In an era dominated by smartphones, an unexpected trend is emerging: the revival of digital cameras. What began as a screen-free option for summer camps has evolved into a full-blown phenomenon among adults, particularly Gen Z and millennials. This resurgence raises an intriguing question: why are people turning back to the technology of the 2000s?
The trend started when Camp Snap a company specializing in screen-free devices, introduced a point-and-shoot camera designed for children attending summer camps. Modeled after the classic 1990s Kodak cameras, these devices featured a simple viewfinder, a flash, and required a computer to view photos. However, the company’s leadership was taken aback when they began receiving orders from an unexpected demographic.
The adult appeal of digital cameras
Trevor George President of Camp Snap, noted the surprising shift in their customer base. ‘All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a lot of Gen Z and millennial demographic started buying them,’ he observed. ‘We realized very quickly that this is way beyond kids at summer camp.’ This unexpected demand has led to a significant increase in sales, with Camp Snap’s revenue more than doubling in the past year.
The resurgence of digital cameras is not limited to Camp Snap. Canon reported that sales of its renowned PowerShot point-and-shoot cameras jumped nearly sevenfold from 2026 to 2026. This trend is not just about nostalgia; it represents a deliberate choice by younger generations to embrace a different approach to photography.
The aesthetic and emotional appeal
For many users, the appeal of digital cameras lies in the unique aesthetic they offer. The turn-of-the-millennium digital photo is characterized by its grainy texture, slight fuzziness, and often overexposed center with a blinding flash. This nostalgic haze gives photos a distinctive feel, reminiscent of instant memories.
Jaden Williams a 16-year-old from North Carolina, first experienced the charm of digital cameras in his yearbook class. ‘The photos felt more genuine,’ he recalled. He now uses his digital camera alongside his smartphone, choosing the latter for food photography but preferring the former for capturing moments with friends. ‘If I’m out with friends or at a party, I might use the camera for a more, like, warm vibe,’ he explained.
The sisters Katie and Gwen Coyne also appreciate the vintage blur that digital cameras provide. Katie, who initially bought a digital camera for a safari vacation, now lends it to her younger sister Gwen. They both find the aesthetic refreshing compared to the hyper-sharp images produced by smartphone cameras. ‘I feel like iPhone cameras look just so… sometimes it looks a little too real,’ Gwen remarked. She recently used the digital camera on a trip, capturing palm trees against the sky and the ocean, which gave her photos a distinct vacation vibe.
A rebellion against smartphones
For some, the resurgence of digital cameras represents a rebellion against the constant connectivity of smartphones. Christina Berkett a 34-year-old wedding photographer from New Jersey, has been carrying her point-and-shoot camera to avoid the distractions of her phone. ‘I think you get caught up in the digital world, where—OK, I’m pulling out my phone to take a photo and then I see a notification or I’m checking my email,’ she explained.
With a digital camera, the process is different. ‘You put it in your bag, you don’t think about it, and then at the end of the night, you go through all the photos and kind of relive that moment,’ Berkett said. This approach aligns with a growing movement of people seeking to ‘un-phone’ or ‘de-phone’ their lives, embracing analog experiences in a digital world.
The trend extends beyond still photography. Camp Snap’s retro camcorder has also gained popularity, with celebrities like Selena GomezJoe Jonas and even a guest at Taylor Swift‘s wedding spotted using the device. Berkett notes that couples are increasingly requesting old-school camcorders to film their ceremonies, preferring the authentic feel of home videos. ‘They want it to feel like it’s a home video,’ she said. ‘I don’t think they want something that’s grainy. I think they want something to feel real.’
In a nod to modern viewing habits, Berkett holds the camcorder sideways to capture vertical videos, making them more suitable for smartphone viewing. This blend of old and new technologies highlights the evolving nature of the digital camera revival.
