Do actual Camera Stores still exist (in the CT area)?

[Rick Seton]

For the past month or so, I have been shopping for a P&S to replace/upgrade from my 6+ year old Nikon Coolpix 4500. Ive been doing all the "normal research": reading professional reviews, visiting several web-site forums to listen to discussions and get actual owner/user opinions, etc. (Right now, I am thrashing among the Canon SD890, Fuji F100fd, Panasonic TZ5, and Panasonic FX500 -- depending on the day of the week, I am in love with a different one --- for different reasons --- on any given day).

But, what I find missing is the ability to actual touch/feel each in comparison to each other. There are the usual chain stores --- Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. --- but their selection is usually less current and almost impossible to get used to the look/feel of what cameras they do happen to have (none seem to be willing to disconnect the security chain to let you try them in your actual pocket).

So, here's my question: do true Camera Stores still exist today? I live in the Danbury, CT area and I cannot find one. I know I could travel into NYC to B&H, but that is a trek I would rather ignore.

Any suggestions from anyone here local to the CT area?

[TheWengler]

Yes they exist. You might check a phone book.

[JTL]

Have you tried the Best Buy and Circuit City in Danbury? There's also a Ritz Camera in Danbury. They may have some of those cameras.

But, really, I'm shocked that you don't know this already or couldn't find these on your own!

[Rick Seton]

I have tried all of them and none have a good selection for physical comparison purposes. Circuit City probably has the best --- but they do not allow you to decouple the camera from the alarm cord. Same for Best Buy. I went to two different Ritz Camera stores in Danbury and both had almost no current selection at all (I asked about the Canon SD870 and was told "that must be a new model --- we have never heard about it before").

[JTL]

I have tried all of them and none have a good selection for physical comparison purposes. Circuit City probably has the best --- but they do not allow you to decouple the camera from the alarm cord. Same for Best Buy. I went to two different Ritz Camera stores in Danbury and both had almost no current selection at all (I asked about the Canon SD870 and was told "that must be a new model --- we have never heard about it before").Wow. I had no idea about the sad state of affairs out there! I guess it's getting really difficult with all of the new choices, but no way to actually try them. And what's with Ritz? One has to wonder...

In New York City, we're spoiled and have several reputable dealers (B&H, Adorama, J&R) who have good selections, will let you play with the gear all you want and even have good return policies. You could come into the city and make a day of it...plan a museum trip or other activity and shop for cameras while you're here (just remember...no B&H on Friday evening or Saturday...store hours and holiday schedule here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/find/HelpCenter/HoursOfOperation.jsp).

It really is a nice place to visit! Plus, we need your tax dollars to fix the potholes! ;):):D

[Rick Seton]

You are correct. I will likely make a day of it and go visit B&H.

[Ken.]

I'm partial to Calumet for pro stuff. B&H is too "cattle yard" for my taste. Too many gates and lines to get anywhere. I may pay a tick more at Calumet sometimes but the personal touch is worth it.

[tizeye]

If you don't want to make a trip to 'the City'...

Try yellowpages.com, Photographic equiptment and supplies category and city of your choosing.


Danbury CT returned 27 hits around the area. None had reviews, and the one in Danbury didn't have a website to determine what type of photographic business. But since local, is immaterial.

Tried New Haven figuring a college town would have photographic interest. Returned 19 hits. One, Milford Photo, had 5 reviews (all positive) and a web site. The reviews suggest it is what you are looking for with statements like - "To photographers, digital and traditional, all across the wider New Haven area this store is a godsend. Much closer than the big stores in New York, Milford Photo offers an amateur or professional an incredible selection of digital and analog photo equipment, from cameras to lenses, tripods and other accessories."

And - "This photo shop is the one that many professionals in the area use. Their quality is outstanding, their staff friendly, and their services are prompt. "

I'll let you read the others.

Suggestion, you may want to identify others that would be enroute but closer for a quick stop and future reference. May even want to consider a circular route, coasline going midstate return depending on where you identify the stores.