Brianna HarrisonMy cousin’s friend, a wannabe shutterbug, splurged on a vintage camera he found online. Sadly, when the camera arrived, it was a total letdown—light leaks everywhere, a jammed shutter, and the lens had more scratches than a DJ’s record collection.
That’s why it’s so important to buy your gear from a trusted camera shop.
If you’re an aspiring photographer or seasoned pro hunting for the latest DSLR, a classic film camera, or maybe just some friendly advice, then check out this guide. We’ve rounded up the best camera shops in Toronto that won’t let you down!
How much do cameras cost in Toronto?
In Toronto, entry-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras typically start around $500 to $1,000, while mid-range options can go from $1,000 to $2,500. High-end professional cameras can easily exceed $3,000.
The cost of cameras can vary widely depending on the type and brand. Vintage or specialty cameras can also range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
How We Chose the Best Camera Shops in Toronto
1. DV Shop
DV Shop offers a wide range of products, from cameras and lenses to audio gear and lighting setups used for pre-production stage or post-production.
We like their selection of camera brands. They carry some of the most popular names in the industry, like RED, Blackmagic, Canon, and Sony.
We also appreciate the owner who’s incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help. From what we’ve heard, he patiently answers questions and guides customers toward equipment that would best suit their budget and project requirements.
If you’re looking for a deal, be sure to check out their On Sale section on their website. As a cherry on top, they offer fast and reliable shipping across Canada.
We did hear, however, that some items can be a bit overpriced compared to other retailers.
Pros
- Wide selection of camera brands
- Owner who’s always willing to help
- Has an On Sale section online
- Offers shipping across Canada
Cons
- Some items might be overpriced
Place to go for professionals in photo, film, and television
“This is the place to go for professionals in photo, film, and television production looking for top-tier support of high-end equipment. The staff are knowledgeable, honest, and hardworking. Their hours are good, their communication is great, and their jokes are terrible. Five stars.”
Alex Spence, Google Review
Super helpful and knowledgeable!
“Super helpful and knowledgeable! Always fast to respond to emails. Even gave me replacement parts off their own display models! Just the best.”
Jason D’Souza, Google Review
2. Downtown Camera
Downtown Camera has been serving the local photographic community for over four decades. As an independent shop, they have a wide range of photographic gear and accessories, along with photo finishing and processing services.
They offer the latest cameras and lenses from popular brands like Canon, Fujifilm, and DJI. And they carry everything from compact system cameras (mirrorless) to digital SLR, video, and point-and-shoot cameras.
On top of cameras, they also have accessories—from camera bags and tripods to filters, memory cards, film, studio lighting, and photo frames/albums.
Unlike other camera shops, they have their own photo lab where you can print photos or develop film.
As a bonus, they often have a “Free Stuff” section where you can grab a freebie (keychains, film cases, shirts, etc.) with every purchase.
However, we heard about their arrogant staff, but note that these reports are not universal.
Pros
- Over 40 years of experience
- Carries popular camera brands
- Wide range of camera accessories
- Has their own photo lab
- Has a “Free Stuff” section
Cons
- Reports of arrogant staff
Exceptional service, extensive inventory, and unbiased recommendations
“In this age of e-commerce, Downtown Camera reminds us why independently-operated retail is invaluable: exceptional service, extensive inventory, and unbiased recommendations.”
Rod Rivera, Google Review
Best camera store in Canada
“Where do I begin….Maybe let’s start with best camera store in Canada. Unless you can find me a better source for all your photography needs… Which is highly unlikely.
I recently got into film photography, after being surrounded by photography, literally my whole life… I’m surprised that I haven’t seriously gotten into it earlier. Whether your needs are for digital or analog photography, Downtown Camera has you covered.”
Nick Sutarz, Google Review
3. Vistek Toronto
Vistek has been a staple in the Canadian photography scene for nearly five decades. They offer a wide range of top-brand cameras, lenses, and accessories, making them a go-to destination for both hobbyists and professionals.
They carry popular options like Fujifilm, Nikon, Sony, Canon, and Leica, among others. This means you’re sure to find the perfect camera to suit your needs and budget.
They also have a clearance section where you can find some great deals on discontinued or used equipment. And they offer free shipping on certain items.
For added peace of mind, you can go for their Extra Protection Extended Warranty, which can give you up to five years of coverage.
But if you’re not ready to commit to purchasing a camera, their rental department can help you out.
One thing to keep in mind is that Vistek’s products can be a bit pricey compared to other shops.
Pros
- Over 40 years of experience
- Carries popular brands for all budgets
- Has a clearance section
- Free shipping on all items
- Extra Protection Extended Warranty
- Has a rental department
Cons
- Pricey
Best equipment shop in Toronto
“The best equipment shop in Toronto. All staff there are so cool and friendly. One staff there named Stephen been helping me for a month and made sure i got all the right equipment i needed.”
Matthew Plummer, Google Review
Best customer service experience ever!!
“Alison Thomson is the Best person that will help you with everything! She’s the nicest and sweetest person. Best customer service experience ever!! ❤️❤️❤️”
Mark Santos, Google Review
4. Aden Camera
Aden Camera is a family-run store that has been around since 1979, offering a wide range of top-brand cameras, including digital SLR, DSLR, and video cameras. Even the famous actor Jacob Elordi has been known to shop here!
Fuji, Nikon, Canon, and Contax are just a few of the numerous camera brands they carry.
If you don’t know what you want, their knowledgeable staff is always happy to provide helpful advice and recommendations. They also let customers try out different camera and lens combinations to find the perfect fit.
We like their fast online shipping. Orders are often shipped the next day, and customers typically receive their items within two days—a huge plus for those who need their equipment quickly.
In addition to sales, they offer rental and developing services.
Unfortunately, they do have a bit of a reputation for being unresponsive to emails and online requests.
Pros
- Over 40 years of experience
- Some celebrities have shopped there
- Knowledgeable and accommodating staff
- Fast online shipping
- Rental and developing services
Cons
- Unresponsive to emails and online requests
Staff is incredibly knowledgeable and kind
“Always a huge pleasure to stop by and get my film camera needs taken care of! The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and kind, helping me when I first started taking film photos. Their film developing times are also very quick and always sooner than promised 🙂 Even when they told me it would take a couple hours longer than usual, I still got my photos within 2 hours. I stopped by today with some trouble loading a finnicky camera as well as a roll I had accidentally rewound before using, and they were able to help me with both without any problems!”
Jessica Lee, Google Review
Service was great, and the price was very reasonable
“Was looking for a hard to find camera for a while and thankfully the Aden team was able to help and delivered as promised. Not only did they have what I was looking for but the service was great, and the price was very reasonable. Will definitely be coming back.”
Keswick Chan, Google Review
5. F-Stop Photo Accessories
F-Stop Photo Accessories is a small but mighty camera shop located in the heart of Midtown Toronto. While it may not be as well-known as the larger chains, it’s worth checking out if you’re in the market for camera accessories or vintage equipment.
They carry a wide variety of accessories for popular camera brands like Nikon, Canon, and mirrorless cameras such as Sony, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax, and Panasonic-Lumix.
The shop also has a collection of vintage film cameras and lenses. Feel free to check out their selection of rare Russian film cameras and lenses like Zenit, FED, Khiev, Helios, and Industar.
In addition, you can buy, sell, trade, or consign your equipment. A rental service is also available, as well as passport photos or money transfer services.
We did hear isolated reports of defective equipment, so you might want to test their camera before buying.
Pros
- Specializes in vintage cameras
- Also carries popular brands
- Also has hard-to-find Russian cameras
- Can buy, sell, trade, or consign your equipment
- Passport photos and money transfer services
Cons
- Isolated reports of defective equipment
Huge selection of used film cameras and lenses
“Discovered this place by mistake. Located just north of Eglinton on Yonge, they offer a huge selection of used film cameras and lenses. Great staff onsite, definitely check them out if you’re into film cameras.”
Bilal El Houri, Google Review
Guy is informative, knowledgeable, sweet, and very patient
“This guy is informative knowledgeable sweet and very patient he was quite helpful had what I needed and his prices was fantastic. In my opinion turn off your computer and go see a real human I have you recommended but I forgot his name. He also has a lot of vintage components”
Richard Taitt, Google Review
