These guys really know their stuff and they take care of their customers. Sure, you can probably go online and beat their prices by a few bucks but you'll be hard pressed to find any online retailer that knows as much about photography gear or cares if you bought the right item. Whenever I have a technical question and the manual doesn't help, I check with guys at Competitive Cameras. They always have an answer. No matter how simple the solution, they never treat me like I'm stupid. If I'm thinking about spending a lot of money on something they sell, but they think there's a better and more cost effective solution, they don't hesitate to tell me. They really are more interested in me being a happy customer than simply making a sale. These guys are all about servicing pro photographers and amateurs who want to become better photographers. Don't bother if you're looking for a $99.00 point and shoot or simply kicking the tires and sucking all their knowledge so you can go home and order it online. If this is you, then you're in the wrong place. They've been in the business a long time and can see right through you! My guess is most of the people who are writing negative reviews here are just those kinds of consumer. I, like many of my friends who shop at Competitive Cameras, don't mind paying a few bucks over mail order because of their service before and after the sale. I've never had buyer's remorse after purchasing products from Competitive. A great example of that service was when I recently took my D4 in to have the sensor cleaned. While Eugene was cleaning it he discovered a bit of moisture and wasn't able to get it all cleared out. He went ahead and cleaned the sensor but didn't charge me a penny. He told me what he had found and suggested he send it to Nikon for service. The other camera shops in town would have charged me and never told me about the moisture. Another reason I only shop at Competitive Cameras is because they always have what I'm looking for in stock. You won't find a better-stocked photo shop. But sorry, they don't sell cutesy picture frames. Add it all up, service before and after the sale, honesty, product knowledge, and the amazing selection of items in stock, it's worth every penny. read more

I went to look for the store number and came across these reviews. I am a bit surprise that I saw a couple of low ratings because there is NO store in nowhere in North Texas like Competitive. I have been going to to Competitive for many years now and am very pleased with the prices and the people. Everyone is very helpful and the prices have always been either the same or relatively close to the online prices. The only difference is when you buy online, you don't get the help and instruction after you receive your equipment. When purchasing a camera you really need someone you can talk to and ask questions. Regarding the review about Scott, this one took me for a loop. I had the pleasure of meeting Scott during a visit around the holidays and he was nothing but nice. He was very nice to everyone he was talking to. He told me that he was new to the store and a aspiring photographer. He may not know as much as Ramsey and Eugene, but he knows a lot more than some idiots out there. If you felt like you were not getting the advice that you needed, then you should have asked for one of the other guys to help. There is no reason to bash a guy because he doesn't give you the advice that you want. Obviously if he is new, he's not going to have the knowledge that the rest of them do. We all have to start somewhere. I know when I first started with my photography, I had no idea what I was doing. These guys helped me tremendously. When I wanted to go into photography, I was recommended this place by many people. It is the best photo store around. Don't bother with online or any other place. You'll regret it later. read more

I've always hated talking to people... Especially, when it comes to buying electronics. I hate the small talk, the constant probing, the pressure to "BUY NOW" for fear I'd miss out on a killer deal, the invasion of my personal bubble, empty conversations not worth having because who has time for that? ...Hello, my name is Kat and-- yes. I am an online shopper... It wasn't until I needed a Nikon D810 on the day, that I entered into Competitive Camera for the very first time. I naturally did my online research 1st... I Googled a camera store and boom Competitive Camera popped up. Read the reviews, looked at the store photos, looked at their website... Facebook etc. and thought ok, let's do this! I can't remember exactly how it all went down, but-- since that day, I've been a loyal customer, you'll basically see me there on a weekly basis annoying the guys with "stupid" beginner questions, renting gear or like showing them my really cool anamorphic lens from Moment. They seem a little rough around the edges but, I promise there's a really sweet nougaty side to them that you'll learn to love and more importantly trust. They'll price match and will get you the right gear for your price-point. You get knowledgeable, 101 Customer Service, a brick and mortar shop where you can walk in and out of with top notch equipment same day. Will not shop anywhere else for my equipment! Thanks guys (This is how much I love you, I reactivated my Yelp account...) #KattyWasHere read more

I was visiting my sons in Dallas for the holidays. I needed to have the sensor cleaned/checked out on my Nikon D7100. I had tried to find someone to do this in Kansas City for over a year but all shops that did this in the past were out of business. I looked on line in the Dallas area and saw that Competitive Cameras still had a service department. Also my son had purchased items from Competitive Cameras in the past and was very happy with the customer service. My first day in Dallas was Christmas Eve and decided to check with them and possibly pick it up before I left town the next weekend. I arrived at 12:30, they were closing at 3:00, and Eugene took a quick look and told me to stop back at 2:00 to pick it up. Wow..... We came back at around 1:30 and I was told it was cleaned and ready for pick up. A lot of junk on the sensor that was cleaned and checked out. This was amazing not only for the quick turnaround but I had been told by a supposed camera store in Kansas City that there wasn't anything on the sensor and that the spots I was seeing were hot pixels. I had been masking those spots for a long time. Eugene was super super nice and did not disappoint. I would encourage anyone in the Dallas area looking for any type of camera repair or new products to visit Competitive Cameras. I know that in the future I will be making my purchases through them either online or when visiting Dallas. Thanks so much Eugene. read more

Did my research on cameras and lenses online and Barnes and Noble's Photography section. Once I made my decision, I then shopped online for prices at two of the most famous mail order firms (B&H and Adorama). Then did something I would really recommend to everyone who has not bought an expensive camera in a while; talk to a professional photographer. I ran into one during a shoot he was doing. As he was continuing to work, he was kind enough to tell me where he shops for equipment and the pluses and minuses of each. He buys a great deal online but when he needs something fast he heads to Competitive Camera. He said, "often their price is the same or better than the online prices". Armed with the information I collected I headed to Competitive. When I arrived the place was packed with people. When my turn came, I asked to see the camera I'd picked out to purchase and was surprised to find the price was $6.00 less than the online folks and I didn't have to wait a week to receive it. The fact that I had to pay sales tax was offset by not having to pay shipping. It was probably the original owners son that helped me and the fact that they were busy had nothing to do with the level of service I received which was excellent. I left with my new camera and a good feeling that I was dealing with retailers who know their products well. Have been back a couple of times since and each visit has been a positive experience. read more

I've never been so insulted in my life as when I recently shopped here. I've been a professional photographer for more than 20 years. I've traveled around the world for fashion, beauty and commercial photography. Recently I was in Dallas and needed a few bits and pieces for a lighting setup. As I was browsing through their selection (quite small by large city camera shop standards), a salesperson started to push me to buy some things I didn't need. He treated me like an idiot. He also spent a good deal of time staring at my breasts. Really? This wasn't a pickup bar, it was a store and he worked there, and I was a customer! Then he proceeded to start a condescending argument and obviously thought I had no clue about anything related to photography. Finally, DISGUSTED, I walked out (and called my friends at BH Photo and what I needed overnighted to my hotel, for less than this place would've charged.) On my way out I passed another door that leads to their backroom. I overheard at least two other employees talk about how they 'got one over' on another customer, whom they identified with a derogatory racial term. I have no place in my life for the type of sexist, misogynist, bigoted racists that seem to own and work at this place. I'll never go back, and neither should anyone else. read more

I have been shopping at Competitive Camera for about 6 years now. The staff is extremely knowledgeable with many brands of camera gear. They stock most brands of DSLR, Mirrorless Cameras as well as Point and Shoots. The best part of going here is that they are very straight forward as to what works best for your genre and style of shooting. In addition, they typically have in stock what I need which really helps. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. I wouldn't even consider going anywhere else in the Dallas Ft Worth Metroplex as these guys know their stuff and typically have it in stock. I understand they also have an extensive rental department of cameras, lenses and lighting equipment. The other thing that is great about this store is that they have in stock all the other items a photographer needs such as bags, tripods, lighting equipment/modifiers, backgrounds, gels, all sizes of memory cards, paper, ink, printers and all the other little stuff that is hard or impossible to find locally, even film! As a photographer Competitive Camera is my main source. I can't imagine going anywhere else! read more

Simply put, Competitive Cameras is the best of the best. Their inventory, product knowledge, customer service, and pricing is the best in the industry. I have been doing business with them for over 29 years. Not once have I been dissatisfied or disappointed when I needed them to aid in the success of my business. Their huge inventory of all the major brands, (including accessories) competitive pricing along with a hands on approach to customer service/loyalty has inspired me and other regulars to recommend them as the primary choice for all photography/video needs whether amateur or professional. If they don't have it, they can get it for you in a timely manner. Product knowledge and service AFTER the sale is extremely important to ALL consumers and this family owned business excels at both. Eugene, Ramsey, Robert and Scott will go the extra mile to ensure you get exactly what you need, when you need it, and usually at a better price than the big online retailers. read more

I discovered Competitive Camera several years ago after buying from other local stores and some online sources. Local camera sources that carry quality products are getting few and far between. Every item I have purchased from them have been quality products. Cameras and lens normally out of stock in many places are available there. A place where I can go and see the products and get great advice has a value to me. If they don't think I need something they tell me even if it means missing the sale. I had a focus problem with my D800 I purchased there and with no questions asked took the camera in for repair and assured me it would be made right one way or another. I like these guys more and more with each visit. Called their store about buying a lens during our recent inclement weather and was told they could courier the lens to me at no charge. That kind of service is rare these days. Tom Oliver Frisco, TX read more

A friend took me here a few years ago, and I've never purchased equipment for my business elsewhere since. Ramsey, Eugene and their entire staff make you feel like family when you come in the store. Even though I'm only in the store 3-4 times per year, they remember my last purchase and ask how it's working out for me. Probably because Eugene is extremely patient with me when I make a purchase, and goes through everything with me to ensure I get the most out of it. Ramsey is "retired", but seems to always be in the store working every time I visit. That tells me that he loves what he does. He also enjoys showing off pictures of his beautiful grandchildren! These guys truly build relationships with their customers, and always go the extra mile to take care of your needs. Thank you both for always exceeding my expectations! Bill Carter read more

I am from India, and was in Dallas for work when I visited Competitive Cameras. I had, in fact, emailed them from India and asked them to keep some gear that I wanted to purchase. The response was prompt and on arriving at the store, my lens was all ready for me to pick up. I also got some great advice while I was there and bought another lens and a tripod after a short discussion. The store has a lot of equipment and most, if not all, of the top brands. The staff is also extremely knowledgeable and give superb service. And to top it off, they even had me dropped to where I was going next as it was my first time in Dallas. And it was a good 15-20 minute ride, and just done out of pure goodness of heart. Amazing store, and in a time of corporates and online stores - we need more stores like this one! read more

After visiting several camera stores in the area we should have started here. The staff from the moment we arrived were friendly and very helpful to us. They spent all the time needed to have us feel comfortable with our purchase decision. Scott took really good care of us. A couple of days later I had an issue and thought that i had damaged the camera. Made a trip back to the store and Eugene was there. He even let me in before the actual store hours. He was very gracious and took care of my issue and let me know I didn't damage anything. He was very understanding to my concerns. The customer service here is better than most places I have experienced in many years. Old Fashioned customer service. They took the time to listen and they cared about helping us during and after the sale. read more

I have done business with Competitive Cameras for over twenty-five years, with Ramsey, before he was in Garland, when he was in Garland and now with Eugene back in Dallas. They have always been consistently fair in their pricing and beyond professional in their sales and service. Over the years I have not needed as much equipment since my initial investments in gear, but whenever I need something of substantial investment, they usually have it, at the price I want to pay. Everyone in the store is a pleasure to talk with, whether it is about the latest photo gear, state of the industry, or just about life as we all experience it. Great to have a local camera store that usually always has what you need, whether the item costs $3,000.00 or $25.00, and that is always responsive to your needs. read more

I purchased a new mirrorless camera last week and wanted to further complement competitive cameras for their prices, knowledge and service. I was treated very well by Eugene, Scott and Robert regarding my purchase as well as them taking the time to upgrade the software on two previously purchased lenses to ensure proper function with the new camera. Their prices are always competitive with anything online and I find it always very helpful and reassuring to actually have a conversation specific to products, alternatives, and a hands-on experience with the item prior to purchase. The availability of a local camera store of this caliber is invaluable and has become far less common; their advice is always sound and I never feel that I am being up sold. Thank you Competitive Cameras. read more

I went in as a complete newbie having never owned a DSLR before. I had read some reviews and had some idea of what I wanted. They pointed me in a good direction not trying to sell me the more expensive camera that i thought I wanted but the one that was right for me, and a cheaper used one at that. They stand behind their equipment and they know their stuff. I found Ramsey to be a complete hoot. He is concise and to the point, dry humored, and very funny. Maybe he intimidates some but I had a blast cutting up with him. I went back in a week after buying my camera with some questions, and the staff was very helpful. My questions were very stupid im sure as i said i am a complete newbbie. The prices are the same as the NewYork stores and they are local to me, its great. read more

I've been going to Competitive Camera since they were on Forest Lane (Garland). I have ALWAYS had a great experience with Ramsey and now his son Eugene. I go in with the attitude that I will by whatever they advise given my parameters. They have never ever steered me wrong. If you are looking for bargin basement - go someplace else - this is pro time. These guys sell you what you tell them you need at a fair price (yeah, you can get it a little cheaper from B&H - but you have to go to NYC for support) and will help in any way they can - they go beyond. If you doubt this then ask yourself - where did all of the other Dallas camera shops go and why? It was because they were not Competitive (yeah a pun). Remember Cooter's, Barry's Cameras, Wolf's? Gone, gone, gone. read more

They are the best example of a small, locally owned business in any category for comparison. I put them in the same league as the Sewell family dealerships for example. Everyone that works at Competitive Camera from Ramsey, Eugene, and everyone else they are there to help you make an informed purchase that results in your happiness with the decision. Discover what all the professional photographers already know in our region and what Nikon, Canon and all of the other Camera manufacturers know, this is the best place to buy a Camera. They will stand behind everything they sell you and make things right if you have issues. This has been my experience with them since the early 1980s when they got started in Garland. It will be worth the drive and you will learn something. read more

No question, CC treats this like a business. They are interested in selling products and their base line is the one-on-one selling model of yesteryear. Turns out, I go there to buy things and I have done it often and plan to do it again. I have never felt like they were condensing in anyway and, frankly, I thought they were patient with my clear rookie questions and sometimes reluctance. I do not begrudge them for making money and sometimes steering me to a ready solution in their inventory - the key here is they have a solution on their shelves. If I want some broad base of options then I'll go to U-Tube. I go to CC because I need a solution today and they generally have one. They aren't perfect and probably piss people off from time to time - welcome to retail. read more

Eugene and his father Ramsey are the best resource for any photography or videography needs in DFW. From the minute you walk in, you are greeted like an old friend, always taken care of, the prices are unbeatable and the knowledge is unmatched. If they don't have what you want in the store, they go above and beyond to get you what you are looking for in a very timely fashion. Anytime I call or email, I get a fast and timely response, even on social media like Facebook. This is a top notch one stop shop for all photography needs. You will find anything you're looking for from the cameras to lenses, accessories, lights and light modifiers, backdrops, etc.. Competitive cameras is THE go to store in DFW for any serious or amateur photographer - no contest. read more