I've been a Biggs customer since the 90's. I always gotten great advice and direction on all my camera needs. They where my obvious choice when I had a scan disc I couldn't down load the pictures from. I called and was told just bring it in. They have a device they can check if the pictures are retrievable. I did just that. I was greeted promptly by a very friendly young lady. She put my disc in the computer to verify it was not downloadable and advised me she would have to do a little more work on retrieving them. She was taking my info when a man walked up and ask a few questions and said we can't help you. The disc is corrupt and its probably a loss. He gave me a pamphlet for a company out west who specializes in this kind of thing. I called them and they told me the retrieval would start at $900. I about had a heart attack. I simply could not afford that but the pictures where so important to me, they where of my oldest brother with our family. My brother leaves in MO and is very sick. I probably will not see him alive again. The man on the phone ask a few questions and told me I should visit another camera store which I promptly did. I visited Cardinal Camera and they had all my pictures on a scan disc within two hours. I am deeply disappointed in Biggs but happy I found a new place to do business!!!! Thank you Cardinal Camera for owning my problem!!!! read more

Funny how small businesses owners and/or managers are often so unconcerned about how much their attitude affects a customer's experience in their store. This has been especially true of my every visit to this store. You'd think the people who own and/or manage a local business would be focused on building relationships. You know? Being friendly, nice, helpful and engaging? After all, most of what they sell can be bought on Amazon, or from other online retailers, for less -- often much less! So if the personalized service they give isn't why a customer chooses to do business with them, then how can they expect to stay in business? And it's worth noting that most local retailers don't make stay in business long term these days. So it's a given that surviving as a local business is a challenge. So, it would seem that a key tactic to building and maintaining a local retail business would be building personal relationships with the people who come into your store. But, as is so often the case, the people at Cardinal Camera at the Arboretum are unfriendly, dismissive, aloof and condescending -- to the max! Every person I've interacted with in this store is the same! Which makes me believe that their boss sets the tone, and passes it down to all of his/her employees. If the owner/manager wanted it to be different, it would be, period. They would find qualified people who alway are able to relate to customers better, period. If they cared enough! Don't expect to get anything from anyone in this store except rude, dismissive behavior. They talk to you like you're suppose know everything about all of their merchandise, as if anyone less than a professional photographer isn't welcome in the store, and act like it's an inconvenience to answer any question. And because NONE of the merchandise has price tags, you're stuck asking these rude people every time you want to know how much more you'll need to pay to buy from them. And it's always more. Not always a lot more. But, what a pain it is to patronize this store!! I've stopped shopping here. Even if I have to wait for delivery, I'll buy from Amazon, B&H or Adorama before giving them any of my business ever again!! read more

The person who helped me showed me a Sony point and shoot camera he had in stock. I asked how that camera compared to the Sony RX100 V. He stated that this was a lower model than the one he had and that he was willing to give it to me for $500 with the SD card. I have since researched and gone to other camera stores. He lied to me to try to make a sale. The Sony RX100V is superior to the one he wanted to sell me and it runs $999. I assume he did not have the RX100 V so he tried to sell me what he had. He kept talking about what a large zooming capability the one he carried has. Disgusted in the lack of honesty and I would not recommend this store to anyone. SD cards are better prices on Amazon or Best Buy as well. read more

I have to change my review. While I received great attention when I went in the battery they should have had in stock was never ordered after my request so I had to order from Amazon to get the battery before my trip. Not reliable followup. I also bought an expensive lens while on my trip: no point asking Cardinal Camera to get stock when they lack adequate inventory themselves. read more

The Cardinal may be the State bird, but it's certainly not my camera store. I'm a full time professional photographer and I had an hour to kill between shoots the other day so I stopped by. The selection is very meager and the very small array of professional lighting and other supplies was priced way too high. Worse yet was the attitude of the staff. The one guy that stopped long enough to ask if he could help me refused to make eye contact and answered my questions in monosyllabic grunts while pretending to straighten up the displays. When I asked about a particular item (a Pocketwizard) he said they could order it. Wake up and smell the internet. I can order it from Amazon and have it delivered to my house tomorrow! I buy sell and trade a lot of used equipment and their selection was very small and again the salesman refused to engage me in a conversation about used gear. From now on, I'll fly somewhere else for my photography needs and leave this Cardinal in its nest. read more

Very disappointed. Have bought a bunch of stuff there to help the local shop out- then went in to have one old photo scanned. I did not have a thumb drive with me at the time and she said I can do it now and put it on a disk. Went to pay for it and it was $4.99 (99 cents for the scanning $4.00 for the disc) REALLY? She did not tell me it was that much before she did it - I am about to buy a Cannon 70D and guess where I will not buy it? Hello big box store - there is a reason why the small guys are going out of business! read more

Great store!! We bought a used Canon Rebel for our daughter for Christmas. The salesman was extremely knowledgable and helpful and we got a great deal. Included were four weeks of camera classes, exploring all aspects of taking good pictures using the features of your camera. My daughter is learning a lot and feeling more confident in her picture taking. Here's what I love most about this store. When the camera stopped reading the memory card unexpectedly my daughter was very upset, thinking that repairs would be expensive. We went to the store and they said that they give a one year warranty for all their cameras. They even gave her a newer Canon Rebel with lots of upgrades **for free** to replace the broken one! I highly recommend this store. read more

Horrible seller! I ordered a Tamron lens and they charged $779, never shipped. order cancelled, and they were supposed to give me refund and they never did. Then I've to file a dispute through Credit card company. read more

Fast shipping, great customer service. I was wary after I purchased because I read a negative review about shipping delays and my item got delayed, but they made up for it by giving me 2-day shipping. I would definitely buy from them again. read more

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 read more

Good store and pretty good product line. Went to the store thinking high end Canon or Nikon DSLR, but after speaking with Tony got better camera and better value in Sony A9 Mark II mirrorless. Great camera. With savings, was able to get an extra lens. Really appreciated the instruction, help with setup for my sports photography special interest, and follow-up. Good recommendations on tripod, high capacity SD cards, other accessories. Everyone I have spoken with in the store has been helpful. I live two hours away, but this is now my go-to place for help and supplies. read more

Everyone at Cardinal is knowledgeable and helpful. As a teacher at the high school nearby, I work with our yearbook photographers. Cardinal has been supportive in helping us get good gear for our students, offering classes and support, etc. And any time I need anything for my own craft, I know I can call Tony or Jonathan and they will help me out - anything from getting a camera shipped from their Philly store to renting lenses on occasion. I prefer to shop local and support small business when I can and with it comes people with industry knowledge and relationships. I love Cardinal Camera! read more

Had never heard of them before I started looking for a digital camera. Have been in a number of times, had a 16"x20" print made there, and they have always been top notch in terms of customer service, knowledgeable, and just taking time out to answer questions. Fantastic team there, and highly recommend them to any one. read more

Not helpful at all! I went into Cardinal Camera with the hopes of purchasing a tripod for my iPhone 6 plus. It was not busy at all but the sales clerk did NOT seem interested in helping me at all. When I asked about a product his reply was, "it says that it fits most phones. You'll have to bring your phone in." I told him I had my phone, he said, "ok" and walked off! I left because it was obvious that he didn't want my business. read more

First visit to buy a camera bag and a wrist strap. The staff was helpful. The store had a good selection of bags and were willing to price match Amazon. The salesman answered multiple questions I had and showed me a few items I may be interested in. Prices are high as compared to online prices. I left happy. read more

My 10 year old Canon Rebel was not working. Cardinal Camera could have charged me because I know nothing about cameras and had no idea it was just the settings. They showed me what was wrong and did not charge me a penny. read more

Cardinal Camera Charlotte is an awesome camera store in Charlotte, NC. Every time I go into this store I am greeted by friendly employees who are super nice and helpful. Tony Ulchar and his staff are very knowledgeable and explain all of their cameras and accessories in a language that even beginners can understand. I highly recommend Cardinal Camera Charlotte to anyone who is in need of photography gear or advice ! read more

My camera wouldn't work. I took it here thinking it needed to be cleaned. Boy, was I wrong! An onsite technician and Jonathan both advised me it would cost $300 to repair. I wanted to cry. BUT they had a used Nikon that would use all of my attachments for only $100! Jonathan was kind enough to move my camera strap and all other paraphernalia to my new camera. I got my camera back! I had a wonderful experience here. I highly recommend them! read more

The one thing I hate about camera stores these days? Men who act like photography is an old man club. Now, these men don't have to be old in age...they are old in attitude. I hate to say it, but this is why Amazon and Adorama are doing so well. Adorama's customer service is incredible and I never have to set foot in a Cardinal Camera store! Also, their opinion on lenses is pretty bad. I rented a lens, realized it was very low quality, and when I returned it I voiced my displeasure. Rather than offering me a refund, or a store credit, or even an apology, I got a look of disgust, and that was it. I won't be returning unless I am in the biggest bind of my life. Even then, I'll probably just postpone my photo shoot and order what I need online! read more

Horrible customer service!! Went in to look at purchasing a new or used lens. My son was interested in looking at a new or used camera & lens! They were too busy taking inventory and fixing some other broken equipment they ignored us. When my husband asked about dropping the price of a used lens one of the store clerks rudely said no! That's fine if you aren't interested in dropping a price but you don't have to be so damn rude. Or what about showing us some other equipment you have, didn't happen! I was going to buy a new lens because I thought it was a better deal than the used one they were selling but given the crappy customer service I'll spend my money at B&H or even Best Buy for that matter, even they have better customer service... read more

Ruined my winter vacation. The sales staff is pleasant and helpful. Not so with the manager. Rude and obnoxious. I bought a Tamron lens just prior to setting off to Florida. The lens was defective and Cardinal sent it to Tamron for repair. The repair didn't help so I called Cardinal and requested to return the lens and buy a replacement. Answer "NO - we're a small store and if we did replacements we'd go out of business". Now my lens & camera are with Tamron to check the poor focusing problem. So, I'm stuck without without the ability to take any pictures. Lesson learned - buy all your stuff from B & H, or Adorama. I won't make that mistake again. read more

I only come here because it's close the prices are higher by 100 on almost everything I was looking into sigma art that runs for 900 they were selling it for over 1k and told me they need to call to confirm that's how much sigma sells them for got it at b&h for 799$ , also so looking to seek my A77II that I got here with low shutter count for offered 400$ with 3 lenses that I got it with, as far as customer service one short guy with glasses is a butthole always rude thinks he knows everything there is to know on the other hand the tall man with dark hair is great very helpful always explains why and what and where and how doesn't make a constipated face if you don't buy the item read more

Just bought a Fuji x-t10. I vitiated the store on several occasions trying to decided which camera I wanted. I was always welcomed and the salesman spent lots of time with us. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. Like others, I prefer to support the local businesses. Their prices are higher but they are also able to negotiate a better deal. I love to shop Amazon but it's nicer to be able to touch and feel first hand. If they are willing to spend time with me, they also deserve my support. read more

I love Cardinal Camera! I go here each holiday season to get my Christmas cards edited and printed. Everyone is so helpful. One year, I wasn't happy with the result after printing over 100 photos; the man behind the counter offered to correct, free of charge. Although I had to wait another little bit, I was a happy customer at the end and continue to use Cardinal Camera for my photo printing needs. read more

Cardinal Camera has a staff that can't be beat. They really care about people. I have been purchasing products from them for about two years now. Every transaction has been fantastic.....even when I had an issue with gear, they have never failed to go above and beyond to help me. They know cameras, they know lenses, they know filters, lighting and gear. When I'm being very specific they always find a way to help me. In my opinion they really are the best camera store in Charlotte. I live in Concord and drive there for almost everything I need. It's such a long drive I have to plan a day to do so. Whether I've gone in to just browse, buy something new or with an issue I have they are always extremely helpful. read more

I needed to replace a camera recently, and did quite a bit of research online. Amazon and BandH both were great resources, providing many user reviews and sample photos. What they couldn't do was let me actually hold a camera in my hands. I stopped in to the BandH superstore on a recent trip to NYC, and while I was able to touch a few things, the salesman answered my questions by looking things up on the BandH website - not much help there. I ended up looking at the Cardinal Camera at the Arboretum, on the way to the HT. On my first visit I was able to get some good questions answered, or at least information that led to additional online research. My second visit, they let me take a camera outside and take some pictures. Once I made a decision about what I wanted, I went back again to see if Cardinal would match the online prices. They not only matched the prices for the camera kit, but they beat the online prices for accessories. It's not like they upsold me a bunch of stuff either, I ended up buying things that I already had sitting in my Amazon cart. So, five stars for excellent service combined with competitive pricing. read more

I am a professional photographer and this is my go to camera store! I make sure to get all of my equipment here. The guys are so helpful and knowledgeable - I wouldn't go anywhere else read more

I called the store to ask questions about a new camera that had just been released. They told me I could come in and try out any demos they had available. The staff is very friendly and helpful with any questions you may have. I was able to make my mind up on a camera purchase from my actual hands-on experience with each camera I was interested in instead of just reading reviews online. I am looking forward to using their photo services. read more