Teenagers who have been on Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat within the past year have most likely seen pictures taken on a digital camera. Boys and girls alike have been posting them, but the question is- why have they become so popular?
In a day and age where technology like phones exist, it is hard to fathom why anyone would want to revert back to a device such as a family digital camera. Although it may seem like a silly way to capture the moment, teens are claiming it to be a more aesthetic way to reminisce.
When digital cameras first began to make their comeback, it started widely as a TikTok trend. Teenagers were seen using the devices that they found while cleaning their parent’s garage, desk, or drawers.
The “vintage” look that comes off a digital camera has captivated the younger generation, with many yearning for the dated quality.
Gen Z has been spoiled by the high definition of iPhones, which is probably why they have been so inclined to the change of scenery. While there are certain high-end cameras such as the Canon G7X, many other cameras fall far behind in terms of their quality. When looking at affordable options, lots of teens choose to even thrift their cameras and get them at hugely discounted prices.
It is also relatively easier to use digital cameras than it used to be, with their accessibility rivaling that of cell phones. Digital cameras now have features such as auto focus and better zoom, which attracts aspiring photographers. This enables young minds to fulfill their hobbies in much easier ways.
Cameras are also an object that have been used all throughout teenager’s lives. Even as kids, parents used cameras to take pictures of their now-teenagers when they were younger, and there were popular toys that resembled them.
As a society, the search continues for the best way to digitize a memory. Whether it be through an iPhone camera or what might as well be a family heirloom, there will always be something to commemorate the moment.
