MariellaVirgillito

In an era dominated by smartphones and their ever-evolving cameras, it is easy to capture every moment with a simple click. 

Once considered dated, digital cameras have made a surprising comeback, proving that capturing the essence of moments through photography is indispensable.

As trends come and go, technology continues to shape the way we experience the world around us.

Before the 2000s, photography was confined to film rolls and disposable cameras, until the innovative digital camera revolutionized the convenience of taking pictures. People were no longer waiting for their film to be developed and printed. Instead, their photos were easily imported within minutes. 

The advancement did not stop with digital cameras. As smartphones began to rise, it was easier than ever to take pictures and easily share them on social media. However, it doesn’t compare to having a tangible print in your hands or in a frame!

With the accessibility of the smartphone, the use of digital cameras was rare… until recently. 

People have come to realize that digital cameras offer a different experience altogether. From professional photographers to Marian girls, the charm and thrill of using a dedicated camera to capture people, places and things is more than just nostalgia, it’s appreciating the world around us through a different lens.

“A digital camera puts a unique spin on a photo,” junior Claire Daly said. “It’s almost like a moment is more memorable being captured on an actual camera, rather than a phone. The most memorable moments I’ve captured would be when I took my friend, Jada, to my Okoboji lake house this summer, the Taylor Swift Eras Tour and when I went to downtown Chicago for volleyball nationals over the Fourth of July!”

Daly uses one of her mom’s vintage cameras that she used to take pictures of Claire and her twin brother when they were babies. The camera is a Sony Cybershot which can be bought from ebay, second hand stores, or maybe your parents have a vintage digital sitting in a closet. 

From simple moments with family and friends, to breathtaking landscapes, a digital camera captures more than just a picture. Photography is an integral part of collecting memories and sharing experiences. 

“I think it is really fun to wait for them to download because it makes the photos more meaningful, and it is exciting to see how they turned out,” junior Nora Coffey said. She uses a Canon Powershot ELPH 160 camera which she got as a Christmas gift when she was younger. Coffey imports her photos through her computer then sends them to her phone.

The trends of technology and editing fluctuate, but photography’s ability to capture and preserve memories, people and places is constant. 

As the digital camera makes its comeback, it invites us to slow down, observe and appreciate the world around us through a different lens: one that captures not just photos, but emotions and memories that last a lifetime.