The fashion world has always seen trends come full circle, often following the “20-year rule,” where styles reemerge every two decades. Recently, early-2000s photography has made a comeback, sparking interest among Generation Z. These nostalgic gadgets are no longer just relics of the past but essential components of today’s fashion and culture.
Digital cameras, or “digicams,” originally became popular in the ’90s because they allowed users to take photos without needing film, making photography more convenient and immediate. But the invention of the iPhone in 2007 was a turning point for the digital world and sent these point-and-shoot cameras to the grave.
What was the point of carrying around a cell phone and a camera when your phone had both? This was the end of digicams—or so we thought.
Nevertheless, they’re back, and many RE students even prefer digital over our advanced iPhone technology. Students are choosing these old, low-resolution cameras primarily due to the results they produce. They have a specific aesthetic that a phone camera does not have: the orange date in the corner and the grainy, pixelated look.
Additionally, the rise of filters and Photoshop on the iPhone have created a culture obsessed with perfection, often leading to unrealistic standards. In contrast, raw digital photography captures images in their purest form. As RE photography teacher Mr. Matt Stock explained, “It’s straight data, straight light hitting the sensor through the lens. So, they’re coming in unfiltered, which is why we call them raw.”
As technology continues to advance, many are seeking a return to the ways of the past, which feel more authentic. “That’s the appeal—that they’re imperfect. There is a pendulum swing with AI and tech where people want things to be more handmade, or they want it to be less perfect,” Mr. Stock said.
TikTok and other social media platforms have also helped this trend grow significantly. Over 900,000 posts on Instagram and 250,000 posts on TikTok feature the hashtag “#vintagecamera” as of October 2024.
“There are definitely pros and cons to bringing back these old trends. It takes a little longer to get the photos, but that’s part of the fun. It makes you appreciate the process more,” said RE student Patty Maxwell ’26.
Even celebrities like Taylor Swift and Bella Hadid have used these retro cameras. Taylor Swift is infamous for her Eras tour, and while in Sydney, Australia, she was spotted using the OM System OLYMPUS OM-D E-M1 16MP Mirrorless Digital Camera at the zoo to take pictures of the animals—a camera originally released in 2013. She also took her iconic birthday photos last December using this same camera. Her camera costs about $2,200, but if you buy it preowned, it will cost about one-fifth of that price.
Hadid has used her Canon PowerShot SD 630, originally released in 2006, to take Instagram photos, and she was even seen using her camera to take pictures at her best friend’s wedding. While these cameras are not as “vintage” as film cameras, the mere idea of taking a bulky camera to a zoo or wedding as opposed to relying on your cellphone is still a statement.
These cameras are being used not only for their striking image quality but also for their nostalgic feel. Many of us grew up with these types of cameras, and the vintage-looking photos they produce transport us back to the 2000s, a time defined by the rise of digital photography and the shift from film. Many of us grew up snapping photos with these compact cameras, downloading them, and sharing them on social media platforms like MySpace and Flickr.
The trend is not just about the photos but the memories and feelings they evoke. As Annabel Kaplan ’26 put it, “Digital cameras aren’t just about capturing a moment; they’re about capturing a feeling.”
Fueled by social media and celebrity culture, this craving for the past shows how trends can reemerge to offer more than just aesthetics, providing emotional connections to a time when life felt simpler.
“New trends are always popping up, but they’re definitely inspired by older styles,” said Chloe Zaldivar ’26. “I really think they’re becoming a bigger part of our everyday lives because, in the end, everything comes full circle.”
