The smartphone eats objects. It turns them into functions and applications. It sublimates their physicality into software. Then sometimes these objects come back. We saw this with cassette tapes and minidisc players. And with phones themselves.
Why everyone wants a digicam again, and which one to buy for your next vacation
Accessory to style and at the same time a powerful device for disengaging from aesthetics that we take for granted today: we offer a selection of devices from the late 1990s to the present.
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- Alessandro Scarano
- 22 July 2025
As for compact cameras, the situation is a bit more complex. In truth, they never disappeared altogether. But they remained mainly at a high level of the market, aimed at the very enthusiast. There are so many and super popular forums dedicated to the Ricoh GR, one of the most vaunted camera families ever, first in film and then in digital, not least because Daido Moriyama, one of the photographers with the most "cred" on social, uses them." And Fujifilm's flagship compact, the Fujifilm x100, updated several times and now in its sixth incarnation, is always sold out. But we are talking about very specific and very high-cost models - above a thousand euros,
But when did it happen?
There is a place where one realizes very quickly where photography is going. It is a mall in Hong Kong, overlooking Nathan Road, the "broadway" of the Asian megacity. Inside, it's a photographer's paradise, an entire building where floor after floor of stalls dedicated to photography in all its aspects. Well, if film compacts dominated the shelves before Covid, if you have been there recently you would have seen three types of cameras that stand out, amidst Dji drones and endless stocks of Sony lenses: they are the disposables, perhaps with pre-impressed film; the instant cameras. And lots and lots of digicams, or compact digital cameras. Everywhere, lots of them, and with much higher prices than a few years ago.
Beware: most of these cameras are used, not new. Case in point: the Canon G7x Mark III, a 2019 camera that has become an obsession on TikTok this year, driving up its price. That old Powershot has become the symbol of digicam redemption. But it's the tip of the iceberg: there are plenty of reels on social media showing digital cameras in action. Often in the hands of girls or boys who were not yet born when they were launched on the market. Nothing strange about photography, after all--how many photographers learned to shoot on a 1970s Nikon, after all?
The photos are not "perfect" like those of iPhones. They are full of mistakes not corrected by AI. But being able to make mistakes sometimes makes you feel free.
The reasons for the redemption of digicams are multiple and complex. There is the Y2k nostalgia, the return of "paparazzi shots"; the rediscovery of the physical experience, not mediated by a touch screen; the idea of a gadget with status symbol; the social trend: on YouTube and TikTok digicams are going like wildfire; almost by paradox, also the privacy discourse: digicams, they are not in the cloud. All features that make them perfect items for a trip or general vacation time. No sharing anxiety, and the memory card can stay inside the camera, turning it into a real time machine, to be rediscovered a few years.
The "aesthetic" cameras
In summary, we can say that the main reason for buying a digicam is aesthetics. Aesthetics of the object itself first of all. Because the camera has become an accessory, a gadget to be shown off and carried around like a labubu. Models such as Nikon's S01 or Sony's sera T can be easily hung on a backpack or keychain.
The other aesthetic is the photos these cameras take. They are not "perfect" like those of iPhones. They are full of mistakes not corrected by AI. But being able to make mistakes sometimes makes you feel free. Or surprise yourself with the results. Plus many of the compact cameras have manual controls that are easier to understand than those on a smartphone. Finally, there is the sensor. Today the dominant technology on smartphones and cameras is Cmos, which are mostly manufactured by Sony. These are very high-performance sensors, capable of very good results in low light and excellent performance on video. But it is precisely the cleanliness of these sensors that has come to tire: photos that are too sharp, too correct, too similar to each other. In response, many photographers and creators rediscovered the fascination with mistakes, imperfections, and technical limitations that made images less "perfect," but more alive.
The Myth of the Ccd Sensor
Throughout the first phase of digital photography, Ccd technology dominated. Today, the visual aesthetic of Ccd is sought after because it is considered less digital, more nostalgic and vibrant, closer to the feel of film. Cameras such as the Fujifilm FinePix F31fd have reached unthinkable prices precisely because of this reputation for being able to produce unique photos that are impossible today. Other models include the Canon G9, the early Ricoh Gr Digital, and the Sony Dsc V3, plus the splendid Panasonic Lumix cameras that were also marketed under the Leica brand: all have multiplied in value in recent years, after having been abandoned in drawers during the years when it seemed that the only photography possible was with smartphones.
No sharing anxiety, and the memory card can stay inside the camera, turning it into a real time machine, to be rediscovered a few years.
Are they really better? Certainly they are different. And they are part of a cycle of trends. Maybe tomorrow we will return to shooting massively in film, or spend salaries to grab an iPhone 3. In the meantime, the photography greats, Canon in the lead, are coming back with highly advanced models of compact cameras. In the meantime, with a tour of Sunday markets and specialized sites, with a hundred euros or so we can bring home the perfect camera to take home the vacation shot. In the end, it doesn't matter whether it's a 50 euro digicam or a digital Leica M: the important thing is that the medium inspires us to look at the world in a different way than a swipe.
A unique camera with a metal body that you rotated to turn it on. We are in the early days of digital photography for everyone, but its Ccd can still give satisfaction. Don't pay more than 80 euros for it.
A compact camera with representative aesthetics for its years but not particularly singular, and a good lens, its secret is the incredible rendering of the sensor, with vibrant colors that are quite reminiscent of certain results obtainable with film. Don't pay more than 150 euros for it.
A compact camera with representative aesthetics for its years but not particularly singular, and a good lens, its secret is the incredible rendering of the sensor, with vibrant colors that are quite reminiscent of certain results obtainable with film. Don't pay more than 150 euros for it.
The small, solid Ricoh Gr compacts were already beloved in the days of film; this is Ricoh's first attempt to turn that model into digital. It doesn't have a sensor as large as the latest Grs, whose IV has just been announced, but it is absolutely terrific for black-and-white shots--unparalleled for some in achieving a hard, raw style typical of certain Japanese photographers. There are 4 models in the GR Digital family, gradually becoming more technological, but this one retains a unique charm in its results. Don't pay more than 300 euros for it.
The small, solid Ricoh Gr compacts were already beloved in the days of film; this is Ricoh's first attempt to turn that model into digital. It doesn't have a sensor as large as the latest Grs, whose IV has just been announced, but it is absolutely terrific for black-and-white shots--unparalleled for some in achieving a hard, raw style typical of certain Japanese photographers. There are 4 models in the GR Digital family, gradually becoming more technological, but this one retains a unique charm in its results. Don't pay more than 300 euros for it.
An amazing little camera, with a wonder-capable Ccd sensor and a ring at the base of the lens whose function can be customized as needed. Manual controls also work very well thanks to the rear thumbwheel. It is the last of Canon's line of super-performance "S" mini compacts, later unfortunately discontinued, to have a Ccd sensor. Don't pay more than 150 euros for it.
An amazing little camera, with a wonder-capable Ccd sensor and a ring at the base of the lens whose function can be customized as needed. Manual controls also work very well thanks to the rear thumbwheel. It is the last of Canon's line of super-performance "S" mini compacts, later unfortunately discontinued, to have a Ccd sensor. Don't pay more than 150 euros for it.
A small camera, though not exactly pocket-sized, was born out of a collaboration with Leica (which marketed it, with a few changes, as the Leica D-Lux 4). It has some unique features, such as the 24mm wide-angle lens, quite rare for a compact of its years, and an excellent lens signed by the German company. Perfect for street or architectural photography, or even just for a trip. Don't pay more than 200 euros for it.
A small camera, though not exactly pocket-sized, was born out of a collaboration with Leica (which marketed it, with a few changes, as the Leica D-Lux 4). It has some unique features, such as the 24mm wide-angle lens, quite rare for a compact of its years, and an excellent lens signed by the German company. Perfect for street or architectural photography, or even just for a trip. Don't pay more than 200 euros for it.
Premium compact with CCD sensor and a mini SLR body. Image quality still remains excellent, and the look of its JPEGs has that 2000s "serious" digital photography flavor. It also has an optical viewfinder and shoots in RAW. Don't pay more than 150 euros for it.
We recommend this one mainly for its aesthetics: a little gem to hang around your neck or purse, with its small, square, almost brutalist body and periscope lens. The Dimage X line was one of Minolta's last great innovations before being "absorbed" by Sony. Don't pay more than 80 euros for it.
The model you don't expect in this list. When it came out, the Nikon 1 line of ultracompacts did not receive the success the Japanese manufacturer expected. Blame mostly marketing, or having put a camera on the market that was perhaps too far ahead of its time. The flaws remain: a sensor that is not large (1", but that is really a flaw), a limited lens pool, and on the V1, the first flagship of the series, few manual controls. But it is a uniquely aesthetic camera, with a very useful optical viewfinder and two fixed lenses, the 10mm and the 18.5mm, which correspond to a 28 and a 50, truly superb. There are several bodies, but the V1 remains the most beautiful and unique, although the V2 is certainly more functional and the J5 is very, very versatile. Don't pay the body plus the lens more than 250 euros.
The model you don't expect in this list. When it came out, the Nikon 1 line of ultracompacts did not receive the success the Japanese manufacturer expected. Blame mostly marketing, or having put a camera on the market that was perhaps too far ahead of its time. The flaws remain: a sensor that is not large (1", but that is really a flaw), a limited lens pool, and on the V1, the first flagship of the series, few manual controls. But it is a uniquely aesthetic camera, with a very useful optical viewfinder and two fixed lenses, the 10mm and the 18.5mm, which correspond to a 28 and a 50, truly superb. There are several bodies, but the V1 remains the most beautiful and unique, although the V2 is certainly more functional and the J5 is very, very versatile. Don't pay the body plus the lens more than 250 euros.
Compact prosumer with magnesium-alloy body, rugged and full of manual controls. Its 7-megapixel CCD sensor gives saturated, deep colors, while the 27-110mm equivalent zoom makes it suitable for various types of shooting. It also shoots in RAW, no small detail for a compact camera of that era. Don't pay more than 120 euros for it.
This is the progenitor of the G7 X series, which set the standard among vloggers and lovers of quality compacts. 1-inch CMOS sensor, bright f/1.8-2.8 lens, always very clean files but with the grain and saturation typical of early large Cmos. If you can find it under 300 euros, it's still a great machine.
This is the progenitor of the G7 X series, which set the standard among vloggers and lovers of quality compacts. 1-inch CMOS sensor, bright f/1.8-2.8 lens, always very clean files but with the grain and saturation typical of early large Cmos. If you can find it under 300 euros, it's still a great machine.
The smallest camera Nikon has ever produced: it looks like a gadget, but takes photos with naïve rendering, full of glitches and saturated colors. Don't expect quality, but pure zero-year social spirit. Hang it around your neck or backpack as an accessory. Don't pay more than 160 euros.
A beautiful outsider: APS-C, fixed lens 18.5mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent), compact and pocketable. It has the Fuji look in JPEGs, with film simulations and a more "analog" feel. Now rare, but a true cult for those who like the vintage look with modern performance. Around 500 euros used.
A beautiful outsider: APS-C, fixed lens 18.5mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent), compact and pocketable. It has the Fuji look in JPEGs, with film simulations and a more "analog" feel. Now rare, but a true cult for those who like the vintage look with modern performance. Around 500 euros used.
The original RX100 revolutionized the premium compact concept, but the Mark II adds the backlit sensor and tilting screen. It has a very sharp file but still not "hyperdigital" like newer models. Very small, with a Zeiss f/1.8-4.9 lens that makes it perfect for travel and photos of all kinds. Don't pay more than 250 euros for it.
The original RX100 revolutionized the premium compact concept, but the Mark II adds the backlit sensor and tilting screen. It has a very sharp file but still not "hyperdigital" like newer models. Very small, with a Zeiss f/1.8-4.9 lens that makes it perfect for travel and photos of all kinds. Don't pay more than 250 euros for it.
For some it is the best camera ever created. It is not a pure compact but one of the smallest mirrorless cameras ever made. With the small Olympus 17mm f/1.8 (a 35mm equivalent), it becomes a pocket camera that nevertheless mounts a Micro 4/3 sensor: much larger than those of a digicam, with image quality comparable to that of an SLR. The electronic viewfinder, microscopic but present, makes it even more complete. A perfect match for street photography or for those who want an elegant, discreet but uncompromising camera. Don't pay more than 700 euros for this lens.
It is not really a camera but an ultra-compact camcorder designed for vlogs and personal videos, which today with its horizontal format and 2000s gadget design is delightfully retro. It has one of the most beautiful aesthetics ever seen on a compact, with a wide fixed wide-angle lens and a flip-up screen perfect for self-portraits or creative shooting. It came out under different names according to markets-Legria Mini in Europe, Vixia Mini elsewhere-and was followed by an improved version, the Mini X, with enhanced audio and better video performance. It can cost quite a lot, still don't pay more than 400 euros.
It is not really a camera but an ultra-compact camcorder designed for vlogs and personal videos, which today with its horizontal format and 2000s gadget design is delightfully retro. It has one of the most beautiful aesthetics ever seen on a compact, with a wide fixed wide-angle lens and a flip-up screen perfect for self-portraits or creative shooting. It came out under different names according to markets-Legria Mini in Europe, Vixia Mini elsewhere-and was followed by an improved version, the Mini X, with enhanced audio and better video performance. It can cost quite a lot, still don't pay more than 400 euros.