Cover photo by masa
※ cizucu-certified writer masa contributed this magazine article.
The evolution of smartphone cameras in recent years has been remarkable. Under certain conditions, they can now capture photos with sharpness and resolution comparable to dedicated cameras. With the ability to effortlessly take stunning photos, people have grown accustomed to crystal-clear images.
However, the 'perfect' photographic expressions of today can sometimes appear dull. In response to this trend, there has been a growing preference for photographic expressions that evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of film photography.
So, what exactly is nostalgia in the digital camera era?
Creating Film-Like Finishes
Graininess, limited dynamic range, and color casts are just a few elements that evoke the essence of film photography. By incorporating these elements into digital photos, it is possible to create film-like expressions.
Traditionally, these features were eliminated in the pursuit of sharpness and high resolution in photography. However, by intentionally incorporating these characteristics—once considered 'overcome' by advancements in camera technology—photos can take on a nostalgic charm.
By giving digital photos a film-like finish, one can experience a sense of nostalgia that feels like stepping back in time.
Low-Resolution, Low-Cost Heisei Cameras
For the digital-native generation, color photography is the norm. Monochrome photos, which suddenly appear in today’s colorful world, can evoke a sense of nostalgia.
In a modern society filled with constant stimulation, monochrome photos offer a space for imagination. The time spent envisioning the colors not depicted in the photo may bring a slower pace to today’s digital world.
Switching from a colorful everyday life to the non-colorful world of monochrome is one of the charms of taking monochrome photos with a digital camera, made possible with just a single digital operation.
The Allure of Monochrome in Modern Times
Six years have passed since the Reiwa era began. In recent years, there has been a revival boom of subcultures that were popular in the early Heisei era. Items from the Heisei era are already becoming objects of nostalgia.
Among these, compact digital cameras that caused a major boom during the Heisei era are currently experiencing a revival.
Known as 'old compact digital cameras,' these used compact digital cameras are characterized by their ability to capture photos with a nostalgic and unique texture. Their appeal lies in the ability to easily enjoy a different flavor from smartphones and share those photos on social media, which has once again captured the attention of younger generations.
