Wal-Mart’s disposable digital camera plans follow a digitized trend

Wal-Mart’s recently-launched disposable cameras aim to bring shoppers into the store by developing the film and then returning the photo images online ready for customers to post and print. The new disposable cameras and photo service, Pictures Online, allow customers to share photos online and give them an opportunity to test digital photography prior to investing in an expensive digital camera – which Wal-Mart also sells both in its stores and on on its web site. The disposable 35 mm. camera is tagged when it’s dropped off at Wal-mart; the pictures are uploaded into the Wal-mart.comphoto center. Customers can use that camera, return it to the store for processing, and have their photos securely posted online at the photo center for sharng and printing. The camera is available at Walmart.com and at Wal-Mart stores nationwide. According to research firm IDC, the popularity of making prints from digital photos is growing rapidly and is expected to climb 261% from 2001 to 2004.