Survey Finds Young Women Are Ditching Smartphones for Cameras

Even in an era when smartphones dominate everyday photography, younger women are increasingly exploring other types of cameras to capture their moments. 

A recent survey conducted by DNP Photo Imaging Japan Co highlights this trend. Among women in their 20s, 34.8% reported that they are taking more photos with cameras other than smartphones compared to before. 

While smartphones remain the most common tool, this growing interest in compact digital cameras, digital SLRs, film cameras, and instant cameras shows that younger women are looking for ways to diversify how they capture images.

Trends in Camera Usage Among Women in Their 20s

The survey, conducted online on January 22, 2026, included 601 women aged 20 to 49. For women in their 20s, 16.9% used compact digital cameras, 14.9% used digital SLRs, 9.5% used film cameras, and 9.0% used instant cameras. 

These rates are higher than in older age groups, reflecting a clear interest among younger women in experimenting with equipment beyond the smartphone.

The survey also revealed that photos are valued for both emotional and visual qualities. Nearly half of the respondents (46.9%) said that strong memories or experiences make a photo good, while 43.4% emphasized beautiful colors and textures. 

This suggests that younger women are motivated by both personal storytelling and the aesthetic quality of their images.

Possible Reasons for the Shift

Several factors may explain why younger women are turning to cameras beyond smartphones. 

Social media plays a major role. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest encourage visually distinctive content, and many users are looking for images that stand out from standard smartphone photos. Using multiple cameras allows for experimentation with different textures, lenses, and styles, giving photos a unique character.

Another factor is the growing interest in creative expression and storytelling. Younger women often prioritize capturing moments with strong emotional resonance or unique visual appeal. Cameras such as film and instant cameras offer effects and qualities that smartphones cannot replicate easily, making them appealing tools for personal projects or social media content.

Lastly, the popularity of self-shoot experiences and photo studios may also contribute to the trend. Access to professional equipment, controlled lighting, and creative setups allows younger women to take full control of the photography process. These experiences support both learning and experimentation while producing images that feel more personal and distinctive than typical smartphone shots.

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