Recently, digital cameras have been making a splash among teenagers, even as technology advances. Many teenagers find themselves on their phones, doom scrolling for hours on end, but after a long while, a quick dopamine fix doesn’t last. To protest against the new prevalence of AI and the digital world, some teenagers have been following the “analog lifestyle” trend. This trend is dedicated to bringing back screen-free activities to reduce the negative impacts resulting from social media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-care. Thus, although digital cameras may lack the qualities smartphones possess in a traditional sense, teenagers are, in fact, more drawn to photos that emanate personality.
In modern times, technological advancements have led to the intervention and incorporation of AI into smartphones and other electronic devices. As such, many phones have embedded the use of AI, such as tools like retouch, HDR, Night Mode, etc. Traditionally, these cameras are considered to be better in terms of quality. They are also more accessible and beginner-friendly, making them easier to handle and learn. For example, features like the cloud backup are much more convenient and easily manageable.
Some students at Arcadia High School (AHS) prefer smartphones for that reason.
“My phone already has a built-in camera that’s free to use. Digital cameras are just an extra accessory that adds to the cost. Plus, most people have phones on hand, and it is much more accessible for everyone,” said freshman Maggie Zhou Zhou.
Conversely, the reason why digital cameras are so loved by the younger generation is the preference for photos that invoke emotions like nostalgia and a strong desire for authenticity. Many older cameras (2000s-2010s) use CCD sensors, which give them the grainy, filmy look. In contrast, with the use of AI, smartphone photos can come off a bit lackluster or flat due to the oversaturation of background editing. However, many teens desire authenticity and a touch of artistry in their photos. They want photos that scream out “aesthetic vibes” and emotion. Because digital camera photos don’t conceal imperfections, small effects like motion blur, lens flare, and sensor noise may be considered unsatisfactory in a traditional sense, but these effects are what are considered “aesthetic” to teenagers.
Likewise, many students AHS prefer the look of digital cameras.
“It looks more aesthetic, and I look better in general. It also captures colors better, and the quality and zoom of the digital camera are better than my phone,” said sophomore Sarah Chou.
As for the more psychological aspect of using digital cameras, transferring photos may be more time-consuming, but it gives meaning to a photo. To elaborate, taking photos on a phone is much simpler and easier, but intentionally taking out a camera and putting it back in your pocket or purse enhances the experience like a real photographer. In addition, the use of digital cameras cannot be edited immediately like smartphone photography. Resultantly, the photographer has yet to edit the photos until transferring them to a device, which adds a bit more value and anticipation while also helping to stay in the moment.
As professional photographer Casey Fatchett explains, “Whether it’s a digital camera, whether it’s a film camera, whether it’s a Polaroid style camera, your brain thinks about it differently. Like I only have x number of photos that I can take, so I want to capture something that really matters to me.”
