to process your film old-school style — aka setting up a darkroom in the comfort of your own bathroom Before you dive in, check out our overview of essential darkroom equipment and setup tips to make sure you have everything you need..
If you'd rather leave it to the professionals, simply drop your rolls of film at a lab and wait the required turnaround time. Most labs — including Ted's Cameras — can handle standard 35mm colour film, but you may need to do some digging to find a lab that processes black and white film. Ted's Cameras can develop, print, and scan your film photos via their printing service. Simply drop your 35mm films at a Ted's Cameras store and their trained staff will take care of it.
As for digitising your photos, most photographers rely on scanning to turn their film into digital images. The lab can do this while they process your film, or you can purchase a scanner and do it yourself. Then you can open up your files, perform some edits, and share them with the world.
Shop the best film cameras
Thanks to its visual charm and hands-on process, film has a certain nostalgia that photographers truly appreciate. If you're keen to get started, make sure you know some common mistakes to avoid as a film photographer Our guide to common film photography mistakes covers the pitfalls that trip up beginners and how to avoid them.. To play around with this medium for yourself, drop into your local Ted's Cameras store or shop film cameras online.
How to Develop Film: What You Need to Know
Once you've shot a roll, the next step is developing your film — and it's easier than you might think. You have two main options: develop film yourself at home using a darkroom kit, or drop it off at a professional lab. Home developing gives you full creative control and is cost-effective over time, but requires equipment like a developing tank, chemicals, and a changing bag. For most beginners, sending your camera film to a dedicated developing service is the simplest route. In Australia, many camera stores — including Ted's Cameras — offer film developing services or can point you to a trusted local lab. Turnaround times typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the service.
Colour Film Processing: How It Works
Colour film processing — most commonly using the C-41 process for colour negative film — is the most widely available film developing method in Australia. Almost every professional lab and many camera stores offer C-41 colour film processing, making it the easiest place to start. Slide film (E-6 process) is less common but produces vivid, high-contrast transparencies worth exploring. When choosing the best film processing service for colour work, look for labs that offer digital scans alongside your prints — this lets you share images online without sacrificing the authentic film aesthetic. Kodak Gold, Kodak UltraMax, and Fujifilm Superia are popular colour film stocks that respond beautifully to standard colour film processing.
Finding the Best Film Processing Service in Australia
With film photography booming in 2026, finding quality camera film developing in Australia has never been easier. When evaluating the best film processing options, consider turnaround time, scan resolution, and whether they handle specialty formats like Super 8 film. Super 8 developing is a niche service, so confirming availability before you shoot is essential. Many photographers mail film to specialist labs interstate for higher-quality results. Ted's Cameras can help you navigate developing film photos — from recommending trusted local labs to stocking the film stocks and developing chemicals you need. Whether you're developing a single roll or shooting regularly, establishing a reliable processing workflow is key to getting the most out of film photography.