Michael's Camera House

Michael's is an independent photography store located in Melbourne's CBD. I'm not much of a photography person, but upon finding some of my grandmother's old Polaroid cameras, I wanted to see if I could get them up and running.

I discovered that Michael's Camera House stocked the film and battery cartridges that I needed for the cameras, and so off I went; I took the camera into the store with me, and the staff were incredibly helpful in getting everything set up for me to use, and explaining to me how film, flash bars, and other such things for these cameras work; Things were quite pricey (over $100 for a snap on permanent flash bar, and $40 per cartridge (which includes 8 exposures/films and a battery) - but the exceptional service does somewhat make up for the crazy prices. The store appeared to cater to everything from beginner point and shoot photography through to high scale professional photography, and also offered development of film as well as digital prints.

Overall, I was impressed with the staff's friendliness and knowledge, the variety of products available, and the atmosphere within the store; I thought prices were a bit ridiculous, but put this down to Polaroid equipment being difficult to find. I will definitely return to buy more film.

This place has a great range and mostly the staff are very helpful. Unfortunately I had a bad experience with my daughter when we went in there to purchase some camera gear for her birthday. The guy who served us was condescending and aloof in his manner preferring to big note himself by saying he had his masters in photography. My daughter is an aspiring photographer who is still at University. He made us feel incompetent and when she asked him a question about her flash rather than bothering to explain he suggested she go and read her manual saying that it probably wasn't worth her purchasing anything until she knew more... suggested she ask her lecturers. What a conceited git! At this stage I am sorry to say I started to lose it and asked him what his problem was and did he realize we were potential customers. He didn't seem to understand that it was his holier than thou manner that was the problem. He would do well to learn better customer relations from his more humble peers in what is otherwise a fantastic resource. Stop the posturing and start working on your customer service mate. You know who you are.

It is always a nice surprise to receive great service from a company you don't know anything about. That was my pleasant experience with Michaels Camera when I had an insurance claim to replace my camera.
They were so helpful, they conducted themselves in such a professional way, and have answered my requests promptly and efficiently. The delivery was lightning quick, so what else can I say other than recommend them to anyone who looks for great service, not only great cameras. Thank you guys, much appreciated.

Approximate cost: $1000

Recently we checked out the usual shops and internet comparisons for pricing of a Canon DSLR. It was tempting to buy off the web but after a phone call to Canon, decided to buy from a shop. The main issue is that many/most of the cameras bought from the web are sent from Asia - which means you don't get an Australian Warrantee and the camera may have to be sent back to the supplier for repairs. Michaels gave us excellent non pushy service, a good price including extras such as memory card that is close if not the same as web prices - give them a price and they will match or maybe do better. A free Canon course is also included and they have a service centre.

Approximate cost: $varies

fantastic service!! i was very impressed by the salesperson who assisted me in my camera purchase, he was not pushy or told me all the complicated features of the cameras

he listened to what i actually needed and suggested a few items which were within my price range and what i needed

would recommend this store to anyone,

prices are competitive

i was offered a free training class on how to use my camera and that was very handy

These guys have the best range of cameras in Melbourne and they are also very knowledgeable. Prices are not wonderful, but I have got them to match prices. I'm happy to pay a little more however for the range and service.

Large range of cameras and camera equipment, we bought an SLR camera and attended a training session to help use the camera

Did a lot of research about particular products and went to various stores hoping for extra info to help my decision. Staff seem to be photography enthusiasts but the ones I dealt with seemed to regurgitate product statements and weren't able to answer practical questions beyond the marketing info. Of course, that was when I was able to get to a staff member. The store always seems busy with too few staff at peak times. Found them to be the most expensive in the products I was looking at.

Approximate cost: $3500

We just bought canon ixus 100is and love it so much. The staff is very patient with me and my husband. They explain the good things and bad things about the camera. It takes us 1 hour to choose.

Approximate cost: $400

I recently bought some camera equipment from Michaels for a trip I was undertaking to Quesnsland. The camera is a little beauty and I have some great photos. The staff were great and after telling them of what I wanted to do, they provided a few options.

Went to michaels to buy telephoto lens, but their options weren't too amazing, and their prices were a bit on the expensive side. The help was useful but not amazingly detailed, although the staff there are definitely quite nice.

Bought a digital camera there. After 1 months I went to download photos on to my PC only to find that the supplied USB cable didn't fit the camera! Returned to store and asked for a replacement cable. The guy attending to me didn't seem that concerned and said the cable were on order (maybe everyone else who bought the same camera had the same problem). It was me who had to ask him when they would be in. He offered no other solutions nor took my phone number to call when the cable eventually arrives.

I went to Michaels looking to purchase a new Digital SLR Camera. I found that whilst these guys are the experts and therefore their knowledge is excellent; the service left a bit to be desired. They will show you the cameras and tell you about them but they seem to be just after a quick sale rather than a postive relationship leading to a purchase. If you know what you want, then Michaels would be fine to buy from but otherwise, go somewhere else.