From time to time, existing features and products come back and become popular again, for whatever reason. Most of the time, it’s because they offer a new experience or set of tools that you can’t find in digital or modern solutions. Point-and-shoot analog cameras are the perfect example. Old disposable cameras from the 90s are popular again, alongside the now fashionable digital cameras of the 2000s, with minimal bells and whistles.
Of course, there are also a handful of compact cameras that are still worth buying new, even in 2026. But they’re making a comeback, largely because of their independence from modern smartphones, which tend to cram everything into one device and can be distracting. With a camera, you have a dedicated shutter release, a few options for additional functions, focus or on-the-fly adjustments, and that’s it. No notifications, no interruptions, just real instant photos and a chance to make real photographs.
In the early days of smartphones, some of these older models had a dedicated camera and shutter button. We are a long way from current models which, although they are the essential photography tool for many, reserve their few physical buttons for other tasks. Maybe it’s time to ditch these all-digital controls so a dedicated function or physical button can make a comeback? Sure, on Android and Samsung devices, you can double-tap the power button (or screen button) to open the camera, but that’s not really the same thing. On some phones, you can also use the volume keys to take photos when the camera is open, but it’s not the same thing. It will never mimic the tactile feel of a camera shutter release, at least not in its current form, and that’s a shame.
Phone cameras are now so high quality that they are a good alternative to carrying around a camera
To accompany the return of the physical shutter, smartphone cameras have also improved in quality, especially in high-end and flagship models. Some of today’s smartphone cameras even rival professional photography equipment. They often feature professional-grade camera modes that offer full customization of ISO, shutter speeds, exposure, focus, and more. Beyond that, many smartphones have multiple camera lenses, like the Galaxy S26 series, giving you improved quality and focus depending on what you’re shooting.
Device cameras are actually one of the main reasons why some people upgrade or choose certain models. There are a variety of really popular smartphone cameras, ranked by users who have owned and reviewed the related devices. Since cameras are so powerful and beloved, it makes sense to emphasize this experience.
Apple did just that with the iPhone 16’s camera button. It’s time to see phone makers adopt this on a larger scale, and I’m not the only one who feels this way. There are a ton of users on Reddit who also lament old-school phones that had them, like the Nokia Lumia or Sony Xperia lines and beyond. The problem, or rather the reason why it’s probably not implemented more often, is that it’s a specialized feature that isn’t really useful for everyday use, outside of the camera itself. You won’t use the trigger to turn on the screen or activate AI and voice assistants, unless it’s a two-stage or otherwise multifunctional button. However, at the end of the day, shutter buttons mean a lot to photographers. Maybe they should matter more to the rest of us.
