Trends rule mass media, and the world’s fascination with past popularities coming back into style will always be a trend.
One of the biggest comebacks in 2024 is the rise of alternate camera types. This trend can be seen across social media platforms where younger generations are using digital cameras, disposable cameras, polaroids and more to capture their photos with a more unique, “vintage” look.
“Revitalizing different cameras is a huge thing for people because everyone loves resorting to old trends and cool things that used to be popular,” said Ryan Badakhsh ‘24, who owns a disposable camera and a Keith Haring Polaroid camera.
A variety of camera types were first developed in the mid 1900s, and they became popular throughout the 2000s as a method of photography. However, in 2007, the introduction of Apple’s iPhone overtook the digital camera industry due to its built–in camera, though this has completely changed as a result of the comeback. Currently, the resurgence of these cameras sparks memories for older generations because the devices they used to own are now relevant among younger audiences.
“My parents had one of those camcorders, and they would always record me and my siblings when we were young,” said Alex Ayed ‘25, who owns a digital camera, disposable camera and a Polaroid camera. “It’s very nostalgic. Being able to use digital cameras reminds me of looking back on that.”
People often take inspiration from history in order to find new movements or comebacks in style, fashion and even photography. Starting in 2023, different types of photography surfaced, specifically disposable and digital camera pictures. Since then, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest have been a catalyst for these camera quality photos to go viral.
“I feel like they’ve come back because we’re starting to get more inspiration from things that happened in the other decades,” said Jamie Quenqua ‘25 who owns a digital camera. “I feel like these cameras worked really well then, and the comeback of them in pop culture is kind of inevitable. It’s about going back to what we knew before and seeing how it works now, in the future.”
One of the appeals of these camera forms is the authentic feel that comes with it. People love a “vintage” look when it comes to trends, and each camera version comes out with different photos that give off their own vibe in comparison to standard pictures.
“I feel like now, people are getting so creative with taking pictures and stuff,” said Quenqua. “With different cameras, you can really just have a lot of creative freedom.”
Even with iPhones typically accessible, many people are reaching for these types of cameras over their cell phone cameras. The distinct look and the special quality of pictures taken on these devices are primarily responsible for the rise in popularity because many individuals love the way that the photos come out.
“iPhone pictures are so normalized these days, but these pictures have something different that a lot of people find really cute,” said Mccartney Garlock ‘26, who owns a digital camera and a disposable camera. “It’s also a better quality than the iPhone.”
Social media has had an undeniable impact on the resurgence of these different cameras. By scrolling through many platforms, people can find an abundance of pictures taken on digital cameras, disposable cameras and more. Many individuals enjoy taking their cameras on vacation, out with friends and all around to snap a photo that they can share online.
“Pictures are just so relevant these days on social media like Instagram and Pinterest,” said Garlock. “People are always just looking for new trends and different things, so I think people knew that we had to bring this back.”
With this comeback, many people are desperate to get their hands on digital cameras through resellers or vintage stores. As the trend has grown in the past year, younger generations have followed the craze, looking for their own cameras after being inspired by social media.
“I got my camera because it’s just a way to take pictures that’s not on my phone, but you still get to capture the moment of being with your friends,” said Ayed.
