Gen Z seems to have found its latest obsession in something decidedly less sophisticated While the world is busy upgrading to the latest smartphones. Digicams are back in the picture, quite literally. From PowerShots tucked into handbags to Cyber-shots making appearances at parties, these little cameras have become the new must-have accessory. But beyond the nostalgia and the unmistakable flash photography, they’re also sparking a community of young enthusiasts who are swapping recommendations, hunting down vintage models and finding new ways to capture memories together.
Because i own a digicam, “At this point, my friends literally make plans with me.
It’s nice having something that everyone is suddenly excited about and can bond over,” says Nikitha, a research analyst who carries a PowerShot. It has become a little ritual for us,” says Seema, an influencer. For some, leaving home without a digicam is almost unthinkable. Whether it’s a dinner date, a concert or a spontaneous night out, these cameras have become everyday companions. “My digicam has become quite the conversation starter. Whenever I take it out, someone always wants to know which model it is, where I found it and whether they should get one too. I’ve even had friends who weren’t particularly interested in photography start looking for cameras of their own. The obsession goes beyond taking pictures. Collectors are actively hunting for older models, browsing second-hand stores, resale platforms and online communities for discontinued cameras. Canon IXUS, Nikon Coolpix, Sony Cyber-shot and Kodak EasyShare models are among the names enthusiasts look out for. “I spent nearly three weeks looking for a Cyber-shot DSC-W series camera in good condition. Finding one with its original battery and charger felt like a bigger achievement than buying a brand-new gadget. There’s also a whole community of people who help each other find spare parts, repair cameras and exchange recommendations,” shares Gugan, a collector who also restores old digital cameras. For some, owning a digicam has even made them the designated photographer among their friends, with outings often turning into opportunities to make more memories together. The best part is always after the day is over, when we’re all lying in bed, going through the pictures, laughing at the blurry ones and reliving everything. The G7 X Mark III is probably the camera everyone in my circle wants right now. Finding one at its original retail price is almost a challenge. People are constantly asking around, checking resale pages and sharing leads in group chats. It’s become a whole hunt