The Digicam Craze: Explained In Brief
Written by & Photo Credit: Dylan Elizabeth Wolski
As the Director of Visual Media here at WRSU, I’m no stranger to cameras: DSLRs, point-and-shoots, and film cameras all the like. But one camera has taken social media by storm – the digicam.
What is a Digicam?
A digicam – short for digital camera – is a small handheld camera. Although there are many digital cameras on the market, digicam refers specifically to the handheld models of the 2000s and 2010s. You probably remember this particular type of recent trend from recording your Kindergarten graduation or posing for family vacation photos during your childhood. Digicams are a great starter for photography. These cameras are typically less expensive and much easier to navigate than professional gear. Just hold up the lens to what you want to capture, hit the shutter, and see your photo on the screen!
But why are they seeing a resurgence?
A Momentary Snap-Shot
Digicams are having a bit of a moment on social media currently. People flock to them not only due to their aforementioned ease of use and affordability, but also for the image they present (in both a literal and figurative sense).
The photos captured on digicams generate a feeling of nostalgia with their grainy quality, fuzzy silhouettes, and red-eye glare. The simple-to-use principles of these cameras create an atmosphere of living in the moment. The pictures feel as if you’re looking back on a memory, all while the quick capture enables you to stay present in the moment, not distracted by fiddling with your camera settings to get the best shot. The photos come off as effortless. The carefully constructed illusion of being effortless is something that the algorithm values. Not to mention, the photos the digicam takes have a cool effect about them.
Personal Points
I’m a fan of the digital camera and have a close connection to my collection – a thoughtful gift from a loved one, a hand-me-down from my childhood, and a tiny little thing from a blindbox I received for my birthday. I bring a digicam everywhere I go, evident by the noisy photos that litter my Instagram profile. You can even find some of these photos submitted to WRSU Photos.
Digital cameras are a great starting point to dive into the world of photography. Digicam photography was my gateway into concert photography, one of my favorite mediums. Although summer is coming to an end, this trend is far from over. If you’re inspired to try it out, dig through the technology section of your local thrift store. Better yet, ask your parents if they still have that camera from your childhood and give digicam photography a shot!
