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Prices are generally competitive. Many digital cameras and photo accessories cost the same or, at times, cheaper than the camera stores in Hidalgo Quiapo. Definitely, much cheaper than the bloated prices at the malls.
What’s great about these stores is that you can check the current prices instantly. No need to canvass from store to store at Hidalgo. In case you’d want to buy in Hidalgo, at least you already have an idea how much your desired unit costs.
Risk of Online Shopping
I guess the biggest concern about buying stuff online is trusting these sellers. I’ve been a first time buyer myself. I know how making transactions just through email or SMS can be scary. Even though I’ve read a lot of positive feedback, it was still hard to shake off the doubt … especially because it involved a large sum of my personal savings.
I am not making an assurance that you will have a 100% positive experience with these sellers. Don’t forget that there is still an inherent risk when buying stuff online. My only intent is to share my experience. If you’re decided to buy your camera online, the most important thing is to know what you’re getting yourself into. Minimize the risks by reading testimonials and reviews.
Online Camera Shops Philippines
I was in the market for a new “point and shoot” camera, a Samsung EX1. My old one was already in a sorry condition and I’ve gotten tired (literally) at lunging a bulky DSLR everywhere I go. I’m based in Iloilo so going to Qiuapo isn’t as easy as going out of the house and hopping on the MRT. I started to check out some online shops and found that these three are the most popular and reputable:
- Kimstore
- DB Gadets
- Jeptall’s House of Gadgets
Prices are pretty much fixed. I’ve tried haggling multiple times with no success. Although its disheartening news to fail at scoring cheaper rates, it’s also reassuring to know that these online sellers don’t just change their prices spontaneously.
My first online purchase
I went with DB Gadgets since they replied first. Communicated exclusively through SMS. After receiving the payment details, I deposited the money at their BPI Account and sent a confirmation thereafter. I confirmed my payment on a Thursday and was promised that my item would arrive after 4 days, which would be the next Monday. I had the camera shipped to my location in Iloilo for an additional P400 shipping fee.
Come Monday, I did not receive any package or text message about the delay. I got worried of course. DB Gadgets was quick to reply that my order was delayed because of the weekend. My new camera finally came on Wednesday, 6 days after I confirmed my order. Although I was agitated by the delay, I was just happy that I was not scammed. The Samsung EX1 unit was brand new (in mint condition). I also ordered a 4GB micro SD card and an LCD protector.
Other alternatives
Jeptall also has a physical store at the 1st floor of the Robinsons Pioneer store (near Guadalupe MRT Station) in Mandaluyong City. I bought an SB-700 unit there and am satisfied with the unit.
If you’re not keen at online shopping, many camera shops in Hidalgo also offer shipping. The only one I can personally recommend is:
Henry’s Photo Supply
Tel: 733-7723, 734-6198
Fax: 734-4018
Email: henryscamera@yahoo.com
Here’s my previous post about Hidalgo, Quiapo camera shops.
My name is Marcos. I'm an off-beat explorer who loves to experience and capture the beauty of the Philippines and Asia. I started making a living online to support myself financially through my university degree. I've been living a location-independent digital lifestyle ever since. 
[...] an alternative, also check out the online camera shops based in the Philippines. Like this Post? Help Me Share My Story Tweet Join My Travels / Subscribe via: or [...]
Can’t wait for my 13th month pay. Haha. I wanna buy a DSLR again (because I sold my first camera). Thanks for posting this. :)
Cool Vikki. Have fun on your new purchase :D
hey! this site is really a help…im planning to buy dslr and dont know where in quiapo…glad ive search and found this site…this is such a big help! thanks now i know where to go and buy…
This was Cool ! Really Helps A lot . Thank you For The Blogger .
Hi! Perhaps u want to try getting from us in the future? We also sell gadgets at a super low price!:-)
U can check our feedbacks at http://www.facebook.com/onestopshopgadgets. Thanks so much and hope to deal with you soon marcos!:-)
Try ebay.ph, tipidpc.com and tpid.cp (for cellphones). I have always been a buying stuffs online kc ang laki nga ng natitipid ko. Though risky nga talaga sya, I always make it to the point na meet up pag-kukunin kna ung item, dapat sa public place ung meet-up and bring someone along with you.
Regarding naman sa sellers ng na makakadeal nyo check their feedbacks and NEVER pay online lalo pag malaki na halaga involve. =)
Hey Marcos! Just an amateur photographer, not as good as you are. But hey, went across your blog and wanted to ask where can I buy classic polaroids here in PHI? I checked the online sites you posted but they dont sell polaroids. Went over int’l sites and they only ship domestic. Ive always wanted to check out hidalgo but its much of a creepy place! Ha!
Not so sure about polaroids. Try tagging along a friend when visiting Hidalgo para safer.
Hi. May repair center din kaya sa Hidalgo ng mga SLR lenses? Yung Nikkon d3100 18-55 mm lens ko kasi ay nabagsak sa fllor. After nun, medyo madilim na yung vuewfunder tapos di na lumulubog ung shutter button kapag nakakabit ung lens sa cam pero intact yung lens, walang crack inside and out. Hope someone can help me. Thank you!
anong magandang dslr para sa mga bagohan tulad ko….
hi dong.
My first dslr was a nikon 3100. It was around 26k when I bought it from jeptall 2 years ago. It’s a decent cam specially for starters. I was using it for a year when I saw my old highschool bud sporting a D90. It’s an older model compared to mine. I tested it. It was love at first sight!!! It has a bigger body. The grip is amazing! Plus the kit lens is 18-105mm(n3100 has 18/55mm). I also love D90′s commander mode(can sync with wireless speedlites), so no need to buy a separate remote. Plus it has a built in motor – you can use old cheaper lens(no motor) without worrying about doing some manual focus. =D
My suggestion, if your budget permits, go for nikon D90 or higher. It’s really worth it =D
[...] want to check camera/lens prices before your visit, follow the links to online sellers listed on this page. Prices listed are not much different from Hidalgo-Quiapo stores. To make sure, you can always [...]
[...] were taken by a Samsung EX1 camera (or known as the TL500 in some countries). I bought it from an online camera store. I’m loving this point and shoot! The quality is not as good as an SLR but it’s pretty [...]
[...] were taken by a Samsung EX1 camera (or known as the TL500 in some countries). I bought it from an online camera store. I’m loving this point and shoot! The quality is not as good as an SLR but it’s pretty [...]
hi.
Do you guys know where I can buy cheap but decent light stand and umbrella?
I dont have one yet. I’m using my benro tripod for my speedlight for the mean time, but I won’t be able to attach an umbrella nor a softbox, atleast without a connector. Plus, light stands are cheaper than tripods. Anybody knows how mucha lightstand and umbrella set cost?
thanks!
sir..fit po ba ang 35mm nikon lense sa nikon d90 and magkanu po and 70-200 sigma lense.tenks :)
Hello everyone! does have Second hand DSLR in hidalgo quiapo?? Please reply to this number 0926-286-5927 Thank you so much in advance..
best choice – kimstore. :) better service than those ive dealt with before. thumbs up, hands up!
DB Gadgets sucks! I bought from them, was promised of a discount for purchasing 2 items, the discount, they said, will be included inside the box since I purchased since I purchased credit card but they did not give it to me. I messaged them, PM them, no reply! They also lied to me about the dispatch date of my order, it was delayed for 3 days! That just means that units were not available when they said they were. I could have purchased from Kimstore as they were honest enough to tell me the units will be available 2 days after my inquiry. DB Gadgets deceived me so they can get the order! I will NEVER EVER buy from them, again!
DB GADGETS sucks! I have a very bad experience with them – never again!!!