Samy's Camera

 

3

15

Ledor Z.

Anaheim, CA

I guess it's allright. I went to get a 77mm lens filter and asked one of the workers and right away recommended me what I needed. I go to another shop, this is my 2nd stop if i can't find it in the other place.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

37

49

Albert E.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

I am a frequent customer at Samy's Camera in Santa Ana.  I utilize the retail, rental, & photo classes departments.  Everytime I am there, (maybe because I am a frequent window shopper there.....) I find a friendly Samy's staff person to help in all of the departments.  When I am shopping for new items, there is always a non-pressure sales when I am there.  Also note, that Samy's is willing to match some online stores.....granted I still have to pay sales tax, but I am paying for their services and experience while shopping for something.  The rental department was very helpful in letting me change my lens on the fly.  And the classes I have taken were very informative my use.  Make sure you shop around online if price is your thing, but if you want the old fashioned brick and mortar store with quality sales people who know their stuff, Samy's Camera is your OC camera store.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Elite '08

174

362

Arnold E.

Orange, CA

I recently purchased a digital SLR (not from Samy's) and figured that I should learn how to use it. Yes, I've read the directions from front to back, but sometimes the best way for me to learn is from people who know what they're doing. This is where Samy's comes into play. I signed up for a digital photography class at the Santa Ana store with some friends, hoping to get some good, useful information out of the instructor. Like I said before, I'd read the camera's instructions several times and figured I'd already know most of what would be covered. Well, I was wrong.

It's too difficult to recall the multitude of information in a near 200-page manual, especially when you're trying to get a shot of the baby when she's actually cooperating with you. Having the important stuff weeded out and put into layman's terms is how the knowledgeable staff here at Samy's helped me out. After taking a few tips to heart and testing out my new found information, I discovered instant results.

Well, after my first class, I browsed through the extensive showroom floor and found more stuff than I'd normally need (much like a typical Costco run). Unlike Eric R., I had no problem with the staff. I found them to be very knowledgeable and helpful, in fact. I'm actually going back next week for another class and will probably buy a few more things I "need."

If you're into photography, Samy's is a great place for your needs (amateur or professional).

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

6

10

Melissa P.

Costa Mesa, CA

I actually am a frequent customer and have gotten to know the people in the film department fairly well. They have everything I need for my darkroom and photo needs and give student discounts, which is a big plus. The customer service may appear to be lacking because they take a lot of time with other customers if you just need to get in and get out, but if you like slower paced businesses, its nice to go in and have a conversation about the project your working on or getting advice as to what film to use or what features of which camera work best.

I also bought my digital camera from here but I recommend doing your research and figuring out what you want and pricing things out before you buy any camera from anywhere because like anyother place, they have their preferences as to which camera is better and will try to push you to buy that brand or a more pricy camera than you really need.

For me, I'm a Canon loyalist, and he tried to recommend a Nikon. I don't have anything against Nikon, theyre one of the best brands, but I had my eye on a particular Canon and no I did not need the one with the hotshoe because it already had a built in flash and I wasn't planning to use it for anything professional, so that negates the need for the extra megapixels as well, thank you.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

8

49

Dao N.

Long Beach, CA

this place is for gearheads. if you cream your pants looking at the latest fat lenses or need a fancy bag to hold them all, this is the place for you. for me, its more of a convenience. they open later than some photo places, but their service is inconsistent. seems like there's always someone ready to sell you a camera or some gear, but when i'm getting chemicals or paper, i'm often standing in the back waiting.

sometimes, the person behind the counter is very nice and helpful, but recently, i went there looking for a specific inkjet paper because i was in the middle of making a series of prints when i ran out. i asked if they had more in the back or planned to restock, but the woman who "helped" me said that epson no longer made the paper in question and seemed impatient at all my questions, and finally, she snapped at me that she didn't know when i tried to explain to her that epson had changed the name of the paper, and it did exist because i purchased it not too long ago. their prices also aren't the best. i ended up getting my paper from frys.

3.5 stars but i rounded down.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

 

8

59

Eric R.

Anaheim, CA

Well, despite the recommendation of a local radio host raving about how "great" Samy's Camera really is, I have to say that my first visit became my last.  To begin with, the staff doesn't really want to help you.  I wandered around the store for a good 15 minutes, and I had staff walk around me, behind me, and in front of me...not once asking if I needed help.  the joint was almost empty...so having a busy day was not exactly an excuse for ole' Samy.  I finally walked up to the counter and asked a couple of questions in regards to my needs (I was looking for a waterproof digital camera).  Not only did they not have a wide selection (Samy's is supposed to have the best and widest selection...at least that's what I heard on the radio), the dude representing Samy's (oh...I'm sorry...I think he was just a salesman...and not a very good one at that)...handed me the one and only camera that they say will go underwater, and proceeded to stand there and stare at me.  Needless to say...I thanked him and left.  Customer service is a big one for me guys...and let's face it...when you're going to drop a few c-notes at a store...you expect to be treated well and to receive some level of high quality service.  Samy's gets a big 1 fingered salute...and an extra special up-yours.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review