Are “classic cameras” making a comeback?
Everything “old” is new again:
Vinyl records, flip phones, and now, film cameras and camcorders! If you’ve scrolled through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen people ditching their high-tech gadgets for something straight out of the 90’s and early 2000’s. But why is everyone suddenly obsessed with grainy photos and wobbly home-video footage? Let’s dive into the nostalgic resurgence of film cameras and camcorders and why they might be here to stay.
There’s something about the imperfect charm of film that digital just can’t replicate. Here are a few reasons why people are making the switch or, rather, the switchback…
1. Nostalgia Hits Hard:
Whether you grew up in the era of disposable cameras or were just a toddler when camcorders were a household staple, there’s something magical about revisiting that aesthetic. It’s the same reason why people love watching old home movies - it feels raw, real, and full of memories. In today’s world where everything in life is busy and intense, we want to feel how we did growing up where we had no stress or worries. Many of us grew up with Polaroid Cameras, Film Cameras or Camcorders so it is a way for us to reconnect with them “easier” times.
2. The Aesthetic Factor:
In the Digital Age, we chase the “perfect moment” or the “Perfect Lighting” or the “Perfect Pose”, and more often than not, photos are sharp, well edited, crisp, so sometimes…..they can be seen as too perfect? The more vintage look adds character with its natural grain, soft lighting, and unexpected quirks. The “film look” has become a sought-after vibe, with influencers, content creators, and even fashion brands hopping on board.
3. The Influence of Social Media:
Social Media is both the best and the worst thing to ever happen. Thanks to apps like TikTok and Instagram, trends spread fast for better or worse. Retro photography is more popular than ever! People are even buying mini camcorders to vlog like it’s 2003! Influencers are romanticising the slow, RAW, intentional nature of film and they have inspired a new generation to embrace it. Camcorders erase the "perfect life persona” many people feel pressured into, faking they have everything under control and living the perfect life - when in reality for most people - that couldn’t be further from the truth.
4. The Joy of Slowing Down:
Unlike snapping endless digital photos at any given moment and viewing them straight after, film cameras forces you to be intentional. You’ve only got 24 or 36 shots per roll - so every photo counts and you won’t know what the photo looks like until it has been developed - so you have to make sure all of the camera settings, composition, lighting and focus are all perfect before taking the photo. It’s a refreshing break from the instant gratification of digital cameras and smartphones and at times, more rewarding.
If you’ve been on YouTube lately, you may have noticed many creators ditching 4K cameras for more grainy, handheld camcorders straight from your parents’ attic. Why?
The “dad cam” vibe feels more personal and captures events how they were rather than creating a fake persona for social media likes and follows.
It doesn’t require hours of editing - raw footage looks effortlessly cool - speeding up workflow.
Celebrities and influencers are embracing the look, making it even more popular and sought after.
People prefer a video where they feel something. Camcorders give off that nostalgic feel effortlessly.
Whether you’re vlogging a road trip or just capturing everyday life, camcorders, polaroid cameras and film cameras are back in a big way! At the end of the day, the return of film cameras and camcorders isn’t just about nostalgia - it’s about slowing down, embracing imperfections, and making memories that feel real. Whether this is just a passing trend or a long-term shift, one thing is for sure: capturing life in an analog way just hits different.