As mobile phones became more advanced with facial recognition and cutting-edge cameras, many imagined they would never have to bother leaving the house with anything else.
But despite growing up surrounded by technology and rapidly improving phones, it’s the younger generation that is turning its back on the latest mobile phones.
Instead, young people around the world are picking up the digital camera and carrying it for nights out, vacations, and social events.
According to Goggle trends, searches for digital cameras have more than doubled since 2021, while under the hashtag digital cameras on TikTok, more than 276,000 videos have been published in which Generation Z shares snapshots of their nights out.
The Canon PowerShot, which was first released in 1996, is especially popular with young people, who praised the digital camera for its ability to capture the “best night photos” that looked less “polished” than those captured with phones.
In one clip, creator Evie Clark took to the app to share top tips on where to find “the best digital cameras.”
Taking an example photo with the camera, he revealed that his favorite was the Canon Ixus, which was first released in 1996.
“This makes for the best night out photos,” she said, revealing a brilliant image of her and her friends enjoying a night out.
Instead, Y2K idolizers around the world are returning to the bygone era of digital cameras, carrying them for nights out, vacations, and social events.
In another video, a creator, Aimee Phillips, shares her favorite digital camera, encouraging her followers to get their hands on the device. “Everyone and their mother has gone crazy for this camera and I can see why,” he said.
Although it’s not just a bag staple for boozy bars, it’s also “great for the outdoors.” Evie revealed that she first bought the device from him for £20.
However, the new popularity of old-school devices has caused the cost to skyrocket, with vintage phones selling for no more than £100 on eBay and other second-hand online stores.
Cameras that are almost three decades old now sell for between £80 and £150.
Evie admitted that Instagrammable snaps have one drawback: “It uses the flash,” she insisted, adding to photos taken without it.
In another video, a creator, Aimee Phillips, shares her favorite digital camera, encouraging her followers to get their hands on the device. “Everyone and their mother has gone crazy for this camera and I can see why,” he said.
TikToks under the hashtag reveal a smorgasbord of young people praising the cameras, showing off glamorous evenings spent sipping cocktails and clubbing in signature Y2K attire.
According to Goggle trends, searches for digital cameras have more than doubled since 2021, revealing new interest in the devices.
TikToks under the hashtag reveal a smorgasbord of young people praising the cameras, showing off glamorous evenings spent sipping cocktails and clubbing in signature Y2K attire.
“I hate photos without a flash,” he said, revealing the device’s somewhat limited capabilities.
And it’s not just young TikTokers who are joining the trend. Last year at the Emmys, The Bear star Ayo Edebiri was seen taking photos of the glamorous event.
But before the digital camera returned, it was the film camera that piqued the interest of Generation Z with camera company Kodak, even hiring hundreds of new people to meet the new demand.
Previously, sales of digital devices had fallen 93 percent since 2010, although they have since been a major source of interest for the nostalgic, Y2K-loving Generation Z, who now prefer them to time-consuming movies.
Other celebrities, including Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid, also frequently share low-resolution snaps with bright flares.
Georgina Parrott, John Lewis electricals buyer, told The Independent that sales of digital cameras have increased by 50 per cent in recent years.
She told the publication: “Models from popular brands like Canon and Fujifilm are helping our happy and agile customers get the perfect photo.”
And it’s not just young TikTokers who are joining the trend. Last year at the Emmys, The Bear star Ayo Edebiri was seen taking photos of the glamorous event.
But before the digital camera returned, it was the film camera that piqued the interest of Generation Z with camera company Kodak, even hiring hundreds of new people to meet the new demand.
It comes as young people admitted they see the ’90s as the “number one” era, with 90 per cent insisting Y2K style is back in style.
Other celebrities, including Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid, also frequently share low-resolution snaps with bright flares.
According to Magners’ study, almost a quarter of young people said they would prefer to grow up in the 1990s, rather than in the technology-filled modern era.
Meanwhile, Matthieu Rouif, chief executive of Photoroom, told the publication that the move towards digital photography was being driven by a move towards “processing” images and that the ease with which phones can capture moments is too easy. now.
In contrast, digital cameras offer certain limitations, such as storage and the time it takes to physically charge or print them.
It comes as young people admitted they see the ’90s as the “number one” era, with 90 per cent insisting Y2K style is back in style.
According to Magners’ study, almost a quarter of young people said they would prefer to grow up in the 1990s, rather than in the technology-filled modern era.