Last weekend, my friends and I went on a little date to Downtown Santa Barbara. The weather was nice, the vibes were bright, our outfits were cute, and there were so many photo opportunities. So naturally, I asked if any of them had a camera. I wasn’t surprised when they all did. “Digi cams” is the new term the kids use these days, digital cameras, of course. I was unsure what impact an older item would have on today’s younger generation. Seeing that each of my friends had a different vintage camera showed me that old trends still matter today.Â
Usually, people tend to reach for the newer technology, the “new and improved,” which is why it shocked me that Gen Z would prefer to opt for a more retro, vintage item. This raises the question: why are digital cameras back? Not that they should go away- I love them- but I’m curious how they still hold on to teens and young adults today.Â
I argue that the hunt for these cameras is where the obsession starts. Most of us acquire these small digital cameras by finding them in thrift shops, at flea markets, or even online on eBay, where they usually come used. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it shows you can’t just walk into Target or Walmart and walk out with a truly vintage digital camera. Having to look for them in specific places and still not being the newest highlights their authenticity. If they are much harder to find than regular cameras or the cameras already on your phone, why do people still prefer them over other cameras? The answer obviously differs from person to person, but I can confidently say people like the physical item much more- something they can touch and hold.Â
We’re going back to physical items!
Why the physical items? Wouldn’t it be more convenient to use your phone’s camera? It’s right there in your pocket. I guess the more complex answer is that physical items allow for more emotional attachment. Having something you can hold and carry around can anchor us in this fast-paced world. Although a camera may not seem as sentimental as a childhood blanket or a stuffed animal, I believe it can still hold deep significance. Think about it this way: when do you pull out your camera? During memorable moments, right? Having your camera present during unforgettable moments creates a conditioning effect: knowing it has accompanied you through birthdays, graduations, and fun times with friends adds to its emotional value.Â
Having a physical camera can also shape our friendships and make the moments we capture feel more personal. For example, when you take a group picture with your friends, you usually tell them to “squeeze in,” creating a more intimate moment. This also deepens our emotional attachment to our cameras. After that fun time of getting those photos taken, the night usually ends with a “can you send me the pictures of last night?” text. This can be a conversation starter with your current friends, or even new friends you met while taking those pictures. Those photos taken can then be the glue that holds those friendships together.Â
Craving that nostalgia
Nostalgia… Remember when I said you can get better quality with your phone camera, and asked why you would prefer a lower-quality camera? It’s clear that people love the rustic, old, nostalgic quality these cameras provide. I do too; I think it feels more natural than the generic, boring look our phone cameras can produce. This look promotes nostalgia; looking back at the photos and getting that retro feel from the quality makes it easier to reminisce about the past. I doubt this type of nostalgia can be felt through our phone’s camera. We call the quality of these cameras retro, old, and vintage, but for our parents and older generations, it was the best quality available. So now I wonder if future generations will think our phone cameras are retro and feel the same way we do about vintage cameras. That’s crazy to think about.Â
My 2 cents
It’s also crazy to think that Gen Z is now craving the nostalgic feel after growing up in the progressive era of a digital world. I strongly believe that because we grew up in an era defined by a fast-growing virtual world, we constantly crave that grounded feeling, which I’m sure previous generations felt. In addition, I believe digital cameras aren’t the only thing our generation has started collecting in hopes of achieving that nostalgic feeling. For example, people collect vintage comics, camcorders, VHS tapes, vintage clothes, vinyl records, among many other things. All these items share the same quality as the “digis”: they require intention and act as anchors in our fast-paced digital lives.Â
At the heart of all this, I think, is the idea that we were essentially the first generation that was introduced to the internet, media, and screens. Because of that, I think we yearn for something, an item or relic that will help us stay sane in an environment of fast-developing tech. Which is why I think that digis are back. I love this trend, and learning why our generation made these cameras so popular warms my heart. We constantly crave nostalgia, a way to say we don’t want to grow up, or at least not so fast.Â