By Emily Bame
RHAYA / @rhayatruman on Pinterest https://pin.it/78ZAlBE
Smile! Digital cameras are back and they are the must-have gadget among Gen Z. While an iPhone camera certainly does a decent job of taking a photo, digital cameras produce a higher-quality, nostalgic look that has become the trendiest style of pictures.
Digital cameras were first introduced in the late 80s but were originally labeled as point-and-shoot cameras. The built-in lens supplies a variety of focal lengths and automatically sets the focus and exposure, which gives these photos their unique style.
Even on Instagram and TikTok, there has been a surge of interest in digital cameras. Considering that the term ‘digital camera’ has over 128.1 million views on TikTok, it is no surprise that the amount of photos posted with this retro look have gained so much traction.
This is especially telling since many Gen Z social media users have created second ‘photo dump’ accounts. Digital camera photos are a great way to fill your feed, as hundreds tend to be taken on nights out.
The rebirth of the digital camera has everything to do with the aesthetic it brings, as well as taking a break from the dependent smartphone culture. Digital cameras are not consumed with notifications or filters, unlike smartphones. Instead, they appeal to people who still want to document what they are up to without an iPhone consuming the whole night.
Reflecting on past generations, digital cameras were a popular tool for capturing beloved memories. There is something uniquely special about looking back through your parents’ old cameras or printed photos, getting a glimpse into their youth. Gen Z, however, is different; our children will one day look through our old iPhones or Snapchat memories. Preserving the nostalgia and simplicity that digital cameras provide helps keep an older era of technology alive for generations to come.
Comments