Best Camera Stores: 15 Best Places to Buy a Camera (2024)

^{photo by sergeyryzhovvia iStock}

"Camera store near me"...

Raise your hand if you have Googled this exact phrase. While looking for the closest camera store near you, you might notice that many smaller camera stores have closed during the last 10 years.

Heck, even a few larger stores who have been around for a very long time have packed their bags and turned off the lights!

So, what camera stores are still here, and which ones are the best?

This list is meant to shine a light on a number of camera stores that are standing tall and adapting to changing markets. The next time you feel the urge to search for the camera store nearest you, we hope this list will be of help.

Table of Contents

• Adorama
• Paul's Photo
• Roberts Camera
• KEH Camera
• MPB
• Unique Photo
• Samy's Camera
• Amazon
• Abe's of Maine
• Best Buy
• Hunt's Photo
• National Camera Exchange
• Mike's Camera

“Camera Store Near Me”: Things to Consider

^{photo by Vasyl Dolmatov via iStock}

When you Google “camera store near me,” you shouldn’t necessarily go to the one that’s at the top of the list.

Instead, there’s a few things you should consider when comparing the results when you make this all-important search:

• Return policy. Scope out the returns information on each store’s website before you buy. You’ll be surprised how much variation there is.
• Consider the location. I live in California, so Samy’s, which is based here, can probably get gear to me faster than MPB, which is based in New York City. If you find similarly priced items at multiple stores, the speed with which you get your order could be the determining factor for which “camera store near me” is your best bet.
• Beware of taxes. If I buy from a retailer in California, I have to pay sales tax. That can add up to a pretty penny if you’re buying something like a Nikon Z7. In some cases, you can avoid paying sales tax, depending on where the store is based.
• Study up on selection. While most of the camera stores on this list have substantial inventories, some have better than others. What’s more, if you’re looking for something specific, the best camera store near you might be the only one that has what you need!
• You get what you pay for. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many camera stores sell gray market gear - cameras, lenses, and the like that are for another market. So, that super cheap full frame camera you find at your favorite camera store might have a French owners manual and battery charger with a European plug. Worse still, gray market gear does not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The retailers below are good about identifying gray market goods, so just keep your eyes peeled.

There's also a number of things to consider about the camera itself.

In the video above, I go over some of the most common mistakes people make when buying a camera.

Without further ado, here’s our picks for the best camera stores, in no particular order.

Learn More:

• Camera Basics and Photography for Beginners
• The Exposure Triangle Explained in Plain English

Adorama

Adorama is one of the most popular camera stores both in New York City (where their brick-and-mortar store is located) but also online.

That’s due in part to their enormous selection of camera gear, TVs, computers, and all sorts of other electronics.

For nearly 40 years, Adorama has been serving the photography community and doing so with excellent customer service. It’s no wonder that Adorama gets such rave reviews from their customers and from publications like Consumer Reports.

^{photo by EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHERvia iStock}

If you aren’t quite ready to pull the trigger and buy brand-new gear, Adorama also has used gear for sale (you can sell or trade in your old gear, too). There’s also a rental program so you can test drive a particular camera or lens before you buy.

Adorama often has coupons that make your purchase a little easier on the wallet, a 30-day money-back guarantee on most items, and they even have their own credit card that gets you perks like no interest on large purchases.

Our Adorama review gives you a deeper picture of whether it should be the best “camera store near me.”

Recommended Photography Books:

• Picture Perfect Lighting: An Innovative Lighting System for Photographing People
• The Dramatic Portrait: The Art of Crafting Light and Shadow
• The Landscape Photography Book: The Step-by-Step Techniques You Need to Capture Breathtaking Landscape Photos Like the Pros
• The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography

B&H Photo Video

Another top choice for the best camera store is B&H Photo Video.

Opened way back in 1973 by Blime and Herman (thus, the B&H), the store had humble beginnings in Tribeca, New York. Today, though, it’s one of the top camera stores in the country and has its massive home base in Midtown Manhattan.

Like Adorama, B&H has a huge selection of camera gear as well as all kinds of other electronics. Whether you need a camera body, a video camera, a computer or computer software, or something in between, chances are B&H will have it in stock.

For those of us in the United States, B&H has free 7-10 day shipping on the bulk of their inventory. If you place an order over $49, you can get free expedited shipping that cuts delivery time to 3-7 days.

Learn More:

• Camera Basics and Photography for Beginners
• Nikon D850 Review

photo byEXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHERvia iStock

If you desire, you can become a B&H rewards member and earn points on purchases. Those points can be redeemed later for discounts, though points expire after six months.

Purchases that don’t work out can be returned within 30 days, provided the item is still in brand-new condition in its new, unaltered box.

B&H prides itself on education, and has an Explora section where you can read free articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts on all things photography. If you’re in the New York area, you can also go to the store and participate in photography presentations, often free of charge.

Paul’s Photo

If you’re on the west coast like me, and in particular, in the Los Angeles area, Paul’s Photo is a top choice for the best “camera store near me.”

Unlike some of the other options on this list, Paul’s Photo is a small, family-run business. That means that they actually get to know you as a customer rather than you just being another dude in line.

But don’t think that because they’re a small outfit that they can’t deliver the photography goods you need. You can shop online or at their store, where they have a great selection of the latest gear and gizmos you might need for creating photos and videos.

Something else worth mentioning is that Paul’s Photos is basically a one-stop shop for photographers.

photo byEXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHERvia iStock

You can buy or rent gear, have your photos printed, take a photography class, or sign up for a photography adventure to places like Vietnam, Tuscany, and Africa.

I also really appreciate how much Paul’s Photo focuses on education. They aren’t just there to sell you stuff; instead, they genuinely want to help you better understand your gear and how to use it to take great photos.

I recently wrote an in-depth Paul’s Photo review. Check it out to learn more about one of the best camera stores in L.A.!

Roberts Camera

Like Paul’s Photo, Roberts Camera is a small, family-owned business that started out as a little mom and pop shop that sold everything from fishing gear to jewelry. In the late 1960s, owners Robert and Rose Pallman decided to start selling cameras as well.

Based in Indiana, Roberts Camera has since grown into an excellent source of photography gear both for locals and those of us far and wide that need to buy gear online.

From cameras and lenses to video equipment to TVs and other electronics, Roberts Camera has just about anything you could want or need for your photo and video adventures.

If you just need a particular lens or camera body for a few days, you can rent one, or if you’re a new photographer and you want to learn some new skills, you can head over to Roberts Camera and participate in their educational events.

And since it’s a smaller operation, you get that down-home, friendly customer service you’d expect. In fact, they consistently have some of the best-reviewed customer service in the industry!

Learn More:

• KEH Camera Review: What You Need to Know
• Types of Photography: 19 Popular Photography Genres You Can Try

KEH Camera

It’s been about four decades since KEH opened their doors, and in that time they’ve become the largest pre-owned camera store in the world.

In some cases, you can find deals up to 40 percent off the retail price when you buy used cameras, lenses, and other gear. That obviously represents a significant savings over buying brand-new stuff.

What’s nice about KEH is the process by which they rate their inventory. It’s not a matter of a simple visual inspection - instead, they have an industry-leading 10-point rating system that ensures each item they list for sale is accurately described.

photo byEXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHERvia iStock

Items are graded on a wide scale, from new at the top to “as-is” at the bottom. In between, there are highly specified grades such as “like new” and “like new minus” so you get a pinpoint idea of just how good of shape the item is in.

There’s a 180-day warranty on the used items you purchase, and a 14-day return policy for peace of mind as well.

Of course, if you have gear you aren’t using anymore, KEH will buy it from you. You can go online and get an instant quote to see what it’s worth and start the process of unloading some of your old, unused gear.

MPB

Another worthwhile option for the best “camera store near me,” particularly for used gear, is MPB.

What started as one of the largest used retailers in Europe, MPB expanded over here to the U.S. several years ago with operations based in the New York City area.

Since then, their inventory has grown by leaps and bounds, and you can find just about any type of camera, lens or other photography accessory you might need in their collection of used gear.

Like KEH, MPB grades the used gear they buy based on several factors, including its level of functionality, cosmetic appearance, and its physical condition. Furthermore, items are valued based on their current market value and the level of demand for the item.

^{photo by ArisSu via iStock}

If you decide to sell or trade your old gear to MPB, they’ll even pick up the tab for shipping!

If you’re a buyer, you can rely on the grading system MPB has developed to determine the exact condition of the item before you buy. Their product specialists painstakingly inspect every single item in their inventory, that way you’re assured that the condition of the item you look at online is the condition of the item that arrives at your doorstep.

When you buy an item, you can choose from all kinds of shipping options, from next-day priority for situations in which you need your gear fast to No Hurry Deliver that takes up to a week in the lower 48 states.

Items you purchase have a six-month warranty, and there’s a seven-day return policy on most items.

Be sure to learn more about MPB by reading our detailed MPB review.

Unique Photo

Based in New Jersey, Unique Photo might not have the name recognition of Adorama or B&H, but they’re still one of the top options for the “best camera store near me.”

Unique Photo was founded more than 50 years ago in Brooklyn, and while it’s become a worldwide leader in photographic equipment, the company’s workers haven’t forgotten what it means to have humble beginnings.

As such, this family-owned business provides incredible customer service that gets high marks from customers far and wide.

photo byEXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHERvia iStock

Like many of the other options on this list, Unique Photo isn’t just a camera store. You can buy and sell all kinds of gear, rent photography equipment, have your photos printed, and even buy darkroom supplies.

Unique Photo also has a Unique University, where you can participate in classes and workshops to refine your photography skills.

Additionally, Unique Photo has gear repair services, 0% financing for 12-months, and a VIP rewards program that allows you to earn points towards money you can spend in the store.

Samy’s Camera

Samy’s CameraSamy’s Camera is a California-based company that I’ve personally used before to buy a couple of different rigs.

The first was a Nikon D800 back in the day. I actually drove across L.A. specifically to go to Samy’s to get that camera. The drive was awful, but the experience of working with the fine folks at Samy’s made it worth it.

I was so happy with my experience there that I returned a few years later to pick up a Sony a6300, which I still use to this day. Again, their customer service experience was top-notch.

Of course, Samy’s is a full-service store with all kinds of photography goodies, gear for video making, studio supplies, drones, and much more.

^{photo by electravkvia iStock}

Over the last four decades, Samy’s has developed a reputation as having a friendly, knowledgeable staff that helps walk you through your purchase so you feel comfortable with what you’re buying. There’s even educational programs to help you develop your skills even further!

Samy’s has a used and trade-in program as well, so if you’re a little short on cash for that new camera you’ve been eyeing, you can sell or trade in your old stuff to help offset the cost.

Add in guaranteed 1-3 day shipping on purchases of $49 or more, leasing options, a rewards program, and more, and you have the makings of one of the best camera stores around!

Amazon

Obviously, Amazon needs no introduction given that it’s the largest company on the planet.

And while it isn’t exactly your local mom-and-pop camera store that you can run to and handle the gear before you buy, it would be silly not to include Amazon on a list of places where you can get photography gear.

Since Jeff Bezos has a hunger for market dominance, Amazon is honestly the most likely candidate for the closest “camera store near me” for most people in the world.

As noted earlier in this article, some retailers on this list sell gray market items. And while most of these companies clearly identify their gray market goods, sometimes Amazon isn’t so great about it.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t shop at Amazon for photography gear. Quite the contrary - it’d be hard to match their inventory of cameras, lenses, and other photo gear. Just be careful when placing an order that you’re not getting gray market equipment if you don’t want it.

Abe’s of Maine

Like numerous other camera stores on this list, Abe’s of Maine started as a small mom-and-pop shop.

Founded in 1979 in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Abe’s has since grown to be one of the most popular camera stores in the United States and is one of the best places to buy a camera online.

In addition to a state-of-the-art showroom and warehouse in New Jersey, Abe’s of Maine has a huge online inventory of photography gear and other necessities.

Unsurprisingly, Abe’s humble beginnings mean that its commitment to customer service is second-to-none. In fact, the company’s mantra is to meet your needs and exceed your expectations every day.

Abe’s is known for having great sales on its merchandise, so consistently checking in with them to see what’s on sale could be hugely beneficial for you. They offer 12 months no interest financing, too.

When you buy online, you can typically get free ground shipping in the United States. Once you get the item, if it doesn’t quite work out, you can return it within a 14-day period.

Best Buy

Perhaps aside from Amazon, Best Buy likely has the best name recognition among the greater public than any other camera store on this list.

What Best Buy brings to the table that none of these other companies does is that they have hundreds of brick-and-mortar stores across the country. Chances are there’s one in your town, or at least within a couple of hours of where you live.

That’s nice from an “I need to see it and touch it before I buy it” perspective.

^{photo by Sakkawokkie via iStock}

Of course, you can also buy camera gear from Best Buy online, which is a much better option if you’re looking for a greater selection of gear. To be honest, Best Buy’s stores do not have a good selection of cameras and lenses at all, so before you hop in the car and drive to one, you better check that store’s inventory online.

Another potential issue is that most of what Best Buy has in stock in their stores is geared towards beginner photographers. If you’re an enthusiast, and certainly if you’re a professional, this is not your best option.

However, with a 15-day return policy, free shipping on many items, and door-busting sales throughout the year, Best Buy is one of the best online camera stores for beginner photographers.

Hunt’s Photo

Hunt’s PhotoHunt’s Photo is based in New England and has been doing business there for about 70 years.

In that time, the fine folks at Hunt’s have garnered a reputation as being some of the most friendly, knowledgeable folks in the industry.

Today, Hunt’s is still family-owned, but they’ve expanded their footprint well beyond New England with a robust online retail store.

You’ll find excellent prices at Hunt’s, and with a 30-day return policy, you have ample time to test-drive your purchases to determine whether they’re the right fit for you.

photo byEXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHERvia iStock

If you live in New England, you can join the Hunt’s team for educational courses, photo walks, and the like, where you can learn new skills and meet other photography enthusiasts.

From audio and video gear to used gear to binoculars, lighting, and gear rentals, Hunt’s is definitely a full-service photography store that’s worth checking out. Particularly if you’re in New England, Hunt’s is one of the top “camera stores near me” for sure!

National Camera Exchange

Yet another option for the “best camera store near me” started as a regional business. National Camera Exchange has been in business in the Minneapolis area since 1914, and has been going strong ever since.

With both new and used gear for sale, you can likely find precisely what you need at National Camera Exchange. If your order is over $50, you get free shipping, and there’s a 30-day return policy to go along with that (though a restocking fee applies on purchases over $1,500).

In addition to a wide selection of DSLRs, mirrorless, and point-and-shoot cameras, National Camera Exchange also has a nice selection of lenses, video equipment, lighting gear, camera bags, tripods, memory cards, and just about any other goodie you might need for your kit.

photo byEXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHERvia iStock

You’d do well to keep tabs on their sale items and clearance items, as you can save quite a bit of money on new gear. National Camera Exchange also has deep discounts on refurbished and outlet items.

There’s printing services, a cleaning and repair department, archiving services, and much, much more, too. There’s a reason why people in the upper midwest turn to National Camera Exchange - they have excellent services, good prices, and a knowledgeable staff.

Mike’s Camera

Mike’s CameraMike’s Camera is a regional photography supplier based in Colorado and Northern California. If you’ve never heard of them, you’re missing out!

Not only is Mike’s a great place to buy a new camera or other new photography gear, but it’s also a prime choice for having your photos printed. And that’s not just paper prints - you can get all sorts of items from metal prints to custom frames to mugs to calendars when you work with Mike’s.

Mike’s also has a gear rental service and an extensive repair shop as well. And no matter what you need Mike’s to do for you, you’ll get excellent customer service throughout the process.

In fact, Mike’s has won tons of photography industry awards thanks to their commitment to the customer. That includes the Best Camera Store Award by Photo Trade News.

Precision Camera & Video

Austin, Texas-based Precision Camera & Video is yet another regional camera store that has deep roots locally, but a wide net thanks to a robust online store.

Specializing in both new and used equipment, Precision Camera likely has just what you’re looking for no matter your budget.

In addition to selling photo gear, they also have rental and repair services, an on-site photo lab, and they offer educational courses for folks that live in the Austin area.

Interestingly, Precision camera uses their classroom space as a studio as well, so if you’re in Austin and need a studio, Precision can accommodate!

If you’re not in Texas, you benefit from not having to pay sales tax, and with free ground shipping on orders of more than $200, you can end up saving a pretty penny.