Upgrade Your Next Photo Dump With These Editor-Favorite Film and Digital Cameras

The nostalgic vibes of the digital camera are so in right now. Packed into every 4-by-6 photo are the soft, filmlike aesthetics reminiscent of your childhood. If you are looking to get yourself a digital camera, and can’t find your mom’s from the early 2000s, you might be losing your mind trying to sort through the stock online. Lola has taken the work out of the digi-cam search by creating a starter-pack of all the things you need to care for your camera and easily download the images straight to your iphone.. 

The Lola camera may seem small, but it's not your average point and shoot. It is packed with modern tech like USB-C charging, built-in creative filters, and nine scene modes: party, beach, night and portrait. Even with all its bells and whistles, the Lola camera is meant to be easy to use–stripping away any unnecessary features that might take away from capturing the moment. 

Digital photos are known for their crispness, vibrant colors, and generally clean image quality– with retro, digital quirks that add character to your shots. Digital cameras are more user-friendly than film, as you have the ability to preview your composition on a digital screen and don’t have to wait to develop them. They can also be printed in a range of sizes depending on what you need. Most digital cameras also have the added capability of video–the Lola can take up to 4K quality video with up to 20X zoom.

I always feel like an “it-girl" when I take my Lola camera with me on a night out. It's pocket-sized, so it's so easy to fit in my shoulder bag or even a clutch. My friends look forward to waking up the next morning to share the super-cute moments in the chat.

‍TLDR: Lola’s cameras are the perfect option if you don’t want to waste weeks scouring markets or being the losing bidder on Ebay. Everything you need comes wrapped up in a cute package to get you started on your digital camera journey without the learning curve.

Every guy and girlie you know is obsessed with film cameras. My monthly “film dump” is like Christmas morning for my friends, who get to relive memories through each roll I develop. The dreamy, retro vibe of film is something I reach for time and time again. However, disposable cameras can become an expensive addiction. I am guilty of purchasing hundreds of dollars worth of them myself, but I can’t say I totally regret the decision. 

That is, until I found out about 35mm Co. and realized I could have been saving money (and the environment) this whole time. The Reloader® Reusable Film Camera from 35mm Co. negates the need for single-use cameras, which are contributing to the landfill crisis, and is the perfect first step in anyone’s film journey.

The camera is compatible with any 35mm film, my favorite is Kodak Gold, and acts almost identically to any disposable camera you have used. The difference is that unlike a traditional disposable which offers a max of 27 exposures, the 35mm camera uses film with up to 36–meaning it lasts longer and requires less trips and money to get them developed. 

‍The Reloader® Reusable Film Camera is built for beginners, with easy to use film loading and rewind instructions preventing you from exposing your film to the sun. The Melbourne-based brand is built on the idea that film doesn’t need to be something exclusive, difficult or expensive—it is something that should be shared among friends and family with ease.

Contrary to popular belief–and the 2003 Outkast hit–you actually shouldn't shake a polaroid to help it develop. Polaroids are probably the most old-school camera option of the many that are making a comeback, but they also might be the cutest. You can live out your tumblr-girl-era dreams and deck your home out with little instant photos. 

The allure of the polaroid is of course your ability to have the photo printed instantly. There are a variety of companies making film in different colors and patterns to adorn the outside of your photo, and as a polaroid lover myself, I can also say that it is almost impossible to take a bad picture on one of these cameras. There is something about the graininess and slight unfocus of the shots that has a way of hiding imperfections.

There are so many polaroid cameras on the market, but my personal favorite models come from Retrospekt: a company that refurbishes ‘80s and ‘90s internal Polaroid components and makes them like new again in a custom designed body.  

I came across Retroskept’s collaboration with Miffy (i.e everyone's favorite Danish cartoon bunny) and fell in love. With refurbished vintage internal components and an adorable miffy exterior, it is the perfect model to start your mini photo collection.

I was so sick of having to put my film prints in boring photo books. It seemed like although film cameras were one of the hottest things on the market, there was no trendy way to display them. Then I stumbled across 35mm Co.’s take on the photo album and instantly fell in love. Each hard-cover album is decorated to look like a chic, coffee-table book and is perfect for documenting your film memories. 

After developing your film photos as 4-by-6 inch prints, you can fill your DIY time capsule with up to 300 photos. Each photo also features lines to scribble your favorite memory associated with each shot.

If I’m on the go and just need to bring the essentials, I love to shove some extra film, batteries and cables in a little pouch like Baggu’s Shell Charm Key Ring. It’s perfect to hook on to whatever bag I’m carrying or even my keys.

Your camera deserves to be accessorized, too. My favorite way to dress up my camera is with a funky wrist strap that also serves a function. You can find some super-cute options on Etsy like this one, or take a crack at making your own!

Being the camera girl of the friend group means you’ll have a lot of tech to carry around with you. For that reason, I always have my camera essentials packed in an easy, light bag that I can wear comfortably while on the go. One of my favorites is the Medium Recycled Leather Crescent Bag in Straw from Baggu. It has an adjustable shoulder strap, which is great to wear over the shoulder or to sling crossbody for easy use while shooting. The recycled leather is super soft and sturdy, and the straw color is reminiscent of butter yellow–a trending hue for the summer season.