For this Christmas, Gen Z has a particular gadget at the top of their wish list, one that millennials adored over two decades ago.
Young consumers in their teens and early twenties are enthusiastic about digital compact cameras, a nostalgic trend ignited by influencers on TikTok.
Their surge in favor stems from their convenience and the ability to capture images instantly after the era of the disposable camera, a staple for youth in that timeframe.
Early forms of digital cameras deliver sharp and vivid photographs due to their flashes and large sensors that enhance light gathering.
‘My favorite gadget or camera is the Kodak Pic Pro FZ45,’ stated TikTok influencer Ellen Barron in a recent video to her audience.
‘It’s remarkably compact and easy to toss into a bag; the battery life is impressive and it captures breathtaking photos,’ she elaborated.
‘It produces the most stunning and clear images that make everyone appear fabulous.’
Another influencer, Avery Lock Miller, praised the Canon Power Shot 360 in a clip that has garnered 3.3 million views.
Celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston once utilized the cameras at red carpet events
Kel King, a TikToker, touted the Canon Power Shot Elph 180, referring to it as ‘the quintessential digital camera.’
Additionally, King mentioned that another of her favorites is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC W-560.
The influencer advised her TikTok audience to explore the online marketplace eBay for pre-owned models from that period, which might be more budget-friendly than purchasing newer versions.
During the early 2000s, these cameras experienced significant popularity, with icons like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Paris Hilton, and Lindsay Lohan showcasing them on glamorous red carpets.
‘The interest of Gen Z in early 2000s digital cameras transcends mere photography—it centers around re-experiencing the allure of a less complicated era,’ remarked branding specialist Scott Baradell to DailyMail.com.
‘These devices evoke the authentic, imperfect aesthetic of photographs with timestamps and grainy finishes that capture attention on platforms like TikTok and Instagram,’ explained Scott, CEO of Idea Grove.
‘For a generation consistently attached to their phones, using a specialized camera provides a fresh and intentional diversion.
‘It allows for a slower approach, focusing on creating something uniquely genuine—and the vintage look adds an extra touch of appeal.
TikToker Kel King suggests the Canon Power Shot Elph 180 to her audience
TikToker Jaden Familio showcases the images captured with her Nikon digital compact camera
Paris Hilton (left) and Lady Gaga display their digital compact cameras from the early 2000s
Beyonce is pictured capturing her own images with an Olympus digital camera
‘Engaging with this trend doesn’t have to empty your wallet. You can find a vintage-style digital camera for under $20 on sites like Temu,’ he noted.
The youngest participants of Gen Z are merely twelve years old, having never experienced a world without iPhones, and might be intrigued by previously trendy technology.
‘I believe individuals are experiencing a strong sense of nostalgia for that period, particularly the early 2000s, when everyone brought their digital cameras to clubs or gatherings and captured moments,’ lifestyle and internet trend specialist Elizabeth Gulino stated to NPR.
‘Those photographs evoke feelings of nostalgia. I think people are pursuing that,’ she elaborated.
‘They certainly appear light, airy, and ethereal, especially when utilizing a digital camera flash.’