My family has been going to Silvio's for many years. Silvio is extremely knowledgeable about all things having to do with photography and cameras and is happy to share this information with his customers. read more

I needed a battery for my camera. Silvio met me half way as it was a far distance from my house. Excellent service.

At first, I was skeptical about buying the camera from his new location since it was through a warehouse. However, I'm glad I took the gamble and decided to check the camera out and purchase it! Since this was my first-ever camera, Silvio took the time to break down the Fujifilm X100VI and even gave me tips on how to use it. He is a very down-to-earth guy who is passionate about photography, and it doesn't get any better than that. Thanks, Silvio!!! Here are some photos I took with the new camera! read more

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Silvio is the best!! He cares about his costumers, and tries to provide the best experience possible. I had a lens that had a bent ring and couldn't put in any filters, so I brought it to him and he made everything he could to bring my lens back to life. He gave me plenty of options and solutions to work around it, at the end he came up with a very quick solution and at a cost effective price. Overall a great experience, and would highly recommend to anyone lookig to get any sort of lens or camera repair he's very Knowledgeable and an expert in his field. Thank you Silvio!! read more

Recommended by my friend, Mia. Such a great experience! He is a busy man but gets the job done! He's busy because he's thorough! Thank you!!!! I will be back! read more

Been shopping here since 1979. There is no better dealer that I can think of. Honest and trustworthy, definitely worth the drive if you are within 100 miles. Nowadays, many shops are just kids on their phones who sell stuff on the side. Not here. They answer every tiny question you might have about camera equipment. Stores like this are rarer that han's teeth nowadays. read more

Silvio's is an independently owned and operated photo-oriented camera shop in Torrance. They've got a good storefront, a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a wide selection of equipment - a large chunk of which is hidden behind closed doors in their warehouse. When I was in the market for a new video camera, Silvio and his team went above and beyond in working with me to source the camera directly from the manufacturer. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to secure allocation. They were flexible in working with my small business' financing partner for payment and delivery, and even held the camera for me while we sorted out the details. When I arrived to pick it up, there was a staff member expected me and the equipment was packed and ready to go. Very professional service. On my way out, Silvio introduced himself to me and we had a lovely 15 minute conversation about the work that I do, the shop that he runs, and the services his shop provides. I came away from it feeling like Silvio wanted his shop to be the kind of place that pros can come to for quality service and support, as well as amateurs/hobbyists/beginners who are looking to learn, experiment, and grow their knowledge. I'll be going back to Silvio's frequently! read more

Silvios Photoworks - Silvio's Camera and Digital Storefront - Photography Stores & Services Near Me - Torrance, California

The staff were friendly, prompt, and helpful when I needed a flash card reader before a photo shoot. It is easy to park, and they are conveniently located off of Hawthorne Boulevard. read more

Awesome local camera shop! The staff are all super friendly and knowledgeable. Silvio was very welcoming as well! I went in to test the hot shoe on my Nikon d810 because my flash was not firing. The staff all worked together to troubleshoot the issue and were able to resolve it. P.s. if you shoot film, they have a great stock of film including portra 800 and cinestill 800t! read more

Got a couple of small photos blown up bigger in size that date back to 1970's & with in a week or so they where ready. They came out really good and decent. You get your bucks worth I guess lol read more

I was really trying to support our local businesses but this place is just terrible. There was only one customer in the store when I walked in. The two employees completely ignored my presence, maybe because she was a young attractive female, because of my skin color, or both. One of the older employees finally approached me as she left and he was literally eyeing her up and down the entire time she exited. I've read another customer review where this happened to someone, so it was probably the same guy. Just so uncomfortable, creepy, and rude. It put me off right away. Just be aware. When he finally "helped" me, he just thought he knew everything about what I already had, and what I needed to get. He jumped into ripping me off so fast that I played along and didn't mention I'm a professional photographer. Just to see his tricks and confirm some of the reviews I've read. Uncomfortable is a great word for how you feel inside this store. It may look like your typical local small business, but they are just like any other corporate giant who cares more about making a buck than treating people with respect and fairness. They will take advantage of you, and think they're better thank you. They remind me of the scummy car mechanic stereotype. I HIGHLY recommend going to Paul's photo just up the street. They actually care about their customers, even if you don't buy anything. Meanwhile the people at Silvio's sniff their own pretentious farts. read more

I enjoy coming to Sylvio's, I came first in high school 2002 when I took a B&W photography class my senior year. They were able to sell me a used camera with two lenses for a couple hundred dollars. Fast forward almost 20years later I have moved back to So Cal and recently went for a few camera parts. I have been producing an on demand video service since August. My Sony A7iii was cutting off at 30m. They recommended a Atomos Ninja V to add to the camera. Sylvio is friendly and always ready to help and connect me with information that will help me improve and Carlos was the gentlemen who helped with video and lighting. Carlos had high level customer service and was extremely friendly. I left feeling encouraged and motivated to continue to improve as a hybrid videographer/photographer. read more

I went there to get some photos developed and was informed by 3 employees that it would cost 39 cents each, which was fine. They told me to pick them up the next day !! I went back the next day and could not find any of the 3 employees so I showed my paperwork to a different employee and asked for the order. I was told they were no done yet and that it would be 79 cents each !!!!! I informed them of my quote the day before, but response was " IT will be 79 cents each !!!!!!!!!!!! No , sorry, explanation , no asking for any employee to verify what was told me yesterday. They might do good work ?? ,, but their ethnics is very poor !!!!!!!!!!! Will never recommend to anyone else !!! I used to do a lot of business with them when they were a small store in the area !!! NO MORE !!! read more

I had an old Panasonic VHS-C camcorder that needed repairs so I called Silvios to see what could be done. With these old cameras, they don't supply new parts anymore but Dean was still very helpful and searched in the back for an even better camcorder and gave me a great price for it! He also suggested some things to do to my old camcorder that might bring it back to life as well as how to digitize my footage after. It was an overall great experience from everyone in the store and I will 100% be coming back for anything camera/camcorder/video related. Thanks a bunch guys! read more

Terrible & pretentious customer service. I go in there a couple months back looking to check out lenses for my camera and there's this older employee who greeted me. He looked happy and ready to help. The moment I told him I wasn't too familiar with lenses and started asking some basic questions that I guess a more well seasoned photographer would know, his demeanor fled and his smile dropped. He started giving me attitude and I felt like he wanted me to leave or like I was wasting his time. Mind you, no one else was in the store. I really wanted to leave at that point but figured I'd try to put up with it to find out what I needed to and potentially buy. He wasn't much help after a few more questions and I was honestly not willing to ask much else after seeing nothing was changing. I didn't end up buying or digging further because of this, & decided to go to Best Buy instead where I made a decent purchase without having to deal with someone with an inflated ego. I try my best to be a good customer because I've worked customer service and know what it's like to deal with a rude customer, so I can only assume this guy was simply getting upset by my lack of knowledge and not my own demeanor. I can't imagine how this dude would have been if my demeanor was any less than it was. The thing about stores like these is that you get a good amount of guys (and gals too) like him who've probably been doing photography for 20-40 plus years and assume that everyone else they encounter should automatically know everything they know. It's fairly discouraging. These are people ripe with knowledge and experience who can easily offer help and guidance to a younger (much younger) generation but instead choose to scowl at anyone who can't absorb their knowledge via osmosis. They've forgotten that they were once like us. My main intention was to give this store a try. Knowing that it's a more traditional, specialized "ma and pa" type store, I wanted to give this place business and not give money to a corporate chain. Safe to say I probably wouldn't want to go to Silvios for some time when there are other more friendlier stores not too far away. read more

Silvio's Photoworks is an excellent photo store. I have been going here for decades. Camera pricing is standard no matter if you buy at a local shop or online. What Silvio's does is bring knowledge and experience to match you with your photographic needs. This is a far better experience than purchasing on line, as you get all of the service with no differnce in price. When I went in to upgrade by current camera to a mirroless body, Dean at Silvios showed me all my options and the pluses and minuses of each. Every camera is a compromise. What the consumer needs is a place to put hands on a product along with a knowledgeable sales person to guide him through the process. Silvios has always been conscious of the customers wallet. They will sell you whatever you want, but will make sure you know exactly what you are buying. They have a large selection of cameras, lighting, tripods and other accessories. I can't say enough good things about purchasing cameras or camera equipment at Silvios. Dean and all of the staff are knowledgeable, helpful and very friendly. This high level of customer service and support starts with Silvo. read more

I've been to a lot of Camera stores, but there is something about the buzz in ththat just makes it feel like you are in the right place.....The guys that work there really know what they are talking about and they don't sound like they are trying to sell you something, they feel like they are trying to teach you something. The place is loaded with gear both new and used and they will even buy your old stuff as well. There is a reason this place has been around since 1977.....it's the real deal!! read more

Came here last minute to get my photos printed for a gift. Incredibly friendly service and they printed right on the spot (15mins tops). Quality was great also. Two thumbs up. read more

Ok this store is an amazing store! They have a variety of products for beginners, amateurs, pros, and anyone else looking for gear. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond for my satisfaction. I love that. Will make this my go to store for camera and photography needs. read more

I have been coming here for years now and I always have an amazing time with the very friendly staff. Staff?...they are more like family to me. At times I just stop by to say hello and talk camera gear with them. I have purchased many cameras here through the years. my latest two Nikon 7000 and Nikon D600. This is a one stop shop. Say hi to Silvio, Dave and Carolina read more

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This place has the best service! I bought a little DJI video camera a few years ago. And they never mind when I stop in just to ask questions. I recently had to get a new computer, and I didn't know how to transfer the videos to it. Jason was so patient ( I'm a senior and a bit slow to learn new tech stuff) and showed me how to do it. And all I paid was $5 for a small device to transfer them! 30min of service for $5! Great service! They are moving locations so be sure to check where they are going to! I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

We took a camera in to Silvio's today for a sensor cleaning... I was very impressed with the staff they went the extra mile and clean my camera... The best part was We were given advice on how to keep my Nikon D7200 cleaner so I don't have to come if so often for this service. I love that the staff is so knowledgeable. The excellent customer service is much appreciated... Thanks SILVIO'S!!! read more

Take a picture it will last longer. So I bought a film camera from Silvio, and it did. Yeah baby, big dog! read more

I'm an enthusiast photographer that came in to look at the new Sony A7iii as they were the only ones around that had it in stock, but ended up buying it after talking with the staff. I arrived a few minutes prior to closing and thought I wouldn't be let in, but they were more than welcome to give me a thorough demonstration of the camera's features as well as showing me the Nikon D750, which I also considered. After I told them what I wanted for my ideal camera, they convinced me that the A7iii was my best option and recommended I buy the 24-70mm f4 Zeiss lens over the kit lens as it met my wish of lightweight portability. To top it off, I was also offered a free class to learn more about my camera. Since buying the camera I feel confident that they steered me in the right direction, and I'm absolutely satisfied with my shopping experience. A few weeks later I went back for a backpack recommendation and left with one that fit my needs. I will definitely come back to ask more questions and buy more gear at Silvio's. Their honesty is what makes me a repeat customer. read more

Silvio's is a good local store, I have been a customer since I was a kid with my dad. Their selection of consumer and professional equipment is pretty solid, as well as some specialty gear like Hasselblads, Leicas, and film equipment. Have also noticed a good improvement in the availability of some of the Strobist-type gear for working with small flashes. Its also tripod heaven, huge range from $20 cheap models to $500+ professional ones you could balance an elephant on. If you don't know a ton about gear, and are not a millionaire living on the hill, this is a good spot - the key thing is to talk with the sales reps to find out what camera you actually need, not just what is new and highly advertised. Thats really where good customer service comes into play. There are other stores in the South Bay area, but considering the time and cost of gas to drive to LA, its a lot easier to get to and saves a little money in the long run. read more

One thing I've always prided myself on is supporting small, local businesses. I know that I can probably get some things cheaper online, but I have always felt that the personal interactions you get in local stores more than offsets any moderate savings. So when I needed a new camera bag, I immediately went to my local photography store, Silvio's. I've purchased a few small items from here before, but always when I knew exactly what I wanted. Today I felt as if I what's going to need advice/expertise. Upon walking in, I noticed that I was the only customer in the store. The only store employee gave me a half hearted greeting which I found to be reasonable , seeing as he was on the phone with another customer. Almost simultaneous to his phone call ending, another employee entered the store, and walked behind the counter. I stood in the store for 20-25 minutes waiting for some sort of assistance. Instead, I was met with their conversation about what one of the employees learned in his photography class that day, darkroom film development. Having no desire to beg anyone to take my money, I left and went down the street to Paul's photo. There, after an informative conversation with the salesman, I purchased not only a camera bag, but a RF 70-200 lens for me and the EOS R10 for my wife. I don't know if it was me (maybe I didn't look like I had enough money to shop there and therefore didn't warrant service) or that's just how they conduct business. Either way congratulations on creating a Paul's photo/Amazon customer, because I refuse to spend another dime in this store. read more

This store was very rude! Horrible customer service. I've never felt so under valued as a customer. Not worth the drive or headache! I waited 10 minutes to even be acknowledged, then a woman came from the back supposedly to help but then got distracted by someone who had just walked in and she proceeded to help her even though i had been waiting, she continued to help her. Finally another guy came over to ask what i needed but was annoyed he had to help me and after knowing the camera I have he insisted on showing me equipment that was not capable with my camera. I really couldn't believe it! I wouldn't ever recommend this store, not even to my worst enemy. read more

Visited Silvio's for the first time today after buying a cheap old Pentax bundle from someone. I went in hoping for some advice on the condition of the camera body and if it was worth repairing. I worked directly with Silvio and he was such a gem. So helpful, spoke to me for quite some time about the camera, the lenses, the issues with repairing the specific camera, etc. We wound up deciding to sell it for parts and I bought another Pentax from him and he helped me with the lenses by cleaning them, checking for quality, and providing me with protective caps and new filters. He greeted everyone in the store while we were working together and knew so many customers by name. This is why you support local businesses instead of big box stores. I will definitely continue to use Silvio's now that I will have some film to develop! read more

I've been a longtime customer. Since the 80's. I made a recent 3 x Sony GM lens purchase when they had an awesome Sony sale in which a Sony rep came on Saturday. I've seen this particular gentleman there during the decades I've been going and never new it was THE MAN himself, Silvio!!! He introduced himself to me and he is a nice personable man who made the great sale even better for me. Thank you Mr. Silvio!!! Glad I live a few blocks away now. In the 80's, I was in my 20's. Now I'm in my 60's!!! Mr. Silvio is still there taking care of his neighborhood!! Wow!!! read more

Walked in with a broken camera and was met with many smiling faces. They were so willing to help me out with my camera and showed me what I was doing wrong. They also got the sand out of my flash so it pops up again. Super friendly and a great vibe. Thanks so much for your help! read more

I purchased a Sony camera (ap. $500) from Silvios a couple of months ago. My purchase was made based on the recommendation of salesperson. I could not figure out how to use it, so I went in to exchange it. While while working with clerk I received a phone call that was the worst news one can get. I told the clerk I would take a Canon EOS Ti7. I did not pay any attention to what the salesman was doing as I was totally distraught. I paid, took camera home & did not look at it for about a month. I can't find the receipts & when I got my bills I saw they charged me ap. $1000 for a $500 camera! What a ripoff. It was already more than a month so I figured the wasn't anything I could do. My stupidity for not looking at paperwork. I used the camera & wanted to upload pix to computer. I took USB cable that was in the box & tried to insert it into the camera. I does not fit! I checked with Canon & they told me there is no cable with that comes with that camera. I wrote Silvios & of course, they did not respond. I must assume they sold me a used camera for the price of a new one. I don't know where to turn...they ripped me off for more than $500 & totally misrepresented the condition of the camera. BE CAREFUL when dealing with this store. read more

They outsource their 35mm film developing so you have to wait a couple days before you get your photos back. Also when I went in to get my film developed, there was no indication of price or time frame nor did the worker let me know any of the above information. Probably won't come here again to develop film when a shop down the street can do it in an hour. read more

I was looking for a good travel camera for an upcoming trip. I live in the South Bay and first drove out to Samy's Camera in Culver City. They were friendly enough but didn't really have anything in stock so I came back with only a few camera model numbers written on a business card. On the long crawl back on the 405, I started thinking about where else I could go look at cameras, rather than just buying online based on user reviews. That's when I had the great idea to go to Silvio's. Matt helped me and he was awesome. After finding out what I wanted to do with the camera, we looked at some in my price range. I found the perfect camera for me and it was LESS than I had intended to spend. I am very, very pleased and will be back again!! BTW, their prices are very competitive with Amazon, etc and they have great service. read more

Wow Silvio's is great! I have stopped by over the years with my husband for this and that, but I never really looked around or paid much attention. I don't know what came over me this past visit but I became intrigued and even thought about learning more about the Canon camera my husband bought for us to take a ton of baby pictures of our new little baby Morgan. Expressing my interest in the store was surely rewarding because Silvio's offers classes!!! This is amazing, who knew - well I'm sure several people knew quite well because when I showed up for the Canon overview course the store was packed. I learned so much about my Canon camera. The instructor was patient, funny, informative and really engaging. The material was a bit over my head but the takeaways that I did leave with will up my photography game quite a bit. I am taking the upcoming Beginning Photography class - I am quite excited to learn even more. The store itself has everything you can ever imagine, they even had a part that my husband was searching high and low for to create a trigger flash effect. Top notch service as well - which is the cherry on top at Silvio's. read more

Another year has gone by, still think they are number 1 for employees, knowledge, helpfulness, taking care of the customer, equipment, classes and just a fun place to go to for all your needs. Silvio is a great guy! Jordan is always going above and beyond. Everyone there has always been great! I have slowly been going from hobbyist to a business and they always have great ideas to help. The classes they have are informational and I have received some great tips. 5 stars for sure!!! read more

Silvio and Carlos helped me chose lights and lenses for my home studio. They were very helpful, listening to my needs and making recommendations based on my needs. I never felt for even a moment that they were​ trying to just sell​ me anything, and they had genuinely​ spent a LOT of time and effort to completely​ understand my needs. They had even agreed, for a very reasonable fee, to bring some lights and lenses to test it out at my studio. My experience with them was over the top, and I am really happy to support them as my neighborhood​ store. I used to go to Pauls's​ photo, but after the owner's​ unacceptable​ behavior​ towards my wife, I made a commitment never to set foot into that store as far as he was the owner. Now, I feel that I am in the right place and happy to support their business. Silvio's​ prices are competitive, but what is really priceless, is the extra help and advice​ from them that helped me buy the right gear, without further wasting time and money. read more

I try to support local businesses, because as much as I love Amazon and other online retailers, I get that businesses where I live must be supported by my hard earned dollars. So, after researching and researching, I go to Silvio's to check out a couple of advanced p&s cameras. (Btw, I know they have this at Best Buy, but again, just wanted to see if Silvio's carried it.) After listening to two different salesmen ramble on about their preferences (and not showing me the camera I came for, but pretty much everything else), they got hooked on trying to sell me a micro four-thirds camera. It got my attention because I've been interested, but whoa - what's that? You want to sell me this one because it's your last one? Below cost? What a good deal! Umm, except I know that this model is 2 models old and Olympus is coming out with a newer model in the next two months. Yeah, there's something called the internet that tells consumer these things. No. No really. I'm not making these things up! Look, if it was a good deal I would've bitten. But selling me a camera that's been handled by everyone and their moms, whose lens was put on incorrectly to which one salesman tried to yank off, to telling me it was a super deal (which I already knew was $100 more than any place online) and that's 2 models old - I don't think so. It's borderline insulting. No wait, it IS actually insulting! I'm not going to tell people not to go here, but instead I hope that someone there reads this and realizes we're not all stupid consumers, so don't treat us like them. This is WHY Amazon and the 900 other retailers make money. Off to Paul's I go.. we'll see if that experience is any better! read more

The first time I went to Sylvio's I got very good service from knowledgeable staff. Sylvio was actually there in the store. I went back because I needed some basic supplies. A girl approached me who clearly had no idea about cameras at all. Honestly, I would have been better served going to Walmart. I asked for a quick release and she had to walk back and ask a colleague if they sold them. Then, her colleague couldn't tell me if they did or if they did not sell the item. It was such a huge change from my last visit I was surprised. I asked if they had 4 other items and they both were dumbfounded. Needless to say, I walked out with nothing. I then went online and easily purchased everything I needed. I like supporting my local stores, but with that kind of service, I'll just go online from now on! read more

Sure, they have a wide selection of products and plenty of smiling and informative faces ready to answer your every photography-related question. What really sets apart Silvio's from Paul's down the street, or any other local photo shop, you ask? On my most recent visit to Silvio's I was in search for a cheap tripod under $50. While checking out the tripods, I overheard (and saw) Silvio being given a box of high-end cookies by some acquaintances of his. He started to offer some of these cookies to some of his employees that were standing near him. With the commotion I looked up to see what was going on, and my eyes met with Silvio's. He was on his way to offer more of his cookies to his employees on the other side of the store, but he stopped next to where I was standing. "I know you're not an employee, but here...have a cookie." - "No, thanks. I'm fine, really." "Oh, come on. They're delicious." - "Alright. Thanks. I appreciate it." "So...are you going to buy a tripod?" - "Yeah." "Well then...here, have some more cookies! Maybe you'll buy two tripods!" I came for a tripod, but left with a $25 UV lens as well. When you're treated that well, you can't help but want to support local businesses! I was first introduced to Silvio's by Pat Kelley, a local Photography Professor at Marymount College. We all came down to the shop and Silvio gave us a couple of tips and pointers -- I've been a loyal customer since then. FYI, I believe there's a 10% student discount on film and paper. read more

They've had my camera for two weeks, and I still don't have an estimate on what it will cost to repair, or when I will get it back. They don't return my calls, I keep having to call for updates. When I brought the camera in on December 1, they said there was a good chance I'd have it back before Christmas. Now they admit that's not going to happen. If they told me they were having problems with the repair folks, I would have taken it to another shop, happy they were honest, and maybe had my camera for Christmas. Two stars because they're polite, knowledgeable, and offered a free rental because they messed up; that's nice, but I still feel like communication isn't great, and that's a huge problem for me. I hope I'll have reason to update this with more stars when the ordeal is over, if the repair is at least decent. But my experience so far isn't inspiring confidence. UPDATE: Nope, no more stars. They finally gave me an estimate that was almost the same price as a new camera--which, if they'd said that in the first place, I would at least have appreciated their honesty and saved us all the trouble. And they didn't even try to give me a deal after all this hassle and annoyance. I really like to support small businesses, but we can get a better price faster at Target this time. Or Best Buy. Or Fry's... read more