Thinking of a world without cameras is not only impossible but seeds a lump in my throat. This is because many of us have an emotional connection with our camera – it’s the tool we use to tell the stories of our lives!

We humans can never really truly see eye to eye, but it is liberating to share glimpses of our lives with others and cameras empower us to do that. So, without further ado, here are three ways in which cameras have changed the way we perceive, history, preserve our memories, and share our experience of the world:

1. How we perceive history

Each photo tells a story. When we look back on our own photos, we’re able to add context and enrich these stories. But when it’s a photo of someone or something else, we are left to fill in the blanks with our own ideas and by doing so, we create new historical narratives.

As we look back, we must remember that history is in the eye of the beholder. Each moment is more complex than we can imagine and as such we must respect the fact that every photographer has a unique story to tell.

2. How we preserve memories

In the 1970s, the first digital camera was invented and by the 1990s it had become mainstream. Digital meant digitisation – now every photo could be filed, stored and remain accessible for many years to come. Analogue introduced the beauty of preserving moments in life whereas digital embedded it in our lives and on our hard drives (or clouds).

For some, storing and viewing these pictures at a later time is what motivates them to keep shooting, while others rely on the digital format to fuel a professional career in photography. In fact, photographers can now deliver images to their clients as they finish editing. Advances in camera technology have inspired new careers that allow us to take, view, save and share photos much quicker.

3. How we experience the world

Before the advent of camera phones in the 2000s, photography was a relatively expensive hobby. Today, cameras are no longer (exclusively) luxury items – almost everyone has a smartphone!

Having a camera on hand inspires us to find new meaning in everyday experiences and to share those moments of beauty – in real-time! It has changed how we share our experiences and as such has become the number one lifestyle companion. It lets you tell your story in your own way and a universal hobby of self-expression.

It’s really about the art of storytelling

As we change, so do cameras. It’s an ever-evolving journey to make these companions as powerful and intuitive as possible. They let us transform mundane into memorable moments that stand the test of time. But, perhaps their significance lies in their ability to freeze time, allowing us a glimpse into life as it were was yesterday, last year or a decade ago.

Stop feeling nostalgic about uncaptured memories and start taking your own! Mirrorless cameras are lighter than DSLRs yet boasts many (if not more) of the same features. Having a look at what’s on offer to find your perfect fit.