2024: Reflections from my DigiCam

Towards the beginning of 2023 (right when I realized how expensive film was as a hobby), the DigiCam craze was on the rise and I was taking interest. Impulsively, I purchased a Canon PowerShot A2300 HD off Ebay. The moment it arrived in the mail, I took this photo:

First produced for 2012, it was the camera I picked up most frequently – 12 years later – during 2024.

The camera started off in near perfect condition with box, papers, and all that jazz, but over the course of nearly two years under my stewardship, it’s collected quite a lot of beausage. The more I think about it, I find the scars very romantic; the physical condition serves as a symbol of what’s been going around me. A certain dent or scratch might tell as much of a story as the photos themselves, and it reminds me I’m glad I made the choice to carry this around (even when I wasn’t feeling like it and, just like my life, complete with imperfections and all).

This year had so many ups and downs that it was challenging most days to think of shooting, but eventually I confronted my fears and this camera became the solution. There’s no excuse to leave the PowerShot at home when it fits in virtually any pocket.

The A2300 is by far my most unassuming camera; it thrives in obscurity. Features like the small form factor and silent operation make it easy to power on and shoot without anyone really noticing. Other than being somewhat of a conversation starter due to the “vintage” nature these days, this digicam (in my opinion) is even less obtrusive than taking photos with a smartphone.

Another benefit of the Canon is that I don’t have to mess with my phone during rides. Often times I’m cycling in order to to limit distractions anyways, and when you combine the fact there are more physical buttons as well (while wearing gloves for example), operating the A2300 is a strong alternative.

None of these photos are edited, and that has its pros & cons. When the lighting is just right, however, the sensor really shines all by itself. Photos like the one below demonstrate the appeal of CCD cameras for me. There’s a certain nostalgic haze that lays gently over the subjects in frame. It’s almost blurry, definitely imperfect, and that’s why I like it.

Then again, the photos can be sharp too. It’s a mixed bag and I suppose that keeps things interesting.

Other times, the camera simply misses focus entirely…

As 2024 comes to a close, I plan to put some other cameras back into rotation for ’25. That being said, I hope the PowerShot tags along as much as possible. I think the DigiCam can be a viable, fun, and unique replacement to any smartphone by offering a classic-style shooting experience as well as limiting modern distractions.

Cheers and see you in the new year. – M//F