Sponsored by

Why Park Cameras is Editor’s Choice for best retailer 2024

Find out why well-established UK camera retailer Park Cameras has earned the Photography News 2024 Editor’s Choice award for best retailer

Founded in 1971, Park Cameras has grown from a small shop in Burgess Hill to become a recognised name among photography enthusiasts nationwide.

Its success is deeply rooted in a dedication to outstanding customer service, a comprehensive selection of products and a welcoming environment for photographers of all skill levels.

The exterior of a Park Cameras store in London. The storefront features a clean, modern design with large windows and the Park Cameras logo prominently displayed.

Park Cameras’ London shop is located in Fitzrovia and offers a wide range of products and services.

Park Cameras at a glance

Park Cameras started as a family-run business, and today, it continues to maintain a friendly atmosphere at both its Burgess Hill and London stores.

Visitors can speak to knowledgeable staff, handle a range of cameras and lenses and take advantage of personalised camera advice. This approachable ethos aims to make everyone feel comfortable regardless of their photographic expertise.

Whether you are looking for a compact point-and-shoot or a sophisticated mirrorless system, Park Cameras offers a broad range of options at competitive prices, combined with a genuine commitment to each customer’s unique needs.

A store employee interacts with customers in a photography retail area. The atmosphere is inviting, with shelves of lenses and promotional displays in the background.

Park Cameras prides itself on friendly, welcoming customer service.

Personalised service and passionate staff

Many of Park Cameras’ employees are photographers themselves, so they understand the nuances of camera specs, lens choices and accessory pairings. This means that customers can expect genuine, in-depth knowledge instead of generic sales talk.

Whether you’re an amateur who needs help choosing your very first camera or a professional photographer searching for the latest high-end bodies and lenses, Park Cameras’ welcoming staff will happily offer insights based on real experience.

They are also adept at simplifying complex technical information, making it easier for newcomers to find their footing. This level of personalised service helps build long-term relationships, encouraging customers to return whenever they need to upgrade or expand their kit.

A group of photographers at a cookery event, focused on capturing food photography. Participants are actively taking pictures, and the setting is an indoor kitchen space with bright lighting.

Regular workshops in various genres, such as food photography, bring the image-making community together.

Broad range of photography equipment for all genres

Park Cameras ensures photographers and videographers of all genres can find suitable equipment, be it for portraiture, wildlife, sports or landscape work.

Its vast catalogue includes cameras, lenses, tripods, bags, memory cards and more, spanning entry-level models through to premium flagships. This allows every customer to select the kit that fits their budget and ambitions.

An interior view of a Canon-branded area in a photography store, featuring illuminated glass shelves displaying cameras, lenses and accessories. Red and black branding elements dominate the modern layout.

Park Cameras offers products from a wide variety of brands, including big names like Canon.

Used and trade-in services

Park Cameras prides itself on helping photographers upgrade or downsize their kit through dedicated Used and Trade-In services.

Those looking for budget-friendly options can purchase used cameras or lenses, each carefully checked to ensure functionality and quality. Meanwhile, the trade-in process makes it straightforward to swap older equipment for newer releases.

It is also a beneficial way to extend the lifecycle of well-maintained gear, promoting a more sustainable approach to photography.

Such a comprehensive offering keeps Park Cameras at the forefront of photography services in the UK.

Click and collect

Another great aspect of Park Cameras’ service is its convenient click-and-collect service. This blend of digital and in-person shopping experiences appeals to modern consumers who value flexibility.

Park Cameras provides detailed product listings online, including key specifications and multiple images. When combined with its team of helpful staff, customers can make informed decisions about cameras, lenses and accessories whether they buy in-store or via the website.

A photography workshop in an urban outdoor setting. Photographers are capturing a model standing against a reflective wall, with lighting equipment and accessories visible.

Regular Park Cameras photo walks offer photographers a chance to get in-person tuition from photography experts out in the field.

Regular photography events

Park Cameras also hosts a number of photography events throughout the year that range from hands-on sessions with new products, workshops and photo walks, to their popular Wildlife Day and annual Imaging Festival which includes seminars, demonstrations and exclusive deals.

These much-loved events play a huge part in nurturing the photography community, bringing like-minded people together from all over the UK to enjoy making images.

Photograph showing Wildlife Day at the Park Cameras store. A crowd of people observes and photographs a live bird demonstration, with tents from various photography brands in the background.

The Park Cameras Wildlife Day is a popular celebration of wildlife photography including demonstrations and opportunities to practice your skills.

Conclusion

By combining a vast array of photography gear, attentive customer support and community-building initiatives, Park Cameras is a deserved winner of the Photography News 2024 Editor’s Choice award for best retailer.

Being an independent specialist allows them to maintain a personalised approach that resonates with photographers of every level, whether seeking advice, looking to trade in older equipment or simply eager to get hands-on with the latest releases.

Above all, the retailer’s success stems from the genuine passion of its staff. This passion, alongside the breadth of products on offer, keeps customers coming back time and again.

Learn more about Park Cameras and all of the services it offers by visiting the website here.

MBP MPU banner
Pro Moviemaker MPU banner
Learn with us MPU banner

Sign up to Photography News Weekly

Get a weekly dose of the latest news, reviews and inspiration direct to your email inbox