Digital cameras have become essential for capturing life’s most cherished moments with clarity and ease. However, as the price tags grow, so does controversy. Recently, digital cameras have experienced a sudden surge in recognition and use, especially among younger generations who already have smartphone cameras at their fingertips. This trend sparks a question: Why are people leaning towards digital cameras instead of smartphone cameras? 

Digital cameras can produce higher-quality and more impactful photos compared to the majority of smartphone cameras. Acquiring a more “vintage” looking filter on photos, archival cameras give an extra glow to people’s expressions and a colored tint that many people desire, reducing the need for editing. In contrast, photos taken on a smartphone require more editing to achieve that effect and often don’t have the same authentic feel.

With some of these digital cameras sold at prices of over 1,000 dollars, it is necessary to consider what that price tag gives you and if it is worth it. One of the most popular digital cameras, the Canon PowerShot G7 X, ranges from between 925 to 1,371 dollars. 

With a price tag that rivals the price of a smartphone, it seems crazy to be paying the same amount for a device that holds fewer features than a smartphone. However, purchasers must consider the features that both technologies possess. A digital camera guarantees better quality and more authentic photos than a smartphone, but when paying for a smartphone, you get many more features such as messaging apps, games and various socials.

Digital cameras can also offer other benefits that a smartphone cannot. With no distractions like texts and other notifications, the camera can help you feel more present in the moment. In an age of people spending more time on their phones, only having one thing to focus on can be refreshing for camera users. The cameras evoke nostalgia from a time before the internet took control of people’s lives, part of the explanation for their appeal.

While some believe this newfound trend is an effort to be “retro” or “old-fashioned,” others enjoy the ability to take photos with better quality than on a smartphone. Whether it’s about the product or the nostalgia, digital cameras are making a return to the world. And for most people, that click of the shutter can be worth every penny.