A podcast called "You Are Not So Smart" recently had some comments about this. In an experiment, two groups were tested on their memory of a trip through a museum. One group had cameras. The other group did not. On tests of their memory after the museum visit, the group that did NOT have cameras had more accurate memory of the experience. HOWEVER, the group WITH cameras did much better as days passed . . . as long as they had access to the photos afterward so they could revisit the images. That being said, it is my experience that if I have a camera, there is a strong pull to take photos. If I do not have a camera, I do drawings and sketches. If I do drawings, I remember everything better than just from simple observation or from revisiting photos taken at the time.