"I was lured to camerakings by the lowest price on a Dslr. Plus the website advertises free shipping and goodies with every order (tripod, cleaner, etc). I was ready to order online and would probably give them top marks if I had done this. BUT I noticed if you phone in your order you get a shipping upgrade and an even BETTER (but not detailed) gift package. So I made the mistake of the week and picked up the phone.

The sales rep was aggressive and really tried to push "addons". I did get talked into the highspeed memory card, since the (cheaper) card takes 5 seconds to store a picture. MMhhmm, oh well - I only overpaid by $10 vs. a cheaper store. I was then quoted a $10 fee for handling. Free shipping though. Of course it's slowboat UPS, no upgrade. So I get to wait a week for my camera to arrive. At least it shipping.

DO NOT PHONE IN YOUR ORDER TO CAMERA KING. Buying online is the way to go if they have the lowest price. No pressure, no hassle and probably no handling fee."

"I ordered a camera from Camera Kings a week ago, March 9th. I was headed out of town for several months starting March 17th and definitely needed the camera by then. I asked for 3 day shipping and was told I would receive the camera on the 12th. They told me the camera would be shipped the next day, March 10th, but it wasn't. I called back and they assured me the camera would be sent out by the end of the day. It was not. When I called back the day after, they apologized and said it would go out Monday, the 15th, through next day air and would be in my hands on the 16th. When I called them Monday to confirm the camera had been sent out, it had not and I was told they would not upgrade me to next day shipping like they had previously stated and the earliest I would receive the camera would be the 18th, one day after I am due to leave the country.

All in all, my experience with Camera Kings has been wholly bad. I would definitely not recommend them to anyone. I had read some mixed reviews online and decided to take a chance on them anyway, and it just proved to be a massive waste of time and worry. Shop elsewhere.

UPDATE: Hours after posting my review, Brian from Camera Kings called me to rectify the situation. He had the camera shipped immediately and overnight, and it was in my hands the next day. While I appreciate how he handled the situation, I feel I wouldn't have received that kind of treatment had I not posted my review online. I've updated my ratings to reflect the help of Brian. "

"I wish I read these reviews prior to placing my order for a Canon T2i with Camera Kings. I went through the additional sales pitch like everyone else during my confirmation call back. In my attempt to secure this order, I had a verbal and written confirmation that the T2i was in stock and would ship no later than Thursday 3/11/10. Its now the 14th and I have no UPS tracking number and my CC has not yet been billed. This makes me wonder if the T2i was never in their inventory at the time of my order. I paid extra to expedite receiving my order and I need this camera for a trip I'm taking next week. This is a huge disappointment for me. Here is part of their written correspondence to me. You decide if you want to work with this company.

When a UPS Tracking Number will be provided? I need to have this number so that I can arrange my work schedule to be available to accept the delivery by UPS. You will receive the tracking number via email once it ships.

Is the Canon T2i I ordered is NEW IN THE BOX? According to several review forums, specifically resellerratings.com, previous customers of CameraKings complained of receiving their camera in an open box where some of the included accessories were missing. If the Canon T2i is not NEW IN THE BOX, I will cancel my order. The item is brand new in a new box.

Is the Canon T2i actually in stock? I was assured by your processing representative today that the Canon T2i actually existed in your inventory and I would not have to wait since it will ship out in 2 days (Thurs at the latest communicated to me) Yes the T2i is in stock and available to ship. It should ship no later than Thursday.

Update: Brian, the Customer Service Manager, contacted me personally to resolve my situation. To make a long story short, Brian assured me I would be receiving my camera before my trip this Saturday. That's all I wanted to hear. In addition, Brian offered me the 3 year extended warranty at no cost. That gesture was completely appreciated. I wish Brian got a hold of my review before my camera was shipped. I would have asked him to send it 2nd day air so that I had a couple of days to work with my new camera. I honestly believe Camera Kings can reduce the amount of frustration customers have expressed by eliminating the calls to their order verification department. Their website should be the main focal point of the order not the additional sales pitch get when they call in. I would have given them 5 stars if they set the proper expectations of my order when I originally placed it. The T2i hasn't arrived at the time of this update. I will post another review if necessary."

"I order a Olympus E-P1 PEN 12.3 Megapixels Digital Camera in Camera Kings, with a very low price, and they shipped it very fast, I'm very satisfied with my purchase!"

"I GOT THE CAMERA TODAY AND IT'S JUST WHAT I WANTED AT A PRICE CHEAPER THAN BESTBUY I WILL TELL ALL MY FRIENDS ABOUT CAMERA KING AND WILL ORDER FROM YOU AGAIN I NEAR FUTURE
THANKS JIMMY A FAIRCLOTH"

"I learned an expensive lesson from CameraKings.
After finding the best deal on an Olympus E-P1 camera I ordered one from CameraKings, along with an extra battery and SD card. This camera was listed at $700.
I got a call to verify the order and was told that the extra battery and SD card were not adequate for this camera and I should upgrade. It sounded reasonable.
Somehow my fast talking sales person upgraded me to a kit that included a bunch of cheap, off brand items, plus upgrading the battery and SD card I had ordered. The battery and SD card are also cheap off brands as I found out upon delivery. These changes pushed the price for the extra's up from around $75. to $350.
My invoice is not itemized except for the camera that is listed at $1049. I realized, as soon as I hung up the phone, that I had just been baited and switched. This lesson cost me $300.
ADDENDUM 3-6-10
Camera Kings customer service read my review and contacted me. They offered to rebate my credit card $50. and give me a three year extended warranty for the camera I purchased. Although this is not the greatest rebate ever, someone there does care. I feel much better about the store and the transaction I made, to the point that I would even consider another purchase in the future."

"I had been looking for a Pentax K-X with the 18-55mm and 55-300mm lenses. Camera Kings had this package for $200 less than anywhere else. I read all of the bad reviews, but since there were some positive ones around as well, I decided, that for the money difference, I'd take a chance.
I ordered on a Friday night and was called on a Sunday for "Order verification" The sales person was very nice, suggested a few things, I decided to purchase one of the things he suggested. I did the free shipping and my order was shipped on Monday and I got it on Wednesday! Everything was just as promised and I couldn't be happier. They even threw in the camera bag and a kit with a tiny tripod, lens cloth, protector and cleaner. I would definitely do business with them again, they have the best prices of anyone!!"

"I had ordered a Sony XR500V Camcorder from Camera Kings and at first not happy. My shipment got lost and couldn't get any straight answers. After talking with Eve and Brian, they straightened everything out. They sent me a duplicate order and overnighted the package to me. They also gave me a refund on the shipping cost. After I received my camcorder I was very pleased. They resolved my issues and was very happy. Thanks!"

"I will never buy from them ever again! I never felt scammed until I purcchase from this web site. I saw that they were selling the Nikon D700 for $2099. $300 below other web sites. I proceeded with the order. Besides, they have this deal where it'll come with a table tripod, carrying case, a cleaning kit and lens cover. So I figured that's nice package and I can use the tripod. Then I got a call the following day from them confirming my address. Then the scam started. He asked if I need additional battery. They said it comes with 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours and 12 hours. (I never heard of it that way as battery as battery, so I figured it is packs of lithim battery). I did need one and they quoted me one for $40 dollars, so agreed to add it to my order. Then they insist I should get the 16 gb extreme compact flash for $145 back. I refused and said all I need is the battery. The said the total price is $2399 which includes shipping insurance. I complained the insurance is never mentioned. He said "Okay, I'll give you a upgraded packaged for your battery and will only cost you for $2299". I could use more battery, so I agreed. When I got the camera, it only had ONE battery, a cleaning kit and carrying case. No tripod, screen protector and additional battery. In the invoice, they changed price of the camera ss $2299 (not the $2099). I called about the battery and the tripod, but they said that's what was in the invoice. So I bought a $50 battery for $200. I suggest if you buy from them just don't agree to any of their upgrade. I'm pleased with the camera, but can't help to be tricked when sellet don't delive as promised. "

"Having a very sad experience with camerakings.com Forget that I got all unwonted things, like not original battery and not original warranty from them, including ugly camera bags and a broken card reader plus chip CF card; all of it seems like a needle in hey stag. The biggest problem is lying inside of my new camera! Instead of the new DSLR a700, I got an open box, with no power cord and no battery charger. I got spear charger, and I figured out that CF slot is broken on my new a700. Camerakings.com replaced the first broken DSLR a700 very nicely, but unfortunately for me again they didn’t cover in full shipping charges as promised for the return ship back, and for the replacement camera brokerage fee. On February 15th I got an exchange A700 and today I realized that this camera is broken as well. Viewing pictures is not possible the camera showing first two or three pixels and the rest of image is faded. Downloaded images to PC, and they have a horrible vertical lines. I feel cheated and frustrated. Do not recommend to anyone use there services. So I ended up paying more for exchange and brokerage fees for the broken camera, I could get chipper at the local store.
If they refuse to pay me in full for my order, I will dispute with my Credit Card, fortunately I already had a similar experience with another company and know what to do. Stay away as far as possible.
Sergey M.

P.S.
I send the camera back to camerakings.com on 19th, and they assure me that they will credit back in full by the invoice to my Master Card.
"

"Just ordered a Canon 5d Mark 2 from Camera King I was told I would receive my tracking number within two business days I was also assured that I will receive all Canon original products nothing is refurbish or used. I Will update this review as I receive information. I read some negative reviews about this company, hopefully I will not have to leave one also I am buying this
camera for my job I work for NBC and need to shoot the Anchors Photos. I will update review hopefully this will not turn out to have a negative experience. As you know all of our stations have a complaint hot line to report anything that you feel that a business has not transact business as expected.
Looking forward to a smooth transaction with Camera King.

February 17 2010 I never received a tracking number I also never received any phone calls I contact Camera King in regards to receiving a tracking number I was told I would receive a tracking number via emil on February 18 2010 I check my email and I did not receive a tracking number. I then called Camera King again and was told that I did not receive a tracking number because the camera was not in yet but they just receive the camera and I should receive a tracking number today. At this point I am thinking about all the negative reviews I have read in regards to this company. I decided to cancel my order I was ask why I was canceling my order I was told the camera just arrived and I should receive it on Tuesday or Wednesday I decided I wanted to cancel I did receive a email stating my cancelation I should receive a Full Refund back to me with in 24-72 hrs. I will update as I receive more information.

Update on 2/18/2010 I contacted Camera Kings about my order
I was told the camera was not shipped because they just received it in stock. I did not feel comfortable about this order I then decided to cancel the order, I was ask why the camera had just arrived to them on that day and they said they would ship it that day, I still felt uneasy about working with Camera King as I was told the camera would be shipped out after order was placed they did not have the camera and I felt better about getting a refund, I paid via Paypal and I strongly suggest you do and the money was returned to me within three business days.
I do not think I will order from Camera King in the future I just was not 100% confident with them."

"I ordered a Panasonic Camcorder from this store. I first had a call from Jim who wanted to verify my order and proceeded to give me a sales pitch - which I agreed to seeing as he mentioned free shipping. I then got a call from the Billing department who wanted to make sure everything was ok. This was a bit worrying - so I asked for a copy of the invoice that they said they would send me and didn't. I had $100 in shipping charges, broken down as $4.99 ship fees and $ 94.00 handling and insurance. This does not seem like free shipping to me.
I also bought an import model camera from then - the serial number for which is already registered! This means the included software can't be used.!!!
I'll be giving them a call this week to try and rectify all this - seeing as Jim didn't return my last call - I'm not holding my breath. I would not recommend using this store.

Update: The customer service department and Brian in particular really came through on the issues I had. They called me several times before they could reach me and offered to extend me warranty or a refund to deal with the Shipping fee mix up. In addition they agreed to send me a SDHC card for the camera, to cover the one I couldn't order from Panasonic. You can't get fairer than that!"

"I ordered a digital camera kit and an additional lens yesterday. Today I received a call to "verify" my order, which was probably to be expected given the amount. However, the sales rep kept pressuring me in an aggressive and unfriendly manner to purchase multiple accessories. I told him 3 times that I only want what I ordered. Eventually he said I would receive my order in 3 weeks (!) even tough the web site stated that all items are in stock. Then he hung up on me. My credit card however was charged right away. We'll see when it really ships but this behavior is completely unacceptable.

Update: Manager (Brian) called me 3 hours after I posted this review. He apologized, and said that action had been taken against the employee and that my shipment would be expedited to 3 days. I received my shipment and everything was fine. I guess reviews do work. I am impressed."

"After spending a lot of time reading reviews about tons of online stores I have made a decision for CameraKings and turned out to be good decision. Nice store for buying photo camera. I can speak only for buying camera cause that's all I bout form this store so far. I ordered Canon xsi EOS 450D for $505.00 which is a very good deal.On jan 23 placed my order and got it on feb 1, cause I live on west coast so it takes a wile to get here. Camera came new in original box and what was a surprise to me camera was made in Japan.By the way I did get my free gifts as promised. Would defiantly recommend this store."

"A terrific experience. Ordered on a Tuesday, got confirmation the next day after the usual customer service phone call to see if I needed anything else. I needed nothing and they didn't badger me to buy anything else. Received the Canon 7D on the following Tuesday (free UPS ground shipping across country). I'll definitely plan on ordering from Camera Kings again."