Digital Lomography - Will it Happen?

Digital cameras have progressed massively since they became mainstream back at the turn of the Century, similar to the progression of the 35mm format in the '40s and '50s. Now the race for the most megapixels may be just about over can we really see the difference between the old and the new?

Looking back through a decade of digitals no camera really sticks out in the same way as the Smena 8M, Holga or Diana. These Lomography classics are all about the raw essence of 35mm photography. It's just you and your camera. There's no need for a light meter, that's done in your head, an inaccurate exposure adds to the charm.

A digital camera cannot compete with a 35mm in terms of pure experience, it's simply too automated. Perhaps there are areas that could make digital into a lomographic experience. A restrictive battery life, choose the right shot or you won't be shooting at all? Maybe a small memory card? They don't make the experience new or exciting, 35mm's restrictions open up a whole new world of photography.

Even the quality of a digital camera from 2002 like my Minolta Dimage Xi (as above) stands up to today's point and shoots. There may be evidence of vignetting but that's nothing on the look that you get from an 8M. The combination of film and a cheaply produced lens makes magic.

So can Lomography go digital? The Lomo company has no intentions of producing a digital camera so they won't start the trend. Maybe lomography should stick to film and any digital wannabees will have to keep on 'shopping their images.