District Camera & Imaging — Local services in Burke

If you are thinking of making a camera purchase, please consider PhotoCraft in Burke before going to the big box stores. Here's what I've observed about them.

Pricing. I had my eye on a Nikon D7100 for some time, and I finally pulled the trigger and bought it. Best Buy had this on sale, but I was surprised to find the same unit on sale at PhotoCraft for the same price ($200 off list). Additionally, their after the holidays promo was that they would pay sales tax, which was a savings of about another $50 for me.

Expertise. Point blank, these folks are experts in their field. They know exactly what the technology is, how to use it, and can make recommendations based on that knowledge, and your needs. It's somewhat rare to find a photography expert in the big box stores.

Service. I've noticed some other people on here ding these guys for slow service. I think it's related to their expertise. They really work with their customers, let them try out the equipment, and help them to make a good purchase. This frequently takes a while. I have had circumstances in which I come in and all of their representatives are busy with other customers. They typically let me know they're busy, and will get to me when they're done. It doesn't bother me because I know I can expect the same time and expertise they're giving to their current customer once it's my turn.

Local business. When you buy from a big box retailer, where does your money go? I try to keep my money in my community.

Thanks PhotoCraft for all...

I recently purchased a $2700 lens from PhotoCraft. Unlike other camera shops in the DC metro area, there was a sense of comfort upon entering the store and engaging the employees. For me, the source of my comfort was the lack of condescension and judgement from the employees. The gentleman that helped me understood that most everyday people purchasing a $2700 lens would show some hesitation about the purchase. This came across in how empathetic he was during our conversation and the hour I spent checking out the lens. There was no rush, no feeling as if he had better things to do with his time, no sense that he thought I was an idiot for possessing some hesitation about the purchase. I was truly grateful for his courtesy and patience. These days, one of the only reasons to purchase from a brick-and-mortar store is customer service, and from what I experienced at PhotoCraft, they knock it out of the park. This aspect of their business, combined with the fact that their lens pricing matched popular and well-regarded online camera stores, made me feel good about purchasing from PhotoCraft. Without a doubt, PhotoCraft earned itself a new repeat customer in me. And if you're like me, a photography enthusiast of normal financial means that has to balance the cost of gear with other priorities in life, then I hope you give PhotoCraft a chance to earn your...

This is the best camera shop in the DMV area. If you are a photographer at any level or a videographer at any level, this is the place for you. All the employees are super helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. I have been shopping here for over a year now and ever time I walk in the door they have treated me with nothing but kindness and professionalism. I have bought two cameras from them and I have sold camera gear to them as well. They've always offered me a fair price on all my camera items. Even when I don't buy anything they have always spent time with me helping me with all my questions. For people in the photog and video industry it's very hard to buy gear or try it before you buy it, this store is exactly what you need. They also rent out camera. It's a local candy store for us and it has the best customer service you have ever experienced in the DMV. I constantly send people to this store and I have nothing but good things to say about them The owner is friendly, the employees are helpful, and their stock of camera gear is massive. You can't go wrong shopping here. When you go, make sure to ask for Ramona and tell her that Guzman sent you, once she smiles you'll know you're at the right place. By the way if she's not there, don't worry they don't have one...