The best camera stores in Iowa
8 shortlisted from 8 reviewed businesses in Iowa — 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 American Color Imaging
4.9 ★★★★★ 162 reviews · Cedar Falls, IA
Great quality industry printing with excellent turn-around times and thoughtfully packaged art - I’ve always received my art perfectly intact and unblemished. Most importantly of all - kind, helpful,…
#2 The Camera Corner, Inc.
4.6 ★★★★★ 205 reviews · Davenport, IA
I went in today looking for a beginner/entry level DSLR camera. I particularly wanted a used one to save on cost. The man I spoke to helped me pick out a camera and explained differences well. I ended…
#3 PhotoSynthesis
4.7 ★★★★★ 128 reviews · Ames, IA
Photosynthesis Camera Shop is fantastic for anyone into photography. They have great cameras, super high quality prints, and an impressive variety of products. Whether you’re browsing or buying, the…
#4 Christian Photo
4.8 ★★★★★ 96 reviews · Urbandale, IA
This is a long and long-overdue review of the products and the service I received when I stopped in hoping to find a used pocket sized 35mm film camera for a 2024 Christmas present. Not only did I…
#5 McKenna
5 ★★★★★ 75 reviews · Cedar Falls, IA
A few photographer friends recommend McKenna Pro, and I finally placed an order. All I can say is WOW! I wish I hadn't waited so long. Not only are the metal prints beautiful, but they arrived so…
#6 DSMFilmLab Drop-off Point
5 ★★★★★ 75 reviews · Des Moines, IA
High quality film processing in central Iowa. DSM Film Labs is helping keep the film renaissance alive. Super high quality scans with excellent color. I ordered the PRO retouching and the shots I got…
#7 Dot's Gallery, Frame & Photo Services
5 ★★★★★ 47 reviews · Des Moines, IA
Just went into Dot's to frame a beautiful piece. Staff took their time to make sure we got the exact frame and look that was right for not only us, but also the piece being framed. This was Our most…
#8 Zookbinders
4.7 ★★★★★ 27 reviews · Cedar Falls, IA
My wedding photography company, Blue Spruce Photography has used Zookbinders as our only album vendor for the past 7 or so years. Their designers do a wonderful job (my favorite design is Contempo.)…