Precision Camera & Video Review

Always a good experience at Precision. Great place. Many thanks to Ian and Noel today. Great customer service. It's definitely worth the drive from San Marcos.

This store is huge! It reminds me of ProCam but more robust. There are a bunch of classes you can purchase and staff are so knowledgeable. My boyfriend and I recently visited for him to purchase his first "real" camera. Robert was full of fun and personality. He had a portfolio of his own photography to use as reference between cameras and lenses, and to illustrate techniques. Stop in ASAP!

DO NOT GO HERE FOR PASSPORT PHOTOS
Went for passport photos, the guy on the counter comes out after a couple minutes acting like it was a nuisance for me to be there, took my photo in no time, it looked a lot less professional than I expected, but what do I know...(Not to even mention when I went to pay the employees in front kept their conversation like I wasn t there and nobody offered to help. Only two people here treated me decently.) Anyway, went to get help expediting my passport and they say the photo looks too dark and won t be accepted... good thing I didn t mail my passport application by myself otherwise I would have lost around $200 in NON-REFUNDABLE application fees. I had to run to Walgreens for a new photo, with no makeup and my hair looking terrible bc otherwise wouldn t have my passport processed on time, but I guess at least it s a photo I will only have to live with for 10 YEARS!!!! Just go to Walgreens, they actually care that your photos meet the standards set for passport photos and the price is the same minus the arrogant photographer.

Great to work with as a customer and photo instructor.

Went in looking at upgrading to either an a7iii or an a7rii, but was conflicted between the two. I was leaning more towards the a7rii and they helped me make the decision to go with it! They always have lead me in the right direction and I would recommend anyone to go there!

What's a great way to meet people who share your interests? Go where your interests take you. For photographers in Austin, that would be Precision Camera. They not only carry the popular brands and accessories, from entry level to accomplished professional, from the first click to framing the final product, but they know their stuff and are happy to help. There are so many products to choose from that it's easy to strike up a conversation with the next person about what camera they use, portraits vs landscapes, favorite photo... you get the idea. There are popular restaurants in the same strip center and plentiful parking as well.

First time visit. Went to get a lens repaired for my company. Will know more once it's fixed.

Roofied with Precision

Went in to purchase a used camera body. Richard waited on me. I can't prove it, but I'm fairly certain he roofied me. When I woke up , I had not only bought the used nikon camera body, I walked out with another 2k of glass and gear.

Great service and phenomenal inventory selection. Richard knows cameras and was great to work with.

Been shopping here for years since the 90s they never seem to disappoint.

Good selection, staff is knowledgeable but a little pushy to sell stuff.

Prices are competitive with internet. Service has been great.

It's actually hard to believe a camera store like this still exists! I can get 120 film, studio lighting, lenses, old-school gear, proper tripod legs and heads, film developing stuff, video gear, digital gear - EVERYTHING! It's enormous and the staff are not only helpful, but are extremely well qualified to offer advice. Some are pro photographers, all are excellent photographers or videographers. Please go here, buy your kit here and help to keep this amazing resource here.

My go-to place for equipment and info. Sales staff always available to answer questions. Lots of classes and cool special events too.

I enjoyed my first time here!!! Everyone was very helpful and professional in their knowledge!!!

Very poor experience. I used their photo printing service specifically because the turn around time was 24 hours my job was time sensitive. After waiting more than a day to hear from them, I went back to the store on my own initiative. Of course, my single print wasn t completed due to printer issues that, of course, Precision Camera never had the courtesy to inform me about. There are other high quality print shops in town; you d do well to seek them out instead of Precision Camera.

This is THE GO-TO SOURCE for new camera & video gear! Precision Camera always has a ton of helpful staff available to help you with any photography or filmmaker needs!

I've been shopping with them for years and have even taken several enjoyable classes in their store.

Always professional in every way! Shop with comfort, try some of the display gear.

You can even buy & sell used gear!

Little known secret - they have student discounts!

A++ all the way!

Bought a lens had it shipped to me in Houston. The lens didn t even work then I had to drive all the way to Austin to get a refund!

I love shopping here and am very glad we have this nice camera store in town. The staff is very helpful and they match all online prices. Tons of cameras, lenses and more to choose from!

Camera heaven! Nice place to look at camera gear in person before buying them

Unfortunately, this only place in Austin with real stuff for photographers. 5 stars from me.

I have done business with many camera stores throughout the United States and Precision Camera in Austin, TX, is on the top of my list.

Being able to hold and inspect specific equipment, whether a camera or a lense, while talking to a expert camera salesman is a must for me. Precision Camera stands out in this regard.

They are also one of the few stores that buy and sell used equipment. I am constantly trying to upgrade and improve my gear and being able to trade in used equipment on new equipment is very important to me.

They have an excellent schedule of photography classes from the basic to advanced, which include model photography, software (Lightroom, Photoshop) and many more. I have taken quite a few classes there and they have all added to my capabilities as a photographer.

Even after I moved from Austin, I ve made trips back to visit friends and I always go by Precision to see what s new.

Nothing beats (not even a few bucks less on cost) being able to hold and inspect what your going to use for years into future.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I always feel welcome, and the quality of the printed photographs and photography supplies is top notch

I'm becoming a regular at Precision Camera and my last experience was particularly great!! Several months back I had bought a camera bag from them. Nothing wrong with the bag, but it just didn't suit my needs. So when buying a new bag I asked if there was anyway I could trade in my previous bag even though I knew I was most likely way passed a return deadline. They took it back for a reasonable price and I was able to walk out with my new bag happy. Thanks for having my back on this one Precision Camera!!

Personal knowledgeable help I d not been able to find elsewhere: After mostly given up photography because I d been having trouble focusing, I went in to talk to someone about renting a camera for a trip-I d try it one last time. I spoke with Robert, who is super knowledgeable, patiently listened to the issues I was having and suggested trying a different brand with an EVF that might be helpful. He also steered me towards a free loaner program instead of the rental. I can go into my *local camera store* and get help, and take classes. I rarely write reviews but I believe in supporting local.

Wow! What a nice store! Beautifully laid out, and superbly stocked. It is a pure pleasure, just to walk in. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. It would be easy to become overwhelmed by the huge inventory. Part of the fun is looking at the old equipment that they display, which is a sort of history lesson in photography. I sure wish they'd open one in south Austin.

I have recently spent a small fortune on camera equipment for my retirement and small business ventures. The folks at Precision Camera were extremely helpful in showing me my options. I spoke with about four different sales persons at both stores over the course of two weeks and ordered online with great results.

All the gear you could want and more. Friendly and helpful staff who are not pushy salespeople. Great rental/repair service.

Took photos to be scanned and copied. Was told this would be 5 days. What? When I asked why it would take so long the counter person shook her shoulders and looked perplexed. No answer. For the premium you pay at this store, seems there should be more knowledge and better service.

Called 5 days later, told the photos weren't ready...after waiting on hold for 8 minutes and being hung up on twice.

I should have taken this to Target.

Just go to Austin Camera and Imaging and save yourself some time and money. Honestly you might as well go to Walgreen's instead of precision.

I had film developed and had prints done. I mailed my film in and they mailed my prints back. Every time that I have called they were very knowledgeable and very professional. I love that we have a place of our own that we don't have to deal with an out of state company.
Phillip

I couldn't love this store more. Extremely knowledgeable staff that don't force you into anything that you don't need. Printing services that are on time, reliable, and beautiful. Great classes. Price matching. THANK YOU, Precision Camera!

Tamra is the best!! She has so much advice and doesn't push any one particular option on you. after speaking with her, I felt very well-informed and confident in my selection.

Went down looking for camera recommendations and got exceptional customer service! Show out to Shannen!
Walked out with a brand new Canon EOS RP

I took my camera two weeks ago to this place so they could clean the sensor and I haven't been able to use it until today and guess what? The sensor is super dirty,tons of black dots which means there's all the dust inside so I paid for nothing? I am very dissapointed,worst service ever also I have read all the reviews about management so it's a waste of time for me to go back if they are not going to do anything about it,Please don't waste your money with this people,Look another better place for this kind of service,This is why they charge you ahead of time because their work is useless...I was your customer,I had bought lenses in there,a camera and several services from you but I guess I can find another place with better quality and better service,If it was for me your business deserves zero stars.

I needed a lens adaptor for my new Canon R6 and it was sold out or backordered EVERYWHERE. I was getting discouraged with all the waiting. I took a long shot and ordered through Precision. I ordered on a Saturday, expecting them to email and say they actually don t have the item in stock, but to my surprise it showed up today (Tuesday)! I am beyond thrilled that I finally get to use my new camera for photo sessions. THANK YOU!!!

Very good. The saleslady who helped me was very good and helpful.

I had the pleasure of working with Shannon and Ron on sales floor. Both of them offered their time and knowledge to build a custom support system for rigging the streaming portion of my business. I could not have done it without their expert input and patient demeanors. 10/10!!!

My favorite camera store in Austin. Knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Davren (South Store) assisted next and took the time to show me many lenses until I found the perfect fit. Very pleased with my Sony A7C and Tamron 17-28mm. First class service. Excellent knowledge and very good representative for the store!!

I had reviewed the lenses that I was considering before I went in. While I was pretty sure I knew what I wanted, but Cole let me play with a couple of the ones I had questions about, and he showed me some other options that were really thoughtful regarding what I told him I was looking for. Brick and mortar is still useful and the process were three dollars higher than online for a very expensive lens

Knowledgeable and will price match. Beginner friendly, pro friendly, and everything in between. Classes and rentals too.

New South Park Meadows location is very nice. Camera display cabinets are within reach for close up viewing. Same helpful staff as the North location.

I was very impressed with Robert's help and how much detail he went into, I learned a lot. Although I have not yet bought anything I'm saving this place for when I decide on what camera to get.

Price match was approved so I got a huge discount because the battery was priced less on the Hasselblad website, than it was originally at Precision Camera, thank you to Ron for all your help, he is the best.

Helpful and knowledgeable staff! Had everything I was looking for!

I always feel like an idiot when I go here. While the staff is nice, the sheer amount of gear, and their holistic knowledge of all of it, is quite intimidating. Always appreciate their help!

Some guy working there was awful making sexiest jokes and hoping I would laugh about them. I left right after that and I am never coming back here.

Awesome place. First time there and just neat to see all they have to offer. Staff took time to understand what we were doing. Will be back for information and there selections.

I really took my time choosing my last prosumer camera, and the decision was difficult. Cole was very knowledgeable and extremely patient since it took me 3 or 4 visits over six months, and even then, I was a little unsure. However, after a few weeks with my new camera, lens, and external flash, I am so happy with the choice guided by Cole's advise, most of which I took. I have worked with other very knowledgeable sales advisors on smaller items here as well, and they have all been courteous, knowledgeable and helped me with my choices.

I went there yesterday to get film for my camera and Julie Villarreal was amazing as far as helping me pick out the things I needed for it. It was my first time there and I will definitely return.

Precision Camera is the best place to go in Austin for photo equipment. The staff is all so knowledgeable and eager to help. They take all the time you need explaining features and making potentially confusing details very simple to understand. Their onsite repair desk is very handy, too!

Precision Camera is awesome!

Great local camera store. They offer a lot of equipment for film and digital photography, as well as video from action cams to professional video setups. Film development services are great and reasonably priced. The staff however is only moderately helpful. They don't seem to leave the counters, thus it is hard to get help on the rows. However, once you do talk to them, they are knowledgeable. Prices are average, you generally can find better deals online, but you cannot beat being able to go in and buy specialty gear locally.

Where else can you get hands-on with a used lens? I've rented and purchased both new and used equipment from Precision. We have also used their education resources. Precision is a great local resource.

Great place if you love photography. So much to see and so many many services available.

Very friendly, knowledgeable and attentive staff! Celissa M. spent a lot of time helping me work through all the mirrorless camera choices.

I took my camera in for a cleaning. Employees were very helpful and did a great job. They have used and new camera equipment for sale, offer photography classes and even rent cameras. I will definitely be back when I have more time to look at camera equipment.

I was pleased to find a major camera store within a 2-hr drive from my small community that offered repairs via shipping. Having heard good reviews and recommendations from other togs about Precision, I decided to try their repair service.
Perhaps I wasn't clear enough on the online work order, but I have an old Nikon FM camera that replaced one I lost many years ago. The body of said camera shows dust in the viewfinder/focusing screen and I wanted them to see if it could be cleaned.
Since they don't include a category for older analog cameras, I checked the minimum "Basic" service charge, expecting that the repair folks would advise me if it was more.
After a 2 week wait, I got notified the "repair" was complete and that the charges (w/return shipping, btw) came in under the $60 Basic charge.
I waited another week for the camera to arrive and called Precision to find out where it was. My camera was found sitting in the "Pickup" area and hadn't been shipped yet. Mind you, I had already been charged for return shipping. This was quickly remedied (thank you, Rachel) and the camera arrived a day later.
However...on checking the work, the viewfinder, penta-prism, focusing screen area was not cleaned. It's functions were checked, light seals,etc and basic outside cleaning, but I still have stuff in my viewfinder. Not a real happy customer right now, having paid over $35 for shipping & insurance to get it there & back, plus a thankfully minimal charge for repairs.

**** Update****
A few days after posting the above review, I was contacted by Noel Rankin, Service Manager for Precision Camera, noting my unfavorable experience and agreeing that things could and should have worked better. I wrote him back, explaining, in polite terms, my problem along with some suggested improvements. We exchanged of a few messages and came to a more than fair arrangement to get my old camera back in top shape.
I sent the camera back to Precision and he personally prioritized and oversaw the cleaning and refurbishment. The repair took less time than normal, and the cost of shipping and the previous service was deducted from the overall expense and I am very happy with the result. My sincere thanks go to Noel Rankin, manager and Rachel Haubert, repair coordinator for their excellent follow-up and friendly efforts to help make an awkward situation much better! I will remain a happy Precision customer.

Always very helpful. I rent lenses from Precision all the time and have not been disappointed.

Richard helped us find the gear, cables, adapters, and connecting devices we needed for an interview. He was fast, friendly, and very knowledgeable on the phone and in person when we arrived. Thank you Richard!

I finally decided to buy a film camera after years of deliberation. I thought Precision Camera would be the best place, hearing many great reviews. A salesman approached me and helped me locate the camera I wanted, he seemed to be quite arrogant and wasn't very helpful either - not even answering my questions clearly. I decided to buy the camera anyways since I had done some research and saw that Precision had the one I wanted at a decent price (Canon AE-1 $149.95). As I said I wanted to purchase the camera it was brought to my attention that there was no lens cap on the camera, so the guy gave me a random Sigma lens cap instead (it all fits the same anyways but this just adds to the list of things that didn't go right). I also purchased a battery ($12.99) for my camera, the arrogant salesman didn't even know what battery to put into the camera, so I had look it up on my phone. I also decided to ask about returns (14 days from date of purchase) since I kept in mind that used cameras have the possibility of having problems - maybe I jinxed myself. Excited to finally have my own film camera I loaded my film in and began shooting some pictures just hours after I buying it. I noticed that the advance dial was unresponsive, I kept testing shots and it stayed unresponsive. I bought the camera on a Friday and went back to get it fixed the following Monday. I waited in line for about 20 minutes before I was actually helped, but this time all the employees were very nice and helpful. At first they were about to charge me for the repair but I was not about to pay for a repair on a camera that I just bought days ago that I didn t even break. After letting the employee know that I only purchased it on Friday he waived the fee. This is so minuscule but at this point I'm already annoyed, so the employee who was helping me this time told me the guy who first sold me the camera apparently misspelled my name as well, who spells Tiffany with three Fs? The repair was only supposed to take 25min but apparently it was taking them a lot longer to figure out what was even wrong with it, so I decided to pick it up on Tuesday. Now here we are, back at home and I m about to load my film in and it won t work so I check the battery.... BIG SURPRISE MY NEW BATTERY I BOUGHT 4 DAYS AGO IS DEAD (keep in mind I only had the camera with me for 3 days and the other 2 days it was at Precision). OKAY NOW AS I'M SITTING HERE WITH MY CAMERA AND MY DEAD BATTERY THAT I JUST BOUGHT, I NOTICE A CRACK ON THE BATTERY COVER - not even possible for me to have broken in the less than 3 days I had it especially since the employee put in the battery FOR ME when I first bought it. Precision Camera should REALLY quality check and test their used cameras before selling them. I ll be going back to return my camera at Precision and finding a different seller to buy another film camera. I hope everyone else has better luck shopping at Precision Camera than I did.

My Pentax K30 was fixed from dark image. The price they gave covered all including shipping to me. I am very satisfied.