Mike’s Camera

The help and service was 5 stars. Prices 2 stars. Bought a new camera. Shelly and Joe were patient and answered all of our questions. Very happy with customer service. Camera was the same price as BestBuy. Accessories (filter, extra batteries, memory card, etc) were significantly more expensive.

I ordered one 11×14 print online for store pay and pick up. When I went in to pay, my card was declined. In spite of pulling up my bank account on my phone and being willing to show the associate that had more then enough money to pay for the $ 10 print, I was told it was store policy to not reswipe a card that had declined. Unfortunately, I didn’t have cash or another card with me, so I left without my print and won’t be returning for it.
The associate was flat out unhelpful, not even rude, just unhelpful and seemed as though he could care less about the customers in general. Cards decline for all sorts of reasons, including network issues, not just because there isn’t enough money in the account. Businesses don’t get charged a fee when a card declines, so why have a policy that not only punishes the customer for a declined card, but also potentially leaves the business with a product that they won’t get paid for.
I will be finding a different print shop to give my business to.

Great store with wonderful staff! There is an issue with the inventory of things like tripods either being on the cheap side or on the higher end side. That said the staff knew what I was looking for and while they only had a carbon fiber option that was above my range they told me an accurate price for what a deal would be and with a lot of looking I was able to get to that price. Went in today to pick up a black rapid screw to use with the new tripod. There was only one left in the store that an employee had already bought but it was unopened. The employee joyfully relented on his purchase so that I may buy it. I feel that this was going above and beyond for me. I’m sure I will be back many times.

This place has the worst staff… Just trying to get a photo printed was the worst experience. I have done business with them a couple of times and each time they don’t call me when my orders in. i have to call… and when its not right they are rude… NEVER AGAIN… as a professional photographer. you just lost my business forever…

Went here after getting my first camera. I’ve been excited since getting it and been doing a lot of reading online trying to learn as much as I can. But going here just left me feeling like maybe I shouldn’t be in this hobby (I know, it sounds dramatic but the feeling sucks).
So I had researched what I wanted online (tripod and other small accessories). I was expecting to pay a little more being that’s a brick & mortar store. But they had such a small selection and what little they did have seemed to be geared towards the very high-​end. While I was looking for something more in the middle since I’m new to this still.
But the worse part of this whole visit is that I went in and was there for 20mins looking through all their tripods and looking at the differences myself. And all while being completely ignored by the staff! Twice I even went to ask for help and was passed by a staff member on their way to greet someone else coming into the store that I presume looked like they would probably be spending more money. It was like something out of a bad movie! No exaggeration. This rarely happens to me I must admit but it’s a pretty $hitty feeling when it does. Left me feeling like crap for the rest of the evening after being so excited about the whole new hobby.
I’ll try another store because it’s nice to be able look at things hands on, but will certainly not be going back here. I don’t understand why this is even is problem. It’s something that directly costs the store lots of sales and should be easy to address through training. After seeing the other reviews of people being ignored I know it’s not just me but a problem with the staff here. I’m sorry but if this is how people are treated then I’m glad the store is being called out for it.
Thx

Just got the hubs a Nikon D5500 for his birthday and referred him to this store for accessories as this location was recommended by a friend. Bad decision. Walked in and the staff ignored him completely. Other customers walked in and immediately got help. My husband did not get an initial greeting or any assistance. Embarrassing. Make sure your skin’s the right color before stepping foot in here if you’d like any sort of customer service. Horrible. Just horrible. Sad Mike’s Camera Lone Tree. You lost a great customer.

I’m glad I did not let the previous low ratings deter my visit to Mike’s today, as I walked away with an amazing experience and a high quality camera. (Reading through some of the reviews, though, the comments were pretty picky and had little to do with buying a serious camera and spending the money to do so). Timothy immediately greeted us we came in the door and asked if he could point us in the right direction. I explained that I was looking for a «real» camera, and had probably settled on a Canon T5i with some lenses. He immediately took us to the camera counter, showed me what I had asked, and gave a couple comparisons. Right away he introduced himself as a Navy photographer with a BA in photography. He later showed us photos that he had taken (impressive). I liked that he established his credentials. He has a great sense of humor and an amazing knowledge of what it would take for someone like me (total novice who thought her iPhone 6 and Instagram made her an excellent photographer!) to get into photography. Now, some may consider his advice «upselling,» however, I did not take it that way, as my research was somewhat limited, and he explained the difference in quality. I’m a big believer in the «you get what you pay for» philosophy. He explained the details of why one lens would be great for all-​purpose, beginner and advanced learning and shooting. Then he recommended a lens filter to protect our expensive new lens, a storage card, a warranty program, and a camera bag, along with the big coupons/​discounts you get with a camera purchase here.
After he rang us up, he spent the time to set the camera up for me, explain how it worked, including what NOT to do, and recommended classes for me to take (2 are complimentary, plus a 30 minute consultation). Hands down, this is customer service at its finest. We had visited a Best Buy a week ago, and the dude probably couldn’t even spell «camera.» I’d also looked at Amazon (where I purchase a LOT of things), but I would not have been given the personalized advice that I needed. The prices are comparable to what you’d get online or in a big box store, where I wouldn’t have received the knowledge and customer service that I did from Timothy at Mike’s. For the investment I made, knowing that I can visit any of Mike’s locations in the area for help is invaluable.
I’m certainly glad I went to Mike’s Camera, and even more grateful to Timothy, for helping a beginner (who thought she knew what she wanted!). It pays to shop locally.

Unimpressed with knowledge base of the staff.
I purchased a Tamron 16 – 300 after being reassured that the lens was a «top seller» and was «getting good reviews». Turns out that the lens is cheaply made for the price and appeared to be falsely advertised, as my canon kit lens had a slightly better range at 250 mm versus the Tamron at 300 mm. How on earth did the staff at Mike’s camera not know this, you ask? Because they very likely weren’t aware of the lens’ capabilities.
Overall the staff will not be terribly helpful with technical details so you will have to do your own homework… and of course it’s always a good idea to be an informed consumer. So, if you know exactly what you want then this place is the Walmart of camera shops and thus will likely will have the product (s) you need, otherwise shop elsewhere.

This review is less about the store employees and more about corporate and film developing. The employees at LT that I have spoken to know their photography or are willing to accommodate their customers. If you don’t care about film you might choose to ignore this review but film developing is one of those things store employees have no control over. It is indicative of how corporate works with customers.
I took film that was taken in a toy camera so expect the unexpected and don’t expect the same pristine images you would get with professional camera. digital or film. However the second E-​6 processed roll had the same huge scratch as the one processed several months before. The negatives have nasty color shifts and inconsistencies plus dirt. Not dust. Dirt. I have been transitioning to developing my own film and do not get any of this on my film so now I can see what would be from my camera and what would be the result of development. One roll had a brown cast which I now know is under-​fixed film.
Now, I know film is not as popular as digital. So given I am reentering the world the only reason to take this to a store that cares more about digital is to save money while experimenting. You don’t save time because it can take anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks. Bottom line: if you aren’t able to protect a customer’s film I think you should just stop doing it. It isn’t as if you can replace it.
So I contacted them by email along with examples of the crappy work. The store manager returned my money but corporate never even acknowledged my email. This is really the deal breaker. I would love to continue to shop local but this is an example where there no loyalty to customers. And I love photography of all formats. All of my digital cameras and most accessories have been purchased at mike’s. My digital camera is just about ready to be upgraded. I I change brands (which I may) I will also be in the market for lenses. Let’s face it. You don’t shop brick and mortar looking for a good price. I will not be purchasing any of it at Mike’s.

Really disappointed with their service. Ordered an item while in store, received a call that the item was in and available, then when went in to pick it up, was told it was sold. No offer to maybe order it and have it shipped to me, really not at all helpful. Told them I would order online, but didn’t say it will be with someone else. Bought my first dslr from the store on Colorado blvd, so might try them again but won’t be back to the lone tree store.

I ordered a print online, got an email saying it was done and over 24 hours later when I went to pick it up learned it would be one or two more days until it was ready. That’s unacceptable with today’s technology.

Talk about crooks! I gave Mike’s a second chance this past weekend. My Nikon has a bent lens bezel and I would like to get it repaired. However, they want $ 35.00 for somebody to look at it to give an estimate! The counter person said they were not qualified to talk about repair estimates and that «the repair guys in the back» need to take a look, but for them just to look at it costs $ 35.00. A simple one minute glance should have done the trick, but for $ 35.00 for them to tell me how much more I would need to pay them turned my stomach. What a rip-​off! That’s like going to a restaurant and being told you need to pay $ 35.00 to look at a menu.
This was my second and last time to Mike’s. The first time I needed some NiCad batteries. They wanted $ 72.00 for 4 batteries which I bought on-​line for $ 9.00 (yes, the exact same ones). If you don’t want to get ripped off, don’t go to Mikes.

I have come into this store 4 times and walked out empty handed each time. They never seem to have anything in stock or no variety. Also seems like when the employees try to find another store that carries it, I have to travel half way across the city to get it. I think I’ve walked into Mike’s Camera for the last time, I’ll start shopping at other local camera stores or online.
Items I was looking for:
1) the Libby style Kelly Moore Bag
2) Canon battery charger
3) Sensor dust cleaning swabs
4) a 16 GB CF card

Yes things tend to be more expensive in a store as apposed to online. Here are 2 reasons why I love being able to go into a store:
The staff at Mike’s lets me bring my camera in and try out lenses before I buy. Sure I could buy it online after I find the one I like, but they let me know about sales and I got an amazing 70 – 200 lens for an unbeatable price.
Also, Doug just saved me. I for the life of me couldn’t find what was causing a weird shadow image in my pictures. I cleaned my lens looked at the sensor, and couldn’t figure it out. He opened a part of my camera I didn’t know opened and found my dog’s hair. Cleaned it out and charged me a whopping zero dollars. Thanks Doug!
Simply I prefer going to stores, especially when the staff is awesome.

Horrible customer service. I just had my third negative experience within a month. I usually don’t complain, but this is inexcusable. I even called and asked for the owners information and was given the store manager who told me to just give him a forth chance. If anyone else out there had a bad experience can you point me to another print shop?

Great camera store! They must be doing something right because they are opening up new stores while other camera shops are struggling and closing down. They have good prices. They will also price match. Ask for Marc Norris. He’s a camera whiz! They really are a one stop photo shop! Whatever your camera or photograph needs are, they’ve got you covered.

Mike’s Camera has been really great, overall. I understand some of the other reviewers who mentioned sometimes you can get ignored and that is unfortunate and has happened to me. They do get busy and tend to help those who are buying, not just have questions. However, for the most part I tend to walk out of there happy.
I am considering my first DSLR purchase after using manual for a few years now. While I started the conversation mentioning I might just buy one from a friend or online (because it is cheaper), Mark still spent 10 – 15 minutes with me explaining the pros and cons of different lenses, Canon versus Nikon, etc. and at the end I felt more knowledgeable and more empowered in my DSLR choice. Then Mark even thanked me for letting him help me.
Like I said, overall I leave happy. After going there a few years for products and services, I am now considering shelling out the extra $ 100 to buy an actual camera at their store because of all the extras they give (which works for me since I was going to have all of that done anyway).
Definitely give them a try though. I agree Wolf’s has better prices sometimes and I go there too. I have just found that Mike’s Camera is more knowledgeable and will go the extra mile for me.

I went to Mikes Camera after a disappointing visit to Wolf Camera, followed by a less disappointing but still unsuccessful visit to Office Depot. Upon arriving at Mikes I was greeted and asked if there was anything that I was looking for and if they could direct me. I was looking for wide format like 13×19 paper, and if possible higher quality fine art paper. I didn’t catch the sales person’s name but he took me to their isle with the paper and said these were the ones they had available. He then left me alone to make my selection. After picking a few items out I checked the prices and found them to the a little more than what I was seeing online but still not overly expensive. I picked up the ones I was going to be trying out and went looking at the other products they have inside the store. While walking around the sales person stopped me again and asked if he could hold the papers I was carrying around so that I could continue browsing. I let him put the papers at the counter so I could look at the frames and later tripods.
The person who said the selection is similar to Best Buy for tripods must be shopping at some super special Best Buy that has a huge selection of tripods. Every single best buy I have been two has somewhere between two to five tripods and nothing I would feel comfortable leaving a few thousand dollars’ worth of gear sit on. You are out of luck if you want to get a head on your tripod. In fact ask a Best Buy employee if they have tripod heads or joystick head and I am sure that you will get a blank stare or someone who just leaves you standing next to music CD’s or appliances. Believe me there are things that Best Buy does and has and there are things they don’t and to compare them to a camera store is well just stupid. The selection of available in store products at Mikes Camera is leaps and bounds above electronic stores. I also found that they have a bigger selection than Wolf Camera also.
Shopping at this location has been nothing but great experiences. I assume that it is the days I have been visiting and the people who are working those days. If can see how people could feel ignored because the staff does tend to take a somewhat hands off approach unless you are in spending some money. But I am sure if you get a person and ask them some questions you will get the help you are looking for.

I don’t have too much of a problem with Mike’s Camera. They’ve got some pretty sweet photo gear and a better selection than Wolf Camera. The prices are higher than what you’d pay online, but that’s just the way it goes when you shop for this kind of stuff at a brick-​and-​mortar store.
My gripe with this location is that every single time I’ve gone in there I’ve been ignored. And, it’s not always just that I’m ignored, it’s almost like I’m not good enough to be in there. I’m not sure if I’ve ever been asked if I have any questions or need help unless I’m standing at the counter looking at the lenses and bodies.
Sorry, Mike’s Camera. I love to support local business, but if you’re not going to help me I’m not going to help you.

I have purchased my last three cameras from Mike’s Camera by the Park Meadows Mall. The first one I had for seven years until it had a run-​in with a bag of instant oatmeal in a packed bag. The other was perfect, but was stolen. So, six months later I had to buy a new one. I walked in and told them what I loved about my most recent purchase (the model was in their system thankfully) and they upgraded me for the same amount as I paid six months ago. I love my new Olympus Stylus 9000. i was in a huge hurry as I was leaving from Mike’s Camera to go home and pack for my vacation. Dave Dunda helped me in under 30 minutes and actually listened to me. He got me set up with everything I needed and gave me a few tips in regards to my camera. He was a great!
In the end, I got great pictures of my little sister’s college graduation and family photos that will last a life time!