The best camera stores in California
12 shortlisted from 210 reviewed businesses in California — camera stores, film labs and repair shops, each labelled for what it actually is.
How this ranking works
- Score = rating × log₁₀(review count). A 5.0 from nine people does not outrank a 4.7 from nine hundred, but one huge shop can't bury everyone either.
- 25 reviews minimum. Below that a rating is noise.
- One entry per chain. Multi-location retailers get a single slot, so the list stays a list of businesses rather than of branches.
- Museums and attractions are excluded — this is a directory of places you can actually walk into and buy, develop, rent or repair.
- Nothing is paid. No business can buy a position here, and quotes are pulled verbatim from public customer reviews.
#1 100% Verified - U.S. Passport Service and Fingerprinting Company
5 ★★★★★ 849 reviews · Corona, CA
I had an outstanding experience with this passport renewal office. They truly went above and beyond their services to help me through the entire process. Not only did they assist me in completing the…
#2 Artbeat Studios
4.8 ★★★★★ 643 reviews · Santa Ana, CA
I've been trusting Artbeat with metal print orders for my gallery for a couple years now. I do my own canvas and fine art prints, and I'm picky about perfect prints, any gallery's reputation depends…
#3 Mike's Camera
4.6 ★★★★★ 851 reviews · Sacramento, CA
This was my first time using Mike’s Camera in Sacramento. I brought in a shoebox full of my parents’ old photos to be scanned, plus 3 old tapes. The total cost was around $230 for the photos and $55…
#4 Samy's Camera
4.3 ★★★★☆ 1,148 reviews · Los Angeles, CA
I bought all the equipment for my podcast room from Samy's Camera, and the experience was amazing. They had everything I needed in stock, and their customer service was top notch. The staff was super…
#5 George's Camera
4.7 ★★★★★ 553 reviews · San Diego, CA
Great location. A camera store when you need a touch and feel assurance when spending your hard earned cash. Large stock. Used equipment. Rentals. Repairs. Larry was my salesperson who was very…
#6 The Darkroom
4.7 ★★★★★ 552 reviews · San Clemente, CA
So excited to get my first photos back from The Darkroom, they are officially my new go-to! I was looking for an alternative since my local Walgreens where I used to send in my film went out of…
#7 Horn Photo
4.6 ★★★★★ 566 reviews · Fresno, CA
Fresno is extremely lucky to have one of the few professional “Bricks and mortar” Photography stores in the California Central Valley Many people do not realize that the price of most cameras and…
#8 San Jose Camera & Video
4.5 ★★★★★ 629 reviews · Campbell, CA
Oh my gosh, I had an incredible time at this place! It was my first time there, and I can honestly say that it’s a must-visit for anyone who loves photography. The staff were absolutely amazing! They…
#9 Legacy Film Lab
5 ★★★★★ 325 reviews · Tustin, CA
Amazing film lab! They treat your work with care and have comparable prices. The turn around time for scans is great and the quality is wonderful! Their team is always friendly and helpful! I don’t go…
#10 PostalAnnex
4.7 ★★★★★ 469 reviews · San Marcos, CA
Saw they had live scan available while I was driving by and was able to complete everything in about 10 minutes! Super kind and polite, explained everything including fees very detailed-oriented.…
#11 Saigon Photo Lab
4.9 ★★★★★ 361 reviews · Garden Grove, CA
Wow Martin is so talented and amazing. If I could give 7 stars I would. I am in awe of how kind he is and how patient he is and he really takes his time. I got passport photos here and he really made…
#12 Peak Design SF Store
4.7 ★★★★★ 456 reviews · San Francisco, CA
Bought my first Peak Design Strap. Customer service was top notched and very helpful to your questions and inquiries. One staff, forgot her name; she accommodated us well and gave our free stickers…