I just moved to the area and needed some film negatives developed and scanned. I read good things about Powell's online, and it is in my area, so I was happy to support this little business and entrust them with my photos. I will start by saying that the negatives turned out great. I asked them to push the film a stop, and it turned out as expected. Unfortunately I can't say the same for the scans. The average file size for the photos is 700KB. Opening the files in Photoshop reveals that each photo is roughly 1500x1000 pixels in dimension, with a resolution of 72 pixels per inch. Unacceptable. I would be lucky to get a good-looking 4x6 out of these, let alone anything decent enough to be viewed on a 1080p computer screen on my website. I paid $16 for the developing and some unusable scans (and another $4 because I asked to push the film a stop). Unbelievable. read more

This past December I stopped into Powell's to do some holiday shopping. The customer service was great and I felt as though the staff was extremely knowledgeable. They answered my questions in detail and never once made me feel like I was taking up too much of their time. This coupled with the fact I was supporting a local business didn't cause pause when I ended up spending more than I had planned. One of the items purchased was a Delkin 16gb SDHC Pro Class 10 memory card which I paid nearly $100.00 for. I didn't question the expense because, again, the gentleman helping me was incredibly nice. However, a few weeks later I discovered this card normally retails for approximately $30.00. Had I known there was a $70.00 mark up on this item I certainly would have chosen to shop elsewhere. Family business or not I don't understand how a retailer can justify a $70.00 mark up on a memory card. The second card I purchased was a Delkin 4gb SDHC Pro Class 10 which, before tax at Powell's, retailed at $39.99. Again this card can be purchased for approximately $13.00 elsewhere. After this experience I have to strongly recommend that if you shop at Powell's do your homework first. This way you can be assured you're not paying exorbitant prices on items you can find elsewhere. And if you do decide to pay the mark up at least you'll know what that mark up is so you don't end up feeling like you've been taken advantage of. read more

I've been a customer of Powell's for 4 years. I'm continually impressed by the level of service. I've purchased 2 cameras, 4 lenses and several accessories. I'm the type of customer with a lot of questions. My questions are always answered and in a way I can understand the answers. I've taken the group classes and one on one classes, all of which have been helpful and educational. Whether a person is a newbie to photography or a seasoned photographer, this is the place to frequent. I can't say enough positive things about the store, the personnel and the level of service. FIVE STARS+ read more

I really enjoyed the experience I had at Powell's! My Nikon lens had broken off (due to my carelessness), and I was looking for a good replacement. I am an amateur photographer, and really only use my camera to document my travels. The man (I never caught his name, shame on me ) was very helpful. He immediately showed me a Tamron lens as an option - a great upgrade for pretty much what I'd pay for a Nikon with a lesser range. My Nikon lens was 18mm-55mm, and the Tamron he showed me was 18mm-200mm. He was very patient about answering all of my rookie questions. I asked him about getting the mirror cleaned since it was speckled with dust - he recommended that I leave it alone since it did not affect the pictures. He quoted $60 for the cleaning, and about $200 if he had to clean the sensor. But he said that this was very unnecessary. I also asked about a new camera bag, and he said that although he'd love it if I bought a bag from him, the one I had was perfectly capable of protecting my camera! What a relief to hear such honesty. I walked away with the lens, a lens filter, a lens leash, and two spare batteries (he even saved me money on the batteries by recommending a more generic brand). I showed him the Yelp check-in offer for a microfiber lens cleaning cloth, and he gave me a Nikon one just to match my camera! I will definitely go back for any camera needs. read more

This is where I buy my film and lenses for my 35mm film cameras. Really friendly staff. I haven't been here to develop the film but I heard they do a great job and will definitely try them out. read more

It's hard to find legit photo shops! This place had everything you need, if they don't, they order it! I've had a business down the street for over 8 years and I was sad to find this place after I sold! The gentleman there was very helpful and we say and talked for 5 to 10 minutes. He knows his stuff! read more

So I've been into the store on numerous occasions but have not purchased anything, yet. I'm just an askhole right now! But in spite of that, The owners both Mark and Win have always tried to be helpful and courteous. I've watched them from the backside dealing with their customers and their primary interest is service and education... They are both VERY knowledgeable and will advise you the best they can based on YOUR needs, not theirs. read more

In the past year, I have purchased roughly $8000 worth of photography equipment. A new pro level body and 2 professional lenses, along with studio lights, stands, etc. Wanting to do business locally, I went to Powells to give them a chance to earn my business. Either my experience is unique, or my version of "a little more pricey" is completely different. Powells couldn't even come remotely close to matching the price at Amazon, plus there would have been an added almost 10% in sales tax. Great customer service is important, and I would love to use them as a resource, but I could not justify an extra $500 (excluding the sales tax) on my new body and an extra $300 for my one lens. But they ARE friendly. If they weren't, there is no way they would still be in business. IMHO. :) read more

At the last minute decided to have wedding footage for our daughters wedding. Powell's was helpful and helped us with top of the line video equipment and service! read more

I have found that the people there are extremely helpful. They definitely place a high value on customer service. All I wanted was to find color filters for my flash. They took the time to explain to me the options they have available, and even opened the packages to demonstrate how they work. I found it very helpful and would return to them again. read more

In 40 years of photography purchases, including living in Europe & New York, Powell Camera tops them all. Excellent service. Very knowledgeable about all aspects of photography. read more

a great independant shop. what you need is in stock, and the employees actually want your business.

Around 2 years ago I brought in a Nikon F vintage film camera to put on consignment. They didn't set a price on what they would sell it for while I dropped it off, which should have been a red flag. He also said that they sell for around $100. Back then and even now I see them online for $200-250 all the time. I decided to do it though, so that way I wouldn't have to worry about it. They probably get a lot of people looking for that stuff in their store anyways. Over the 2 years or so I called them back periodically to check up on the camera (Now that I have done the math it has to be in the double digits). A few times ago they said that it was on layaway and that it should be sold soon and they would call me. I never got the call. A couple months later I called back, and they said that they would send a check in the mail, even though I offered to come pick it up. I never got the check. Today I called back again after quite a while, and they said that they couldn't find the paperwork for my camera, and that they would have someone call back before they closed. They never called back. They also have told me that they would call back before and they never did. Dishonest, unprofessional, and unethical are words that come to mind. Sure I will take the loss on the camera, but now that I am in the market for a $600-700 camera, I will not be buying it here. Instead I will support a store that will value their customers instead. read more

great service, and great variety. they really love camera's here and love to help you out!