I’ve been dealing with these guys for the past 8 years or so and have never been disappointed in their service or the products I’ve purchased. The staff is very knowledgeable and always has great recommendations. They have always stood behind anything I’ve purchased 100%. Sometimes I go in just to browse because they always have the latest gear and everyone is super friendly. Great local business!

What a wonderful experience. Michael was able to help me decided on a great camera. Ended up buying a used (but practically new) Canon camera. Although the store was very busy, multiple people, including the owner, took time to make sure we were being taken care of. Will definitely be back when the time comes to purchase new lenses or any additional photography needs.

Had an amazing experience today at Cardinal camera. I inquired to find a nice camera for my business and Swan pointed me in the right direction. He had wonderful customer service and there was a large selection of options. I definitely will be back in the future.

The people of Cardinal Camera were extremely knowledgeable, went above and beyond to be helpful and a major plus didn’t make me feel like an idiot for asking questions that a lot of camera gear heads are prone to do. Also, walked in and met other photographers who seemed to really love going there to talk shop and learn from one another. There is a definite sense of community that I’ve been missing in Charlotte. Would love a second location on the East side of CLT. Bonus: Jon Jacobs is now my go-to guy in town from now on and pretty sure my company will be using Cardinal for camera equipment in the future.

I visited Cardinal Camera yesterday during a time they were really busy, they were still great and attentive to me when I told them I was trying to get rid of used gear. They took my gear, gave me a quote of double what Biggs Camera was offering, and though, they were sold out of the Canon RP, sold me a used (basically new) R and a lens, gave me a beautiful camera bag, and were just all around the sweetest. I enjoyed my experience there and would recommend the store to everyone!

Kurt and the Cardinal Camera crew are down to earth, experienced, and exceptionally professional. I have requested their help and expertise on many different projects. I havepurchased equipment, sold equipment, and taken classes with them as well. Every experience was a great one!

I had a great experience here. Called to check stock of an TX4 thats been out of stock at B&H and the other big stores and Im glad Cardinal Camera had it. Owner called me back and I had it in hand an hour later. Friendly, knowledgeable people here and I got what I wanted at the cheapest price I could find - even though many were backordered online. Ill be back soon.

Normally I don’t write reviews but after my wonderful service today I was compelled to write this. Let me begin by saying all the staff at Cardinal Camera are incredibly pleasant to be around but if you visit the store ask for Swann you absolutely will not be disappointed. Swann went above and beyond in assisting me with my art project. He was a blessing and so helpful he absolutely made my day. Thank you so much for you incredible kindness, creativity, and knowledge sir. Can’t wait to come back for my next project!

I visited cardinal camera not to long ago and was helped by an amazing employee named Swann. He has a gentle spirit on him and explains information thoroughly. I will definitely be coming back to cardinal camera !

A small shop in the Arboretum but full of equipment and accessories for everything. I recently got a film camera and didn’t know what specific film to try or use and was very patiently waited on and was given a couple suggestions. It was a quick checkout and I’ll definitely be back for more film and questions.

Recently at Cardinal Camera, Swann, one of their Associates, helped us with our annual Christmas card. He stayed with us during the entire process, which made it so much easier. Swann was knowledgeable, professional and quite pleasant to work with. John & Anna Petrie, Fort Mill, SC

My husband and I went to Cardinal Camera to inquire about an entry level camera to photograph my artwork. Tony greeted us promptly. He reviewed a piece of my artwork to determine what the best entry level camera was to photograph it. He took his time, showed us a few basics, and assured us that we could do what I wanted rather than pay someone to do it for me. Tony did not push an overpriced camera or offer equipment that we did not need. Luckily the store had a great entry level used camera within our budget. Tony offered the stores photography services but again assured us that we could save money and do it ourselves. He also provided a website that offered tutorials for enthusiastic learners. Were so glad that we visited Cardinal Camera. Thank you for wonderful service!

I had the best experience with Cardinal Camera. Jonathon was so helpful in directing me to the right equipment for my specific needs. I find them to be professional and knowledgeable while still very personable. I highly recommend Cardinal Camera!

By far the best service I’ve ever received from a camera store. Very helpful employees who always help me when I need it. Went in today because I didn’t know some settings on something I bought and John went out of his way to fix more than I asked for with other gear. Always quality service and I wouldn’t recommend going anywhere else!

I would recommend this store to anyone in the camera industry to check this place out! Kurt worked with me under some difficult circumstances and provided excellent service through constant communication about something I was shipping. I will definitely be purchasing any future gear I need from Cardinal Camera in Charlotte!

Long story short, I purchased a used Lens for almost $1,000.00. I’ve came to the store a few times to purchase items. Don’t get me wrong the employees were really nice. So, I decided to come back to the store to purchase the lens that I needed. So, I got home and wanted to use the lens for a job and the glass on the inside of the actual lens was broken. So, I brought it back to the store only had for less than 30 days. The older gentleman agreed to send it off for repair, ok fine. In the interim, there was no how can we help you in the meantime since less than 30 days purchased for that amount of money spent. So the lens was shipped off. I’ve called 7x, went to the store 4x and all i get is the same answer, let me call the manufacturer and I’ll call you back. I also get, every time I let me check with so and so. Now it’s month 6 and I still have not heard anything back from the manager or whoever was supposed to be calling me back. All I atleast want is some form of communication from them . Is that to much to ask for. I haven’t even gotten a courtesy call stating that it’ll be soon or a time frame or nothing.

Cardinal Camera went above and beyond to help me. I was out of state and looking for a hard to get item right now. They were in great communication the whole time and really went above and beyond. I was able to get the camera fast with overnight shipping and it was a great overall experience

Didnt even make it to the store. Was trying to find information out about a product. Because of this I was talked down to in a rude way. After that I said something about the rudeness and was cussed out, told I couldnt show up to the store and was hung up on. Good luck if you go there.

Great people...great experience everytime I shop. Experienced and helpful staff.

Im from out of town and needed some equipment. Jonathan Jacobs was especially helpful taking time to help me find exactly what I needed and I learned why high quality lens filters are important.

I have been in sales/management my whole life and tend to judge a businesses customer service a bit more harsh than I should. To say that this was one of the best shopping experiences I have had in a while would be an understatement. Kurt, the owner of the company, was even texting my cell phone to make sure that my every need was taken care of. Thank you guys, I will be enjoying my new Fuji Film X-T4 for many years to come.

The store is place of pure joy. The staff are affable and informative and helped me get started. They have a great selection of goods and are helpful to the consumer. I have no problems once so ever and as the convince of online shopping wrecks small businesses but this store gives me a reason to visit. All levels from professional to starters are welcome here and can find what they need, thank you Cardinal Camera.

My favorite camera store in Charlotte. Extremely knowledgeable staff

My disc card broke off inside camera. I went to one camera shop and they said that I would have to send it directly to Cannon and Suggested I buy another camera from them. They did not even try to fix it. I then went to Cardinal camera. This was a superior Camera business. Amazing service, amazing employees,fixed my camera and made me feel like a friend. I will go there from now on for all my camera needs. highly recommended! The two gentlemen I spoke with were phenomenal!

Had a problem getting my Nikon D5000 to focus correctly So I brought the camera in and soon discovered that the lens on the camera was the wrong lens for the camera.. Did a quick swap of lenses and we’re good to go.. The guy even showed me some helpful tips and features I didn’t even know about the camera.. He was extremely helpful and friendly. I will definitely be returning 🙂👍🏼👍🏼

Terrible customer service. The workers in the store and over the phone are the most unpleasant people to talk to and do not provide adequate help. Find a different camera store!!

Great suburban photo store with plenty of professional help. They also have frequent factory rep events to show off new equipment.

Oh My GOSH! Cant say enough nice things about Cardinal. While traveling, one of my lenses was destroyed. I was in Florida at the time and in route to North Carolina when I found Cardinal. Michael bent over backwards to help me decide what best suited my needs as well as showing me how I could also afford additional gear. I recommend Cardinal to anyone looking for great prices, great equipment and great customer service, you have to do yourself a favor and go see Michael at Cardinal.

Curtis took care of me and was very nice and professional. They didnt answer their phone right away but called me back after 5min of leaving a message. I only needed to rent an accessory instead of a whole lens and they were willing to work with me unlike the other camera store.Great experience, great customer service

I cant say enough about the job these folks did for our family. We had many reels of 8mm film converted to DVD and the end result was absolutely amazing!!!! The care and thought put into the organization and particularly the added music was such a pleasant surprise. And the folks that work in the Arboretum location were fantastic during the entire process. Highly recommend Cardinal Camera for any type of photo or video products and services. Thank you again, Cardinal Camera!!!!!

Your store hours says you are open. I drove down here and your neon sign says you are open. It is 6.50 on Tuesday. The door is locked. There are no updated hours on the door. Are Yall even open for business? Thanks for the wasted trip. Everyone who has money to spend still has a job. Open later not close earlier....Update, it is Sunday at 4:15...they are closed. I think they are not open anymore.

We pre-ordered the very sought after Sony A7SIII a few days late with another camera retailer. Basically meaning we weren’t going to get one any time soon knowing the demand. I ended up cancelling my order with the other company and decided to call around to local camera stores to see if they had any different availability. I called Cardinal Camera and the owner answered. He was extremely nice over the phone, and basically told me that he can get me the camera by the next week because he’s getting a shipment of them in. Yes... the legendary and elusive A7S III.Needless to say, my company and I are very impressed his company has succeeded where so many others failed. We will be absolutely purchasing from Cardinal Camera in the future 👌🏻If you need camera equipment and think it might be out of reach.. give Cardinal a call.

I reached out to these guys while trying to find a lens that was sold out everywhere else, even at the big box stores. They had it ready for me the next day. Very Cool much appreciated!

I walked in ready to purchase a lens for my nikon camera. Both associates were helping other customers so I stood at the counter in front of the lenses and waited my turn. Two Caucasian people came in after me. The gentlemen at the counter walked past me and offered assistance to one of the customers who said they were looking around, and then the other before acknowledging me. He told me he would assist me after he took care of the other lady.I definitely will not spend any money on this place. I walked out never to return. It was my first time there. I dont tolerate racism. Sorry

Pleasant customer service is not available

Guys here are fantastic! Worked extremely efficiently! Much better than best buy.

Nice staff. Great place to get film developed.

Highly Recommend for outstanding customer service. Best Camera Shop East of the Mississippi.

Great service and knowable and friendly staff. I bought the wrong tri-pod. Went back the next day and explained what I was looking for. They showed me what they had that would fit my needs and exchanged the one I had with no issues. I will return for my future camera needs.

This place has won my full trust and heart in Charlotte lol 3,000 plus files lost due to corrupted SD card. Went to many places and was told they weren’t able to recover anything or like Best Buy told me they could possibly get at least 50% of my files back for a small price of $2,000 dollars! Went to cardinal camera as my last hope. For less than $100 they recovered all my files. I had watery eyes. Glad he didn’t notice lol but True camera specialist. Very hospitable from beginning to end and were happy to help. Would recommend to come here first for any camera needs. Thanks guys.

This place charged me a 20% restocking fee because when I requested a refund, 10 days after purchase, the otherwise intact camera packaging did not include a strap. I do not recall seeing a strap in the box initially, however, I was happy to have the cost of the strap deducted from my refund. Instead, they charged me the 20%. Buy from Adorama, B & H, or Amazon to avoid this nonsense. By all means, avoid this store and this company. There is such a thing as customer goodwill, and this day and time repeat business and happy customers are the only way to stay in business. The owners representative told me to Write as many reviews as you want. I have been in business 80 years. It wont shut my doors. Okay. Awesome. But, I do feel better.

Stopped by to get some film processed and scanned. Staff was super nice and got everything done quickly. Got the scans today and theyre wonderful. Fast and affordable. Student discount is also a plus. Definitely going to be my go to spot to get my color film developed.

Very helpful staff. We were buying a new camera and they took the time to explain the difference in the type of cameras we were looking for. They were not pushy and were glad to let us go discuss and happy to help us just the same when we came back. The also offer classes to teach you how to use that piece of equipment you just bought! Definitely worth going to the store and buying local.

This is one of the last two real camera stores in Charlotte. You wont be disappointed when you visit.

Great store. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Great deals on all photography related equipment and supplies. Highly recommended.

Cardinal is run by people who care. They are simply amazing. They are very professional (not just store clerks), very knowledgeable and will treat you like family. I normally browse products I want on Amazon then go to Cardinal and buy them. They are that awesome! Great selection and competitive pricing.

They were able to recover 3600 photos from a damaged camera card.

Service is great! Attended my first class today and learned about studio lighting with Tony. Beyond demystifying using off camera lighting, Learned exact items I need to capture a shot i have been working on. I love a brick and mortar store with attentive staff. Prices normally beat online. B&H is my pilgrimage site, Cardinal is my home.

Just left this place and was very impressed. Very helpful and knowledgeable service. They gave me a deal from a sale that I didnt know about and wasnt even an active sale until the next day.

Cardinal Camera goes above and beyond to help their customers. Ive NEVER had better customer service in my life. If I need something, even after hours, Ill get a call back. THIS is what keeps people coming back, and I will always go to Cardinal from now on.

Friendly + helpful staff. Just bought a Canon 5d iii here for $400 less than the Amazon price! Very happy with my experiences here.

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. They took time to answer my questions and make helpful suggestions. Overall, pleasant shopping/purchasing experience

Mike was great he helped us find a great camera with competitive prices. He didnt try to sell us what we didnt want or need. Thanks for a great first shopping experience with Cardinal camera! I highly recommend these experienced professionals!

Awesome place i love the opportunity to attend the classes. Tony is an awesome teacher and loves to answer your questions.

Absolutely phenomenal customer service! As a first time camera buyer, Tony told me exactly what I needed and was extremely honest about quality, price, and other accessories. Truly a store that is in the business for the love of photography. Would recommend to anyone to purchase a camera from here!

Super nice people to deal with. I bought a new Olympus camera, and Johnathan was great at going over the details of the camera and making sure it was set up with everything that I needed.

Buyer beware! Do not order prints on line from Cardinal! They will take your order and not print the prints. Do not pay for the prints up front!!! Also prices are wrong on the web site. You will be charged about 25% more than the listed price.

Participated in one of the stores photography classes. Great instructor. Great teaching on getting the most out of your camera.

Dont be duped into going to a manufacturers training seminar here. Sony was supposed to be putting on a BEGINNER class for Sony mirrorless cameras. It was ALL sales pitch, just talking about their high end products, the features of their cameras (which most people there had their Sony camera with them so we already knew these features existed as we decided to buy their camera to start with, WE WANTED TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE THEM!!!!).Unbelievably the Sony Rep said after 20 minutes of general feature sales pitch & moving to individual cameras... I am going to start with my high end products so I can tell you later that the lower end ones dont have these features... . WHAT!?!? No value to this class in learning your camera for beginners. Sony and Cardinal lost major points for wasting our time.

Appreciated Tonys assistance and recommendation while looking for a new camera bag

When i was shopping for this particular camera, I was in a bit of problem. I needed this camera before i would leave for my trip to India. I called cardinal camera, and Michael answered the call, he was truly a godsend. He was patience with me, I had to terminate the call for different reason and to call him call him (this happened 5 times maybe more), but he remained patient, treated me courteously. After the purchase was final he was prompt with sending me invoice/shipping information as well, and I received the camera way before my travel starts.Finally I want to say thank you to Michael, one more time. Thanks Michael

The best camera store in the area!!!

The customer service at this place sucks. I’ve been here a few times and every time I stand around without being asked if I need any help. Next time I want to buy a $2000 Cannon L series lens I will just go to Biggs near downtown. So much better service.

This is a small camera store in a strip mall. They carry Canon, Nikon, and Sony; SLR and P&S. It smelled like they still develop film, but I didnt investigate. The salesmen were not the friendliest, but theyre also not pushy, and I wasnt terribly outgoing that day either. I just stopped by since I was in the neighborhood and wanted to check it out. I wasnt set on buying anything specific. I think they had some used lenses, but not a huge selection of items like some larger shops. The selection of tripods on display was rather small as well. In conclusion, I say go here and support your local businesses.

Great quality prints! Much better than any other option in town. My go to when I am in a pinch and need prints fast.

[UPDATED early 2018]I’ve now been a loyal customer of Cardinal Camera for nearly 5 years and still think very highly of them. I’ve spent a rather large 😳😳😳😎sum of money with them on camera gear for my dental office and my personal photography hobby at this point, and they keep demonstrating why I keep coming back - great service and support. They helped me get both a Canon 11-24mm f/4 (with a Sigma MC-11 Adapter for Sony) and the Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 OSS GM on short notice last year when I needed them quickly before a landscape photo workshop in the Grand Canyon.===============[Original 2015 Review]Since moving to the south side of Charlotte from Huntersville back in 2013, Cardinal Camera has become my go-to store. The convenience is a no-brainer since its less than 10 minutes from my house, but the service, experience, selection, and prices there are very good. Before them, I would buy stuff from B&H Photo up in NYC, but theres simply no need to do that any more. If I need something they dont have, they can get it for me promptly or tell me where to get it at a great price if its something not available through Cardinal at all.As an example: in early Oct. 2015, I was considering a switch from a Canon 5D3 to the Sony a7R2, but I wanted to know how it actually felt in my hand, try the lenses, etc. On a rather busy Friday afternoon, they spent almost an hour with me, even though I told them up front that I was NOT buying a camera that day. They pulled the body out, a spare adapter so I could try my Canon lenses on it, walked me through the menus, talked about the differences with the viewfinder, pros and cons of Sony and Canon sensors, etc. Bear in mind, Id already done a lot of online research first, so we were talking the more nuanced details of dynamic range, resolution, and the fun goodies, not just basics. A full hour of their time and attention (of course I stepped back when they had customers who needed help and were making real purchases) with no guarantee that I would buy anything. THAT is what I call service.And naturally, when I was able to sell my 5D3 faster than expected, I headed straight for Cardinal Camera 2 weeks later and bought my Sony a7R2 from them. When it comes time to buy additional lenses, flashes, etc., Cardinal Camera will be where I buy them.Very competitive prices compared to B&H, great selection, helpful guys whove been there for years and know my name when I walk in, highly knowledgeable....whats not to like?

Amazing people and genuinely really helpful with all my camera, videos and electronic needs

Very helpful. Everyone I have worked with gives honest answers to my questions and never pressures me to buy anything. I am very happy doing business with this store.

Great place, very friendly and knowledgeable. I will be back soon!

The staff is knowledgeable and professional. They always go the extra mile to take care of their customers. You can never get this kind of personalized service online. The prices are always competitive and they will almost always beat the reputable Internet guys. The selection is great and on the rare case they are out of stock on something, they can generally get it in as quick as you could order it online. Kudos to Tony. Michael and the whole team. [Over the past few years Ive bought from Cardinal Camera a Nikon D600, Nikon D3200, Nikon D750, Panasonic Lumix GH4, numerous lenses and accessories. ]

Really nice staff and store to go too.

Shop personnel very knowledgable about the various cameras and how they would be used for different applications.The buy back program they had this weekend was a fair deal due to the fact they explained why your equipment was worth what they offerred (no pressure) and they gave you the option of store credit (a bit more than cash) or cash in hand.

I bought 2 camera lens. Gentleman was very nice and helpful.

All was just almost fantastic except could use more sales and off inhouse better warranties!

Would like to thank the techs at Cardinal Camera for their help in fixing my camera, fortunately it was an easy fix with just the settings needing reprogramed but they did not make me feel like I was foolish for not being able to figure it out and explained what was wrong and how to fix it. Thanks. Friendly and extremely helpful. Will recommend to others

The Absolute worst place to do business. I will never shop here again. They have you purchased items for your camera that don’t fit just to get a sale. Please take my advice and DO NOT shop here.

Great local camera store! Every time I have been in, whether I was purchasing or not, they have always been friendly and helpful. Not to mention a great selection!

Great range and knowledgeable staff. I came here because they stock Panasonic Lumix cameras, the only place in Charlotte I could find them. They have Nikon and Sony too.

Horrible customer service. They treat you like crap. The guy literally walked out and took a smoke break while I was interested in buying a camera. I took my business to best buy and received much better customer service.

Knowledgeable and helpful staff. Small storefront but they also offer quality printing, so thats a plus.

Family owned camera shop, one of only two camera shops still in existence in Charlotte. Superb staff is very helpful.

Easy to ask questions of and got good answers.Very knowledgeable.

Bought my camera there. Staff is helpfull.

Its a rare sight to find a professional camera shop in todays world of next day shipping and megastores. I was extremely fortunate to find Cardinal Camera. I was interested in learning more about the new Sony A7R II and the associate that helped me was very knowledgable both on the body and lenses. While I didnt end up liking the original lens that I purchased, I was able to exchange it for a better model no questions asked. The shop is well stocked with most anything your average to prosumer could want. Extremely courteous folks. The way any business should be run. Well done.

The staff at Cardinal Camera is super friendly and knowledgeable. They have a great selection of cameras and accessories that will satisfy beginner photographers and professionals alike.

Rude and unprofessional! The printing quality is not any better then Walmart

Not just unrivaled knowledge and selection, but also the nicest people ever. Amazing customer service!

Great personal service to satisfy my needs yet always willing to give valuable suggestions.

Called ahead to confirm items in stock for purchase, drove all the way across town, and then find out items are NOT in stock once getting to store... And now too late to try Biggs... just buy online folks or try Biggs if live in Charlotte (if can get there by 6pm during week). Very poor service

Great camera store. The staff actually knows what theyre talking about and dont just read you what the box says on it, like some big box stores.

Customer Service? You should be advertising Customer Disrespect!My husband went to the Arboretum Store on Labor Day to check out a specific camera in which he had an interst. Once he located the store (a 45 min. drive from home), he approached a sales person on duty. Of course, this person could not answer his specific questions; someone else was the expert for that product. So the sales clerk went to find this person in the back office only to return and say hes busy eating lunch right now, but will come out when hes finished his lunch! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! (A lie would have been a better thing to hear than this!)When Mr. Expert finally appeared to help my husband 20 minutes later, he could not have been more rude...no attempt made at being polite, constantly correcting my husbands conversational use of camera model numbers without real purpose...no, its not model # ru486 but #486ru... translated as please let me tell you Im smart, youre dumb. Really? Do you treat customers like that?Well, after Mr. Camera Expert finished talking, my husband left without purchasing the new $2000 camera package...After that interaction with Mr. Cardinal Camera Expert, my husband decided that an online purchase of the same camera equipment could be made without encountering disrepect and ignorance. We got it yesterday from FedEx.Why write this today? I picked up my morning paper and was disgusted to even see the name of this store. Mr. Owner(s): Stop wasting your money on full page N&O Ads...until you can provide service for customers, quit looking for customers.

Excellence camera store with very knowledgeable sales staff.

Beginner, looking for a solid, but not overstuffed DSLR by Nikon. Looking for a package deal: box, 3-4 lenses, two (2) 64GB/600X write speed cards, case, book/DVD, etc. The works. Went on line for something like 4-5 days, 2 hrs per day. Found 3 great package deals on East coast (I live in Charlotte, NC). Totals for a huge goody bag containing all the sub items + D3200 was around $800. Great $150 tripod, strap for camera, 4 lenses (including a Nikor 300mm). 4 filters,I had passed by this Cardinal store for 11 years in Charlotte. Its next to the Walmart where I go most every week. I said, what the hell. I walked in, spoke with a guy, he told me to email him my inventory list from the others and he could match or do better. I sent him the inventory with no price(s). About 2 days later I was picking up my D3200 kit. He charged me $580. I also got 4 weeks of DSLR classes on Tue nites for free.Anyhow, they pretty much are my go to guys, unless I can really save a buck elsewhere.

Cardinal Camera does not repair cameras. They box it up and send it off to be repaired for $25. Seems like a bit of false advertising.

Great staff and customer service!

Great experience, very helpful and love the free classes they offer when you buy the camera there

I had the best experience buying a tripod. Very friendly!

Knowledgeable staff. Fair prices.

Great selection, very knowledgeable and competitive pricing

No organization at all. Staff is super unprofessional and unpleasant. Honestly don’t understand how this store is even open.