Precision Camera & Video Reviews

Best place in Austin for photo gear. Good selection, fair pricing. Usually has what I need.

They have alot to offer. From camera gear, service department. Very knowledgeable staff.

Super professionals! Great community built around photography/videography! Aside from buying my camera from them, I keep going back for lens rentals. That's a great service in today's world of multi-thousand-dollars camera gear.

Great store and good selection, the only reason why it is not 5 stars is because I can better prices online. Not a huge deal and when I need something for a shoot that I can't get on time online this is the only place I shop.

More for photographers than video folks. They have a great selection but could definitely use more video gear! They often don't know what I'm asking about so they could also use a professional video person in there or two.

An unbeatable camera store. Local, amazing staff and great products.

Very good service, with very knowledgeable staff who are willing to help you.

Exactly what I thought it to be. Expert diagnosis of my problem with straight up communication. Real.

I visit often not just for the gear but for the quality customer service from Jack! First time coming in and he was one of the most genuine people I ve ever met! Always a pleasure being a customer with the help of him!

Highly knowledgeable folks , with wide variety of options..

It s like Disney world for photographers and media minded people but don t let that discourage the novice photography enthusiasts the entire staff is knowledge and helps you along the whole process from their experience and from what they have seen come in. A great place to buy a product local and have their excellent service. Very fast turn around on service as well.

Favorite camera shop in Austin and i don t dare go to another place!
Photo printing services, rentals and all my purchases are from there. Highly recommend!

My first trip, I wanted to get some advice and learn about an old camera that my parents gave me. Nobody could be bothered to help me and after waiting 45 minutes in two different lines, I left.

I dropped off some film and forgot about it. I received an email that it was going to be thrown out and to call if I wanted it. When I did that and explained why I was calling, the photo lab person snapped at me and said "Well yeah, I was the one who sent you the email so its here. When are you getting it?".

I then go to pick up my film a few days later. After another 20 minute wait, while a girl is back looking for my film, presumably the same phone guy, comes over and asks me when I got the email and when I wonder if it was thrown out, he tells me "We don't do that so its here. You got an email".

Surprise, they didn't have it so another 45 minutes was wasted. They also had trouble finding another customers, who was next to me.

Rude/arrogant staff, incompetent organization and high prices. No thanks. Would rather they just pitched the film initially. I am wanting to get into wildlife photography but will make sure to buy my camera elsewhere.

I recently purchased a used medium format film camera from ebay, and they have been very helpful with picking film and answering questions about the format in general. While I do find that their prices don't really compete with say, Amazon, I have always been happy with the support I get from them. Highly recommended!

Always knowledgeable and helpful
They keep a record of purchases so you can rely on them to pull up your account if needed.

Precision Camera & Video was my North Star in my attempt to navigate the dark and stormy waters of a first-time DSLR camera purchase. I started my search online because I thought I'd find the best deal on a website, but after reading hundreds of product reviews, I was confused and discouraged. Desperate, I went to Precision to seek guidance and left kicking myself for not starting there in the first place. The store was crowded, but I was promptly greeted by a camera expert. After a few rounds of questions, we honed in on a camera and lens combination that perfectly suited my needs and budget. The store offers classes on a variety of beginner to advanced topics and even offers a free "how to use your camera" class when you purchase from them. Best of all, their pricing was competitive with what I found online. The pricing combined with the expert guidance I received and the knowledge that I can go to the store for guidance any time assures me that I made the right decision in going to Precision.

Great camera store! They have a huge selection of items and usually have most items in stock. I've purchased numerous lenses and a camera body here and they've always given me great service. I've also traded in some equipment and the process was quick and simple.

Great store and will continue to shop there but they should be a bit more tactful with taking temperatures. No heads up other then a Merry Christmas and someone immediately shoving a thermometer in your face without warning. I am sure I missed the fine print on the door posting but jeez...

Had to go through the poorly to finally get an answer. 2 hours wasted.

Very friendly and helpful staff. Vast supply of photo equipment for most brands.

Horrible experience. I work at a camera store and was extremely excited about hitting Precision Camera due to hearing everyone talk about it. After wandering a bit, I finally got someone to point me in the direction of the film. I go to the back counter and ask the young lady for what was the beginning of my order , Instax wide black and white. She proceeds to tell me that they have Portra 400 . That s a color film and not for the Instax. I charge it up to maybe she didn t hear me with my mask , so I repeat myself and she says oh for Polaroid . Ok, yeah I ll let that ride. So then, I start asking for film that is on their website and she looks at me like I m speaking Greek. Then announces this is all the film we have . I look at the film fridge and there s nowhere near the offering that s on their website. So, disappointed, I get a box of film that I already have in my bag in the car just so it s not a blank trip. I then ask her for batteries that I would like extras of to have on hand and she says , the sales people over there will get them ( I was told originally to ask for the batteries at the film counter) . I explain that to her and she asks me on 4 different occasions what I needed. 2 v76 batteries and 2 cr123a batteries, to which she asks what was the 1st one again? So, off she goes and come back with the correct batteries and then asks, did you need singles or are you ok with the double pack? Sigh.....
As she s ringing me up I notice that they have a particular film stock in 120, so I ask for two rolls out of the pro pack. She freezes like a deer. So I ask, if it s not possible to break them up , which I know some places won t do. I don t know, I have to go check and off she goes. Now, in the 10 mins she s gone, I notice a man standing at another counter legit yelling I JUST WANT TO PAY FOR THIS, CAN ANYONE JUST RING ME UP ? He asks this question, same volume , 4 times. So, then I start noticing the lack of customer service all around. The lady at the front desk not greeting people at the front desk because she s on the phone relaxing ( literally laid back, arms folded and asking what s going on tonight ) . I was greeted coming in and going by the elderly security guard at the door.
The girl finally comes back with the film and walks pass me , so I stop her and ask if it s an issue to break up the pack. Ummm, I supposed to go get a label ? Cause they can t be rung up without it or something . At this point , I tell her , nevermind because I can t give my money to a place that literally doesn t know what s going on and people have to ask to be helped. I really hate that too , because I really wanted this to live up to the hype. I guess it s just one of those we are the biggest game in town situations. I try to support camera shops when I visit cites because it s hard enough finding actual shops. So sad....

I really like to support local businesses and this is a great camera store with so many resources and services. But it is very expensive and sometimes I've had some negative interactions with the employees. I've called in and had to wait extended periods of time for a simple question. Sometimes they are condescending if you don't know everything about cameras. Other interactions have been great though and I have personally known people that work there and are great.

Precision Camera and Video is our go-to place for the best deals on camera and video equipment. Not to mention that if we have any questions about how something works, they have the answers. We can also walk in with an "interesting" photo shoot and ask for best practices and suggestions on how to do the shoot. Like I said, they are our go-to place for anything camera, video, or printing.

Service is exceptional, pricing is highly competitive, the sales and service people are knowledgeable, and I just love going there.

Best camera store in Austin! I don't know much about cameras besides what camera is trending from Youtubers. The sales people are very knowledgable and not pushy to sell you a camera. They want you to end up with a camera that you are going to use and love for what you want to do.

Placed photo enlargement order. They looked perfect. Definitely using them again.

Great help getting started with my new Fugi AT4. I received a great trade on my old equipment and help setting up my new one. I will continue call them for all my future purchases.

Such a great place to find anything you need for photography! The whole staff is super helpful from the development team, the sales team, and the rental/support team. I ve gotten the best advice I ve needed for a new DSLR, advice for old film cameras, super old expired film developing, and help buying a scanner for 35mm negatives

First of all great place if you looking for cameras, very safety around COVID
GREAT PEOPLE'S AND VERY WELCOMED
highly recommend it !!!
I definitely be back

A family trip inspired my recent purchase of a Sony HX50 Ultra Compact Camera. After doing a little research of my own online, I went to Precision Camera after a failed attempt to find 'expert' advice at Fry's Electronics. In other words, I got cold feet and wanted to get a second opinion on my purchase. Naturally, I assumed a big box store like Fry's would provide a better price but, surprisingly, Precision had a better deal and an $80 rebate without the hassle of paperwork or an online form.
Even better than the lower price, Precision employee, Curt, was an attentive and honest sales associate who patiently listened as I described the qualities I was looking for in my 'ideal' camera. For example, I wanted a compact point and shoot that was relatively lightweight, but I worried about the glare of the sun on the LCD screen. Curt let me take a few of the models outside to ensure that the screen was visible, even with the sun to my back. The ability to use and handle the camera before purchasing made me feel 100% better about my decision. I could not have asked for a better experience at Precision. With my purchase, I received a voucher for a free photography intro class onsite. Also included was a coupon for a set of 4x6 prints (they have photo printing services onsite as well). For professional photographers and hobbyists alike, Precision is a great store and community in Northern Austin.

Bought a cannon for my Canon. People here were so helpful and informative. Will definitely go back for my photography needs.

Called to check stock on a 2 very hard to find items, spoke with Shannon
and was blown away by her friendly attitude and willingness to help.
She found both items for me and put them aside till I checked out online. Fantastic customer service, our new go to place for equipment.

A solid camera store with friendly, knowledgeable staff. I've bought a handful of accessories and equipment over the years from this place, even before their move to the current location. I'm not a professional, so my purchase history is moderate, probably on par for someone who is a hobbyist. If you're looking for a new camera and need some help finding the right one for you, I strongly recommend this place.

But why only three starts? My experience has always had been that there is always just 'one thing' that nags me about my interactions with the store. Not quite a bad experience, but not a perfect one either. I often feel like if I had the time to wait for Amazon or could make the drive down to Holland (for prints) I might as well.

Two recent examples:

1) I called about a film developing class they had to make sure I had the right equipment to bring. I spoke with one sales rep who was extremely helpful and friendly but not completely sure that I would be good with what I had (using a medium format camera as well as my own film development canisters for a class that said students would be developing 35mm). So he transfers me to the education coordinator who is away at from desk. No big deal, I leave a message. But here's the rub: the dates for the class came and went and I never got a call back. So maybe I was transferred to the wrong desk, maybe the education coordinator was out all week, maybe something else... but I was prepared to spend the money for the class and had made sure my calendar was free. I should have to call back to follow up (and I didn't). I spent my weekend doing other thing and have contact folks at Dougherty about developing/darkroom classes one-on-one.

2) I sent some digital files for prints. It wasn't a big order: just a half dozen or so 4x6 prints and one 8x10. I got an email about 1pm that my order was ready for pick up. When I showed up at 3pm, my 8x10 was not with my files and in fact, the very friendly rep at the counter had no idea there was an issue. When I asked where my 8x10 was, she went to the back in case they were printing it. She came out to tell me that the file was corrupted. So my options were (a) get a refund for the print, (b) go home and get my computer and re-export another file, (c) re-send the file through the online print order system. But here's the rub: no one called me in the two hours between when my order was ready and when I showed up. The rep at the counter was under the impression that my prints had just been placed in the pickup bins, unaware that a sufficient enough time had gone by for someone there to pickup the phone and let me know there was an issue. I could have easily resent a file before driving to the store. Thankfully, these prints were just some that I wanted for family and friends and not mission critical. I could imagine that if this were a professional job with a deadline, I'd be much more upset.

Again, not like these are deal-breakers but they do kind of rub the wrong way. I'll keep shopping here when I need stuff.

Precision Camera has employees that are not very professional. Some of the sales people are rude. The individuals that conduct camera classes are unprofessional and they try to pick and choose who the want to deal with. You pay for the classes, they're not free. So what difference does it make who you are as long as you can pay. They make promises and blow you off at will without providing legitimate explanation. I would never do business with them again. I spoke to the store manager and he was no help. All he did was make excuses. He was no help at all. He was arrogant and condescending. For the money they charge, attitudes should be a lot better. And because I'm African American and was treated this way, that says something also........ This is not sour grapes either.

Showed up to get old negatives looked and get options. First guy said to push the button for help. I was passed 3 times before initial guy assisted me (Adan I believe was his name). Very helpful and apologetic.

He even told other coworker that I was here first.

Waiting to see results of my new 5" x 7" and poster and will follow up with a new rating.

Manny

Excellent place for all your high end camera needs. They repair and trade used camera too.

Great service, great knowledgeble staff that want a life time customer not a quick sale. And don't pressure you but look to help you out with your desitions.

Almost everything you could need as an amateur photographer or a professional. Friendly and helpful staff.

Very helpful salespeople who effectively steer you to camera that best meets your individual needs. And just finished a 3 hour class on my camera basics that was well worth my while. Instructor was interesting and super practical and really helps get most out of my camera. Will be back there for any future needs and classes.

Great camera shop, very informative staff and love the rental selection to try different types of lenses and accessories.

Only spot in north Austin that I'm aware of that develops film.
That's why I come

Great camera store purchased a lot of equipment there over the years they've always stood behind it. Can't say that about everybody. Their salespeople are informative and helpful I never felt like they were pushy or trying to steer me in the direction that benefited them. If you could give them more than five stars I would.

Went to drop off for a repair. I was spoken to very rudely. I approached kindly. The staff member was very condescending to me making me feel as though I did not know what I was talking about. I am not new to photography.
I have never had an issue with any staff member until today.

Edit:

Gregg, I was angry with you for the attitude of your employee. To be honest, I'm not very impressed with your attitude either. I drove 40 minutes to buy from you and wanted the camera for a job the next day.

I came to you because a company I'd done business with several times in the past was less than professional. So, I paid more out of pocket and drove 80 miles round trip to give you my business.

You went on and on about how I should buy local because the out of state companies don't pay local taxes. Well, I DID buy local. And in the process of listening to you scold me for considering an out of state company I had to listen your condescending tone and listen to you use words like G*d D**n I DID buy local! And this is the thanks I get.

I wonder what your boss would think if he heard our conversation? ;-)

I'm not your child or someone that needs a scolding. I'm a [former] customer who traded with you and did so happily. You asked me why I would leave a negative review when I had so many other positive experiences. My question to you is, "if you value me as a customer and all of my past business then why did you treat me like you did in your store and on the phone?" Why would you allow a repeat customer walk out of your store unhappy?

I wanted the best deal and Cole took it personal. Based on my conversation with you it sounds like you're rubbing off on your staff.

He knew I was unhappy. Why am I leaving this review? Because you dropped the ball and treated me like less than a valued customer.

In conclusion, you might say that I gave you a call to give you a chance to make it right and you failed.

ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW

Bait and Switch Cole!

When you're in business you should be able to handle a customer (me) asking for the best deal. Especially when I could buy from an out of state company and avoid the sales tax ($50). Getting upset with your customers for wanting the best deal isn't a good business practice....imho.

I've bought and sold several items over the last few years. I won't walk thru their doors again. The salesman Cole acted like I was stealing from him for asking him to match my other deal (not the sales tax part - I was willing to pay that).

I asked him about another bag and he snapped at me, before letting me finish my question, and assumed I was wanting him to make it part of the deal. All I wanted was a larger bag and was willing to pay for it if I liked the bag and the price was in my budget.

Never going back. Done!

About as family owned feeling as you can get from a camera shop. This place is busy but when you work with a sales person they truly want to fit you with what is best... This could be used, starter kit etc. They have it all... DSLR, LENSES, Video bodies new and used, lighting and used and trade. Do us a favor and get in and see the difference of a local store over mail order

Been a customer for over 15 years. I never walk out without a smile on my face and some new knowledge.

A great store for browsing both the high-end amateur and professional offerings for both camera and video. Expect an open atmosphere similar to an Apple Store, without the attitude or throngs of hipsters. Experienced staff lend credo to recommendations where the web woefully falls short. The service department can also clean sensors (yay!) as well as buy older versions of DLSRs without the annoyance of Craigslist.

Friendly staff, great selection. Their used items are great quality with an even better price.

Camera geek's dream place! Nice and friendly staff, too.

Film was cheap, but the guy I saw to arrange a rental seemed disinterested, which showed when he gave me the wrong gear, even though I explained explicitly what I needed. Amateur hour in the rental department. Spoiled a shoot I flew 9000 miles to do. Thanks!!!

Outstanding camera shop with knowledge sales help that have been there for years. So you do get the chance to build a long term relationship and they know and remember your situation. The human element makes all the difference.

A great camera store with loads of training and photography classes.

Just about everything a photographer would need from the complete novice to the commercial pro. It has a lot of its stock out on display for you to try before you buy. The staff are very knowledgeable and eager to help. Some of their price are on the expensive side, but they often have off brands that will give you a range of prices. They also have a wide range of photography services such as camera repair and cleaning as well as printing. If you have any photography need make sure to check them out, you may end up finding things you did not know you need :D

I love shopping at Precision Camera!! Excellent customer service and employees are very knowledgeable.

I went to precision camera to see if they could appraise some of my camera gear [and maybe buy it.] so I told the guy it was a Pentax film camera with other nice lenses [about 4 lens] and right when i said that he automatically said "nope I wouldn't buy it, but I'll tell you the value". So I said "ok" and showed him what I had. He said it was all worthless that just about no one would buy it. I didn't think that could be possible but didn't say anything, and when i got home i posted it on craigslist and got a response immediately. I met with the guy today he said he'd give me $100, so I said I'll think about it. and I posted it on eBay and its got a lot of looks and watchers. So I wouldn't go there to have them appraise anything. But this one lady was very nice and helped my sister pick out a lens, so it wasn't that bad.

Meh. Came in about 45 min from closing time. Staff kept checking their watches, phones, etc, and mostly ignored me. I told 2 of the staffers that I just got my first DSLR and am looking at which lenses might fit my needs. They didn't ask me any questions about the type of pictures I want to take....just asked about the camera model I have. One of them out took out a lens I pointed out and put it on the same model I own and let me text it out, which was nice. But again, little in the way of real help....just "here, try this out". Will try them again at a better time since I like shopping local when I can.

Was in the market for a new camera but the one I wanted has been out of stock for months and months. seen a few reviews on YouTube and one video mentioned that they bought theirs at Precision Camera in Austin Texas. Did a quick Google Shopping search and visited their website. Saw that they had the one I wanted in stock, but I never purchased anything from them before in the past. I was kind of sketched out because a lot of online stores may display items for sale but without telling or listing that it's not a USA item, meaning it sometimes can be sold as an international item. Which does not come with the full warranty of a USA item purchase. I called them up and spoke to (Mark) at the North Austin location store (they have two locations btw). He confirmed with me that they don't sell any international items and that it was for sure a USA item. Also, it was the last one as well. I thanked him and told him that I would be buying it within the next 5 mins. Made my purchase on their website, got free UPS shipping, and it arrived within a few days. Super excited and glad I went with them for my purchase. Highly recommend! Mark was very friendly, informative, and insured that the online sales department knew I was about to buy it. Would definitely purchase from them again soon!!

Great store, friendly staff, you should be able to find something you didn't know you needed.

I usually have good experiences with these guys. Knowledgable and helpful.

I sent my Sony Ay II to Precision Camera on July 25 and received my camera back on August 3. I was really worried I wouldn't get my camera back in time for my camping trip, but that just was not the case. Great turnaround and great customer service. I paid for the repair over the phone instead of by email to ensure a quicker repair time. I love how you can check the status of your camera with a tag code online. I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 because it did take a few times to get in touch with someone in customer service.

If you are interested in video production, definitely visit Precision Camera and talk to Celissa Martinez. She is SUPER knowledgeable and patient. Celissa is a video production professional herself and is a great resource. 5 stars!

Wow, had a great time playing with lenses and cameras at Precision Camera today. I felt the staff (Frank and Richard) knew the products well and were able to offer important information for making a good decision. I will be back...many more times.

This place is awesome. I bought a camera there. I am a beginner and helped me select a camera. They are knowledgeable, professional, and resourceful. They have new a service that allows you to do FaceTime and talk to a staff member. I called and tried the service and spoke to Shannen and she help me with my camera and answered all my questions. She was so helpful!

I was traveling all the way from New York, visiting family and headed into Precision Camera in Austin.They provided me with excellent service and knew all about the new camera and made things easy for me. I would love to take a bunch of their classes, but a bit too far of a commute. =)

Sales Staff was very helpful! The repair guys seemed rushed. I might have detected a bit of snobery.

The people seemed like they didn't want to help you or be there. Or even look at you when you're being helped. Makes you not want to ask about anything, which sucks because there is so much great products and services to ask about

Precision Camera is a gem! Great products at fair prices, and friendly helpful staff to help you find what you're looking for - or help you decide what you're looking for! And while you're there, check out their used gear case for that hidden gem that you didn't even realize you needed. :)

After driving to Precision Camera from Lago Vista twice because PC decided to shut down and not change their VM from Come on in. We re open!! to letting customers know they would shut the store down early, my wife and I were REFUSED service because of her inability (not refusal) to wear a mask due to recent cardiac surgery. We were made to wait on the sidewalk like stray cats until she couldn t stand anymore and went to sit in the car. The employees who came to assist us were polite and professional but the manager who was to serve us refused to come outside. After waiting 45 minutes and six times being assured he was coming, we called and were told by the rude girl at the front desk that no manager was on duty. I know when I m getting the run around so, we left and requested the store manager (Greg Berger) contact us. He could not have cared less how we were treated. it s our policy..... . He also said, I had employees refuse to come to work if customers were permitted to shop without masks. Well, you know what Greg, like I told you on the phone, you allowed your employees and your dismissive attitude to run off a 15 year customer of Precision Camera. Be careful who you step on, Greg I try and try and try to give my business to local stores and they just won t have it. THIS is why people shop online and I will be doing so going forward.

I prefer Houston Camera Exchange for the selection of products but these folks are typically more friendly.

Friendly, being here is like a kid in the candy shop

not worth it, complete scam. Was told that the cleaning service for lens would remove all the dust spots in my image. After cleaning, was then told that it was because of dead pixels. Funny how they didn't bother to mention that BEFORE the cleaning when I specifically asked MULTIPLE times whether the problem I was having with spots in my camera would be resolved. One employee even claimed it's almost like "magic" how the spots will disappear. Such bull crap. Then they proceeded to charge me 86 dollars. I was considering getting more involved in the camera hobby and contemplated on buying a video camera from this place. But no way im spending another dime here.

There was a belligerent woman in there earlier today harassing all of the employees and making a scene in front of customers over a mask. I just wanted to give props to the manager for keeping their cool and keeping it professional despite the temper tantrum the woman was throwing. I always enjoy coming in and looking around because normally it's pretty calm and they have a huge selection of accessories at a reasonable price. Keep up the great work guys, sorry you all had to deal with that.

I ve been dealing with Precision for over 20 years. Incredible customer service, best selection in Texas of all the top brands...sales, service and selection...and, Robert Backman...the best sales representative for camera gear I ve ever met.

Nikon shooter for almost 50 years.
D850 - D500 and 400 f2.8 VR/ 200-500VR/300 f4/70-200 f2.8/24-70 f 2.8...etc.