Hidalgo St. Quiapo – cheap camera shops in the Philippines

If you’re wondering where you can buy dSLR cameras and other photographic equipment in the Philippines for the cheapest/lowest prices, then it’s in Hidalgo, Quiapo. I know Hidalgo Quiapo, in general, is notorious as one of Manila’s shabby and crime infested areas (full of  pirated CDs/DVDs, counterfeit electronics, snatchers, garbage).

I was surprised myself after finding out that it’s highly recommended by other photographers in the Philippines as a place to find a wider range of photographic/videographic equipment at a cheaper price than in malls. I bought my first camera, a Canon Powershot A700, in Hidalgo Quiapo when I was in college and a Nikon D40 last year.

I have nothing to complain about the quality of my purchases there.



The price difference if you were to buy a camera in Hidalgo Quiapo as compared to most stores in malls is quite huge. In a store here in SM City Iloilo, the difference is enough to cover my round trip airfare to Manila and a few days’ expenses.

If you’re wondering why the stores in Hidalgo Quiapo sell it for such a low price, it’s because space rentals in Quiapo are much cheaper and because they sell most items with a local/store warranty. Meaning, if you need to have it fixed/replaced, you won’t be able to do it in just any service center of your camera brand, but only in the store where you bought the camera.

Hidalgo St. is very near Carriedo LRT 1 Station. To get there ride the LRT (Yellow Line) and get off at Carriedo Station. Using the Google map as a reference, walk further along Carrideo St., at the first intersection you will find SM Quiapo to your right. Enter SM and go to the other side of the building. When you exit, you will be somewhere in front of Watson’s and Henry’s. the other stores are not far from there. There’s a Banco de Oro branch along the street to your right, in front of it is Mayer.

Here’s a list of Camera Shops in Hidalgo-Quiapo and their contact details:

  • Henry’s Photo Supply
    Tel: 733-7723, 734-6198
    Fax: 734-4018
    Email: henryscamera@yahoo.com
  • Mayer Photo
    Tel: 733-7598, 733-7722
  • Watson Photo Shop
    Tel: 733-7697
  • Aperture Trading Corporation
    Tel: 732-8991, 731-1708
    Fax: 741-9743 (telefax)
    Email: aperturetrade@yahoo.com
  • Avenue Photo Supply
    Tel: 733-2761, 733-5474, 734-3307
    Email: avenue98@info.com.ph
  • 24K, formerly Fotohaus
    Tel: 734-4471, 734-3304 to 05, 733-4565, 733-5531
    Fax: 733-5528
    Email: fotolam@vasia.com
  • JT Photoworld
    Tel: 523-4396, 536-6590, 536-6591
    Fax: 521-3621
    Email: inquiry@jtphotoworld.com

For point and shoot cameras and DSLRs, Henrys and Mayers are two of the most popular stores. Depending on the item, prices may vary in each store, so it would be best to contact them beforehand for prices.

Remember to be on high alert when you’re in Hidlago Quiapo! It’s not one of the safest places in Manila so the quickest you can go in and out, the better. The safest places there are: inside the LRT Station, inside SM, and inside the stores. If you’re anywhere outside these areas, walk fast and be extra alert. It would also be best if you bring one or more persons along with you during your visit. More tips could be found at “Hidalgo Quiapo Warning” in the DPP Forums.

As an alternative or if you’re interested to check current camera prices, check out the online camera shops based in the Philippines.