Digging through her grandparents’ old boxes in the attic, Ava searches for a digital camera to repurpose for today’s trends. Once she finds one she brings it downstairs, and her and her grandparents flip through the photos still on it as she explains how she will use it today. What was once used for family photos is now in every teenager’s shopping cart so that they can achieve the perfect Instagram photos.

Recently, digital cameras have made a comeback, being affordable and easily accessible in today’s market. What were once used out of necessity by students’ parents and grandparents are being used for enjoyment by teens in today’s world. As such, digital cameras have grown increasingly popular among students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Digital cameras were originally used by older generations to document memories before phones existed; however, for teenagers today, they are simply a thrilling trend, proving useful for taking Instagram photos and documenting hangouts with friends. While nothing new for many, digital cameras allow for a new spin on capturing memories for teens.

“My favorite part about owning a camera is that it’s really cool to have your photos on a different form other than your phone,” junior Laina Armbrister said. “I use my camera for special events, like homecoming or birthday parties.”

Digital cameras are growing in popularity, bringing people back to a seemingly simpler and more endearing time. Something about the warm glow of the camera shots intrigue purchasers, persuading them to invest in a camera of their own.

“It’s funny, we’re going backwards in time with the technology,” TV teacher Eric Garner said. “There’s something endearing about the technology of the past; it’s almost like you guys are being nostalgic about something you don’t even remember.”

Social media has played a large role in digital cameras’ resurgence. Many teenagers have been encouraged to buy one as a result of seeing them used on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest, where pictures are shared the most. One way in which photos are commonly shared is through photo dumps posted to Instagram and TikTok, in which users post a slideshow containing various pictures that document a week or month in their lives.

“Every year on Instagram, I’ll see my friends post aesthetic digital photos and I was like, ‘I wanna do that,’” sophomore Elana Kurman said. “So, I bought a camera for camp and now I take fun flicks or pictures with my friends.”

The difference between an iPhone camera and a digital camera is distinct–iPhone cameras are convenient and not finely detailed, whereas digital cameras produce superior detail and higher-quality effects.

There is no denying the rapid growth of digital cameras. According to Statista, the United States is expected to generate a revenue of $1.5 billion in 2024 from the digital camera market. Some of the most popular and affordable digital cameras for teens include the FujiFilm Instax Mini 12, Nikon Z fc and Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo. Depending on the level of professionality desired, these cameras may or may not suit one’s photography interests.

Whether it is the influence of social media, the influence of friends or through personal discovery, many MSD students have been persuaded to purchase a digital camera. Allowing teens to document the memories they make in a way that is new to them, digital cameras have the ability to bring them closer to their family and friends.