Samy’s Camera

Great place to buy brand new cameras, camera gear and accessories. They match most internet prices and their service is fantastic. I especially enjoyed my experience with Edward K. plus Barry E. answered some of my questions as well. If a retail store can match or beat internet prices I’d rather shop there, especially for camera gear and accessories. Ed helped me narrow my accessories down to what best fit my needs and I’m very picky since I do extensive research. Ed has been spot on with his recommendations. Quite amazing.
Costco is a great place to buy cameras, especially because they have camera package deals. But Samy’s has camera packages as well and their packages are more useful and practical. Costco’s package deals usually come with the camera’s brand name cases, but I prefer the better cases from other leading brands, which Samy’s provides.
Overall, I’m glad I did my research and was able to find a wonderful retail camera store to help me get back into professional photography. I love my Canon EOS M3 with all of my new lenses, Canon flash, camera bag and accessories. Samy’s Camera, you are awesome.
P. S. I’ve been back a few times and purchased more lenses and accessories. Each time has been a great experience. Fantastic and enjoyable place to visit.

I have always bought my Camera gear and lighting equipment here. Recently i came across a westcott Octabox on Amazon and is labeled ships and sold by SAMY’S CAMERA so i thought to myself why not just drive down there and pick one up? Yeah. The prices are totally different. Something like $ 40.00 more and they didn’t want to match it. Don’t get me wrong I’m not entitled to that but if your store is selling the same item online through Amazon it should be the same price you have in store. Sorry, pissed me off. Im not even going to bother buying from your brick and mortar store. Ben, i remember you thanked me for supporting your local brick and mortar store and asked me to come back for more gear. Well I’m sorry but if i can get it cheaper in Amazon then I will. Don’t give me that BS saying that Amazon buys it from you and sells it under you if that was the fact it would say ships and sold by Amazon. Not by Samy’s Camera, inc.

Tight budget, yet Ken Forbes, kept at it to find MAX bang for my lil buck as I needed a camera to jumpstart VLOG’ing and I had a long list of requirements. Price better than AMAZON! Will be coming back to upgrade soon!

I called into the store asking what their best deal on the Nikon D5 was. I told them I could easily purchase the camera online but I like supporting local stores as well, however with so much tax on such an expensive camera, I was torn. Kevin, had me come in, and hooked it up with accessories to make up for the $ 600 price difference.
And when I say accessories, I mean the following: Micro Nikkor 105 mm 2.8D, Sandisk 32GB 160mb/​s, and one Nikon D5 battery.
That was the first time I met Kevin, and he absolutely satisfied me as a customer.

Should be 3.5 stars. Had been getting my camera-​related gear from this place since it is not too far from where I live. I have traded my camera gear here twice and I always get good service. Look for Ken when you need help since he is really efficient.

Bret continues to be amazing to work with and the only reason I come into the Santa Ana store opposed to LA

As a photography business owner, I have made many purchases at Samy’s Camera, both big and small. I recently made a big purchase including a new camera body (a big deal for me!) and the sales associate, Ken Forbes, was fantastic! He was very helpful and informative and genuinely kind. Not all of my experiences at Samy’s have been as positive but most times I’m met with great customer service from nearly all the staff there. I’ve also used their rental department, and they have been super helpful as well. Plus, I’ve taken a class through Samy’s and it was awesome! I’m taking another class very soon and I’m really looking forward to it! For anyone interested in photography, I recommend stopping by Samy’s to check out gear, ask questions from their knowledgable staff, or rent and try what you’re interested in buying.

One of the WORST purchasing experience in my life. I’m actually baffled at how it’s possible to get this poor service.
On Saturday, I decided to go to Samy’s Camera to purchase a lense for my Sony a7ii. I’m legit just trying to go to the store, grab the lens, purchase it, and go home. I’m not there to browse or ask questions or demo anything. I’m just trying to purchase a lense and leave asap, since I had a meeting to go to.
There was barely a line, only two people in front of me. A guy behind the counter near the Sony section offered to give me some assistance. I told him that I wanted to buy a lense, and it turns out he doesn’t work there lol. I mean, the thought was nice I guess. He asked someone who was on the Canon/​Epson or whatever side, and I said that I’m trying to buy the Sony Batis. I saw that it was on stock online and I was hoping that there’s a chance this Samy has it. If not, I’d be more than happy to pay at the store and wait for them to get the lens, if it’s backordered. Before even trying to look for the lens or anything, he simply tells me that we don’t have it. I can probably pay and get it later on when it’s in stock, since they only get a couple at a time. Anyways, still waiting for the Sony guy to be free. While he helped the people in front of me, I saw the Olympus guy not doing anything. So I talked to him if I could get the lens, he was like nah don’t do anything with Sony, if he touches a Sony his hands will melt. Haha, super funny joke… No. But okay, I guess he can’t help out since he doesn’t know Sony stuff, fine. Meanwhile the Sony guy is helping the lady in front of me with Nikon stuff -.- so idk if the Sony guy is going above and beyond or this Olympus guy is being lazy af.
Thankfully after OVER AN HOUR of waiting, I finally got someone to help me out (even tho there was barely 2 ppl in front of me). I told him I wanted to buy the Batis and I EASILY spot the Batis. It was in super plain site at the Sony section. It bothers me that the epson/​canon employee + random guy helping out, didn’t even bother looking for the lens and told me they didn’t have it. When it’s sitting in plain site. Now the person (not the sony guy) that is helping me, he was also about to tell me that they don’t have it or whatever. Man, I can’t believe I have to actually point directly behind him the lens. Like it’s legit in plain sight… I paid for the lens, and I used a Zeiss education program discount. He had to call the manager/​owner or whatever, and it turns out the manager/​owner has no clue about it. Even though Zeiss has on the website this specific location offers the discount. I had to educate the manager/​owner on it and explain where to find the pdf that shows the discount for the Batis and etc. Honestly I’ve just been spending my time here showing people what’s up lol… Whether it’s pointing out the lens I’m trying to buy, them being lazy and not even looking in PLAIN SITE for my lens, telling me without looking that they don’t have the lens, not knowing about etc etc etc. Also this process took nearly 2 HOURS. Man, thankfully the meeting I had schedule was later in the day, and I was actually nearly late for it. Since honestly, who thinks just walking in a store, picking out something, and simply purchasing it would take nearly 2 hours… Like I have 0 questions to ask, no desire to demo, didn’t waste time looking around, or anything. I just simply waited in line (with barely 2 ppl in front of me) and just wanted to buy a lens with no hassle.
Basically to sum this post up. Employees are incompetent/​lazy/​useless. They somehow made giving them money hard. Like if I didn’t really want my lens, I would have stormed out and they would have lost a 1.2k purchase. I can’t believe I had to wait 2 hours and go through such lengths to GIVE them my money. If you read this review, save yourself the time and hassle to go somewhere else. Go to a bestbuy or online or anything instead of going to here. The employees are incompetent and don’t ask them for advice on camera/​lenses or anything (I even heard them giving terrible suggestions to customers, but that’s a story for another day).

On April 26^th, I stopped by Sammy’s Camera — Santa Ana since I decided to get my first strobe studio kit. I had an idea of what I wanted to get but I needed a lot more info in order to make a decision. Ben, from the «Lighting Department» is the best. He not only gave me tons of info on each product, but also helped me understand the differences between products.
Overall, my experience with Sammy’s camera was superb. I have no doubts that this is my favourite photography store in Orange county. Unbeatable prices and killer customer service.

My go to for picking up new gear. They have a huge selection with pretty helpful staff. The prices are reasonable. I wish I had more money to buy everything in this store.
They are great about returns a recharges as well. If you have any questions from novice to professional they are always willing to help.

Today 03/​23/​2016 I stopped by Samy’s Camera in Santa Ana intending to plunk down about $ 3,500 in photographic equipment and quite possibly a Quadcopter. I walk into the store and started looking at camera bags and digital camera bags. An Asian man asked me if I needed help and I told him I was interested in a DJI Phantom 3 quadcopter. He points to a display on the other side of the store and then proceeds to help another customer! Excuse me, but why not call your colleague who is the salesman over to help me?
I walk around to the small display and their DJI Phantom display is the Phantom 3 Advanced model and it is obviously only the shell. The camera was ripped off and wiring was cut. Below this was an empty Phantom 3 box. WOW! Quite an impressive display for a $ 799 quadcopter.
There was a salesman near that display but he walked away and NO Samy’s sales associate was within 20 feet of me!
Last October I bought a digital camera and one of their Canon sales associates was very professional. Samy’s Camera Santa Ana is hit and miss. It is rare that you will find a knowledgeable sales person. I test their sales people with inquires that they should know. I have a photographic/​digital video background and a few times their sales people did not know what they were talking about. I notice if you are naïve they will push you onto something they receive a spiff from the manufacturer. I observed this while waiting for help. When the sales person left for a moment, I told that customer the truth and what camera I would recommend for her that wasn’t too over her head. The sales person gave me a dirty eye after the lady requested another camera model.
If you need product knowledge forget it. Samy’s wants to get you the equipment, ring you up and say «C’Ya. .. Next?» If you know what you want, go into Samy’s and ask for it and they will be happy to take your cash. I have never had a Samy’s salesperson (Santa Ana store) spend more than 10 minutes with me explaining features. I study up on products at Photographic Marketing Assocation and CES Shows picking the minds of the manufacturing representatives and technical sales representative’s minds.
My customer service index is very high. The photographic market is no different than other retailers. This means I want a highly trained sales person who listens to the customer and sells them the appropriate product for their needs and can advance into photography. This sales person should be trained in all aspects of the product they sell. They must be very close to the manufacturer sales representative in product knowledge. If not, they have no business being a sales person.
In a retail store environment, Samy’s MUST make sure ALL customers are greeted with 30 seconds of entering their store. The customer should be acknowledged and be told they will be assisted. How hard is it to tell a customer, «Good afternoon, I will be with you in one moment» or «Let me find you an available sales person». Obviously, the customer entered your store for a reason and usually that means they want to buy something.
I walked back to my car and immediately went online to B&H Photo. I called their sales line and was helped immediately. My products was ordered and they told me it will be at my door step the next day! I try to help local businesses first even if the Internet is way cheaper. Samy’s lost a huge sale today. If I was the owner of Samy’s I would not be too happy.
To Samy’s Owner: I know this store has been around for 10+ years. But if you allow this poor customer service to go on, you will lose sales to Pro Photo Connection and B&H Photo who was happy to take my money!

I’ve already purchased here in the past and spent good money with them.
I came in today to purchase a 35 mm or a 50 mm lens for my camera and after looking at both said I’ll take the 35 mm. Unfortunately that was out of stock so I said I’d take the 50 mm and asked about the return policy if I wasn’t happy. He seemed disgruntled, as if I was trying to swindle them, nope just trying to spend a couple hundred dollars at your store. I know it’s cheaper on Amazon but hey why not support the brick and mortars?
He said I couldn’t do that, and to rent the lens and it’ll be credited. Isn’t your policy 2 weeks? I’ve abided by all your policies, willing to pay a small premium, but now I have to rent it as well? Meaning I have to come back even if I liked the lens and exchange it for a new one. Unreal.
I’m not trying to swindle you. I was trying to support you.

Why do I keep bothering with any store in the Samy’s chain? Every single solitary time I am dumbfounded by the level of ineptitude.
Want a simple question asked? Be prepared to be on hold for 20+ minutes. Need gear? Sorry, they don’t carry even basic camera batteries, it seems. Renting equipment? They’ll make you put down thousands more for a deposit than the gear is worth. Need to cancel the gear you just reserved less than an hour ago? They’ll charge you for a full day, even though this policy was never directly stated to you at the time of rental.
Want to register for a class? Too bad, they’ve canceled it at the last minute without any warning despite it still being advertised on their website. Want to ask a question about this? Sorry, no one answers the phone for their classes department. Calling into the store? The person tells you they are the only one working and will call you back in one hour. One hour?
Seriously, what is the damn problem with this place? ALL of their locations suck. ALL of them are understaffed and have terrible customer service and business practices. The only reason people are forced to use them is because there are next to no businesses that rent gear and carry supplies in the LA/​OC area.
Please just go out of business already.

Incredibly unorganized, and blatantly unapologetic. Although I detest driving into Hollywood for the better store, they leave me no choice.

Bought our camera online and forgot to purchase the warranty for the camera. My wife and I went into the store to purchase the warranty and Rick, the assistant store manager, helped us out. He was very helpful with the details on the warranty options and he even took the time to give us a mini lesson as first time DSLR users. Our experience was definitely a positive one thanks to Rick.
UPDATE: They give you a passport book with all sorts of offers and giveaways. Included is a coupon for a free beginners class. I signed up thinking it was going to be pretty basic and only 30 minutes long. Not only was it very informative but it was a 3 hour class! I learned so much that the time flew by! Kevin did a great job with the class and was very patient when answering our questions.

I came in today to return a tripod that I found cheaper online. I was helped by the same Asian guy that got me to buy the tripod. I was a little embarrassed to return it to the same guy that helped me but oh well. He asked me why I was returning the item and told him I found it cheaper online. He asked where at and I told him. He then pretty much try scaring me with the talk of sales tax at the end of the year for the item. If I don’t file the tax or whatever, the IRS is going to come get me and especially that I am Vietnamese. ??? Are you kidding me? Also, he then tells me that they will ship the item and if its damage, I have to pay the shipping to ship it back. Seriously, is this all necessary? Just return my item and give me back my money. I may look naïve or «innocent» but you can’t fool me.
Samy’s Camera — you gave me the most awkward and uncomfortable experience. I won’t be coming back any time soon and this was my first time too!

This place has the worst customer service of any store I’ve ever been in. It feels like everyone is on commission and if you aren’t buying something that offers them commission, then you are simply ignored. I had a very simple request this week and at least three people stood around doing nothing at all while I stood there waiting for someone to help me when my time was limited.
When a store does well everyone at the store benefits. Note to sales people there: get off your ass and help people! I can give my money to another company and I can do what I can to attempt to influence people to not put up with with the bs at Sammy’s.

I dare say, I hate Samy’s camera in Santa Ana. I always try to give it the benefit of the doubt after bad experiences, but they keep rolling new experiences.
I’ve been researching lights they (claim) to sell. In their lighting department, they have the models I want on display, with a huge poster behind the display. The poster has all the specs and various kit combinations, with prices. After waiting a while to finally get help, I asked the sales guy about these.
As usual, the only thing he knows is the price on the poster. I said I want to get kit A, pointing to the poster. He said the poster is wrong, none of what is on there has ever existed in the store, and the poster has been up for 2 years. The floor model is a non-​functioning sample. What the heck is that?!
Goodbye
#samyscamerasuckswithacapitalSUCKS

I can’t begin to fathom why these guys have a low rating. I realize some people are more suited to customer service than others.
that’s why I only deal with Ken. I waited 15 min the other day just do u could have him wait on me. Ken is THE MAN. He’s a strait shooter (no pun intended), who will sell you what you need rather than something crazy expensive.
I haven’t compared the prices compared to other shops but the prices feel reasonable.
There’s a used camera and gear section that I have utilized in the past. I got a canon 40D there for about 500 bucks…
They also have developing there…

Samy’s Camera is a true one stop shop for all your photo needs.
This store has everything from basic point and shoot cameras to large format professional equipment and everything in between. When you enter the store you will find cameras and lenses on your right, pro equipment such as lighting, filters, and large format on your left, and film /​printing in the back. The middle of the store are racks full of all sorts of accessories you could ever want. There is also a rental center where you can rent anything from a basic DSLR body to pro grade lenses and lighting systems. Check out their website for a full list of their products available for sale and rent.
Check out their advertisements on their website. Samy’s usually has big sale events with great pricing and NO TAX :-D That will definitely save you some money!
My favorite part of Samy’s are the people that work there. They have always been happy to help and answer any question I have. You can really see the folks there really love photography. I have always trusted their opinions and recommendations.
Samy’s is a authorized dealer for Canon, Nikon, Leica, Hasselblad, Sony, Pentax, and a whole lot of others. So whether you are looking to get into photography or looking for something really specific, chances are you will find it here.