If you haven’t heard, point-and-shoot cameras are trendy again. Gen Zers are steering clear of interchangeable-lens cameras and temporarily putting down their camera-equipped smartphones to capture moments with compact models instead.
Sophie Ramirez, daughter of CNN Producer Gabe Ramirez, decided to get one so she can “continue taking pictures and videos without being tied to my phone and social media.” She also loves the quality of the images her new camera produces: “Having my own digital camera helps me shoot memories I can keep physically and reminds me of the footage my parents would take of me when I was younger.”
Whether it’s out of nostalgia for the ’90s and early aughts or just for the vibe, I’m here for it. I am, after all, a child of the ’90s who grew up using these pocket-friendly models. But there are benefits to using them beyond their retro feel, as these beginner-friendly cameras can give you a much-needed break from doomscrolling, help you make more thoughtful compositions if you’re learning photography and allow you to pack light when traveling.
Today’s compact point-and-shoot cameras are far more advanced than those of the ’90s. Many now have modern features such as touchscreens and subject tracking, and several are almost as expensive as some interchangeable-lens models. A handful even boast a bigger APS-C or a full-frame sensor, which is just a step below the quality of a 35mm full-frame camera sensor.
