First it was scrunchies, then low-waisted jeans and even mullets. Trends come and go, and it seems that nostalgia is often a driving force in popularizing the interests of Generation Z. Right now, it’s the revival of digital cameras that has taken over.
In a world where quality cameras are attached to our cell phones, it might come as a surprise that the youth are making the deliberate choice to use digital cameras.
Why is this gadget of choice, and what is the reasoning behind this trend?
About the Digital Camera
The digital camera was developed by Kodak in 1975, but it first became popularized in the 90s and continued into the early 2000s. Once smartphones hit the scene in the 2000s, they slowly faded away. That is until recently when not only digital cameras but also Polaroid and disposable cameras, made a comeback.
The Driving Force
There’s no way of knowing exactly what sparked this trend. But if we had to take a guess, we’d say it has something to do with nostalgia and its aesthetic.
Dedicated Hardware
Having a camera on your smart phone is obviously convenient, but something that’s attractive to young people about a digital camera is that it has one purpose. Having a device dedicated solely to capturing photos acts as a catalyst and reminder to take more photos in day-to-day life.
For those who find enthusiasm in photography it’s become a more socially acceptable way to persuade others to join in on the fun.
Aesthetics
More importantly, social media has played a significant role in the resurgence of this form of photography. Digital cameras began to re-popularize as people took to social media to share their photos.
Generation Z grew up with digital cameras capturing their childhood. Thus, despite the high quality of smartphone cameras, the film-like effect from digital camera photos has created a certain nostalgic aesthetic that people want to mimic.
Videos like the ones below played a helping hand in influencing the masses.
@lab54events a must🫵 @ABEL @RIOT NOISE #digicam #digitalcamera #party #houseparty #projectx
@katiecung Scored this vintage @Kodak Plus from @Etsy and its giving the best vintage vibe 🥹😍 This is your sign to get a vintage digital camera!!! #digitalcamera #kodak #vintagevibes #couple #aesthetic #vintage #film
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