The Retro Camera Trend That Fits Right Into K-POP Idol Aesthetics

Digital cameras are making a comeback in South Korea, and Gen Z is driving the trend. A growing youth movement known as "dinol," a mash-up of "digital camera" and the Korean word for "play," has turned the once-outdated gadget into one of the hottest lifestyle items of the year.

According to the commerce platform Ably, digital camera sales from January through September rose 74% compared with the same period last year. The platform shared the figures on the 8th. Buyers in their 20s or younger made up 63% of all digital camera purchases.

Retro models are leading the surge. The Dayrecord Vintage Camera, which leans into a nostalgic look, saw sales jump 236% year over year last month. The Phototo Vintage Camcorder, built to shoot video with a 2000s mood, posted a 15% gain over the same period.

The trend is also expanding into "dikku," another Gen Z coinage that pairs "digital camera" with the Korean word for "decorating." On Ably last month, searches for "digital camera pouch" rose 94% from a year earlier, and sales of related products soared 534%. Searches for "digital camera case" grew 252%, with sales up 119%. Sales of "digital camera keyrings" spiked 3,779%.

Part of the appeal is visual. Unlike the sharp, polished images from a smartphone, digital cameras produce grainier shots with slightly washed-out colors. For Gen Z users, that imperfect look is the point. Many are also treating the cameras themselves as fashion items, clipping keyrings and charms onto the body to show off their own style.

In South Korea, the camera is no longer just a tool for taking pictures. It has become an accessory, a hobby, and a way to stand out.