The Ultimate Destination for Photography, Video, and Electronics Enthusiasts
If you’re searching for a one-stop destination for photography, video, audio, and electronic gear, Adorama is a name that consistently stands out. Founded in 1974, Adorama has built a trusted reputation for delivering high-quality products, excellent customer service, and a wide range of professional services to cater to creators of all types.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Adorama, from its history and product categories to services, shopping experience, pros and cons, and why it’s a top choice for creators worldwide.
What Is Adorama?
Adorama is a premier electronics and camera store based in New York City. While it started as a small photography supply store, it has evolved into a leading online and brick-and-mortar retailer that caters to photographers, filmmakers, musicians, content creators, and tech enthusiasts.
The store is well-known for its extensive inventory, which includes:
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Professional and consumer cameras
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Video and audio equipment
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Computers and accessories
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Musical instruments
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Lighting and studio gear
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Drones and action cameras
Adorama also owns Printique (formerly AdoramaPix), a professional photo printing service, and Adorama Rental Co., which offers gear rentals for short-term needs.
The History of Adorama
Adorama was founded in 1974 by Mendel Mendlowits in Manhattan, New York. Originally focused on selling photographic equipment, the company quickly gained popularity among amateur and professional photographers. With the rise of digital technology, Adorama expanded its offerings to include a broad array of electronics and tech gear.
Today, Adorama is a globally recognized brand serving millions of customers through its online platform and iconic NYC superstore.
Why Shop at Adorama?
Adorama has carved out a niche for itself by offering more than just gear. It provides a full ecosystem for creators. Here’s what sets it apart:
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Wide Selection of Products: From beginner kits to high-end professional gear, Adorama stocks thousands of items across categories.
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Competitive Prices and Deals: The store regularly offers rebates, bundle deals, and clearance items, making it easy to find budget-friendly options.
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Expert Advice and Content: Through Adorama TV and the Learning Center, users can access tutorials, product reviews, and creative inspiration.
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Used Gear Marketplace: Adorama sells certified used gear that’s tested for quality—perfect for photographers on a budget.
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Rental Services: Need a specific lens or camera for a short-term shoot? Adorama Rental Co. lets you rent gear easily, saving money and storage space.
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Financing Options: With Adorama Edge credit and Payboo cards, shoppers can enjoy no-interest financing and instant savings on sales tax.
Products You Can Find at Adorama
Cameras and Lenses
Whether you’re a photographer, vlogger, or filmmaker, Adorama stocks the latest models from brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Leica. Lenses, tripods, gimbals, and accessories are also readily available.
Video and Audio Equipment
From camcorders to studio monitors and microphones, Adorama provides professional-grade video and audio solutions for production teams and solo creators alike.
Computers and Software
You’ll find MacBooks, iMacs, PC towers, monitors, graphics tablets, and software for photo and video editing, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Capture One, and more.
Drones and Action Cameras
Explore drones from DJI and Autel, as well as GoPros and accessories for action-packed adventures.
Lighting and Studio Gear
Studio lights, softboxes, ring lights, and backdrops are all part of Adorama’s robust studio setup inventory.
Musical Instruments and Pro Audio
Instruments like guitars, keyboards, DJ equipment, mixers, and audio interfaces are also available, making Adorama a favorite among musicians and podcasters.
Services Offered by Adorama
Adorama Rental Co. (ARC)
This rental division provides high-end cameras, lenses, and production gear for rent, available for pick-up in NYC or delivery across the U.S.
Printique (formerly AdoramaPix)
Printique offers premium photo printing services including:
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Photo books
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Canvas prints
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Wall décor
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Albums and calendars
It’s widely used by professional photographers for wedding and portrait prints.
Adorama Edge Credit Card
The Adorama Edge credit card provides benefits like:
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Special financing
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Exclusive promotions
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Purchase protection
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No annual fee
Adorama Payboo Card
The Payboo Card offers instant savings equal to the sales tax in participating states—essentially giving you a discount on every purchase.
Adorama Learning Center and Adorama TV
Adorama goes beyond retail by investing heavily in education. The Adorama Learning Center is packed with how-to articles, photography tips, and gear reviews. On YouTube, Adorama TV features:
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Tutorials for all levels
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Product deep dives
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Behind-the-scenes videos
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Interviews with professional creators
This makes it an excellent resource for self-taught photographers and filmmakers.
Pros and Cons of Shopping at Adorama
Pros:
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Huge selection of gear and electronics
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Competitive pricing and deals
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High-quality used equipment options
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Strong educational resources
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Gear rentals available
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Free shipping on many items
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Trusted customer service
Cons:
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Customer service can be slower during peak times
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Some items are out of stock due to high demand
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Return policies for used gear are more restrictive
Adorama Store Location and Online Presence
Store Address:
Adorama Store
42 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011
(Located between 5th and 6th Avenues in Manhattan)
Online Store:
www.adorama.com
Customers from around the world can shop online, take advantage of free shipping offers, and get fast delivery across the U.S.
Adorama vs. Competitors
Adorama’s main competitors include B&H Photo Video, Best Buy, and Amazon. However, Adorama holds its ground through:
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Specialized focus on creative professionals
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Better used gear options
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Exceptional educational content
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Financing plans like Payboo that reduce sales tax costs
Adorama’s Commitment to Creators
Adorama is more than just a retailer—it’s a full-service platform dedicated to empowering creators. Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer or a professional cinematographer, Adorama offers tailored solutions to meet your creative needs. Their curated gear bundles, student discounts, trade-in options, and rental services are specifically designed to make professional-level production accessible to all.
Adorama also supports the creative community through sponsorships, live events, and partnerships with influential creators, studios, and schools.
Adorama Deals and Special Offers
Looking to save money on gear? Adorama frequently runs promotions and deals including:
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Seasonal Sales – Massive discounts during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday events.
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Rebate Offers – Instant and mail-in rebates from brands like Canon, Sony, and Nikon.
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Open Box Discounts – Reduced prices on gear that’s been returned but is still in like-new condition.
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Bundle Packages – Camera or audio bundles with essential accessories at reduced rates.
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VIP Rewards – Earn reward points with every purchase and redeem them for future discounts.
Bookmarking Adorama’s Deals Page is a smart move if you’re looking to upgrade your equipment at the best prices.
The Adorama Insider: Blog and News
The Adorama Insider is a blog-style publication within their website offering:
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Buying guides
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Industry news
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Interviews with creators
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Event coverage
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Product comparisons
It’s an excellent resource for staying updated on the latest in photography, videography, and tech gear trends.
Adorama EDU: Academic and Student Discounts
Adorama offers exclusive discounts for students, educators, and academic institutions through its Adorama EDU program. This initiative provides:
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Lower pricing on select gear
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Bulk ordering for schools and training programs
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Curriculum support and equipment packages for photography/video courses
Educators and students can register to access these benefits and make their creative journey more affordable.
Adorama’s Used Department and Trade-In Program
Buying used gear is a smart way to stretch your budget, and Adorama makes this process easy and secure. Their used department offers a wide selection of:
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DSLR and mirrorless cameras
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Studio equipment
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Lenses and flashes
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Lighting and grip gear
Each item is tested, graded, and backed by a warranty.
Have old gear? Use Adorama’s Trade-In Program to exchange it for cash or store credit. The process is fast and user-friendly: simply fill out the online form, ship your gear, and get an offer within days.
Adorama Rental Co. (ARC) In Detail
Adorama Rental Co., located just blocks from their main NYC store, provides flexible short-term gear rentals. Whether you’re shooting a music video, covering an event, or testing new equipment before buying, ARC offers:
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Cameras and lenses
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Lighting kits
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Tripods and stabilization rigs
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Audio equipment
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Production monitors
You can reserve gear online, pick it up in person, or have it shipped to your location. This makes ARC ideal for freelancers, studios, and traveling creatives.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Adorama consistently receives positive reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and ResellerRatings. Customers often highlight:
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Fast shipping and safe packaging
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Helpful customer support
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Accurate product descriptions
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Honest used gear grading
Adorama has earned awards for excellence in e-commerce and continues to be a recommended seller by camera and tech forums.
Final Thoughts: Is Adorama Worth It?
If you’re a photographer, filmmaker, podcaster, gamer, or just a tech enthusiast, Adorama is one of the best places to shop for gear and accessories. Its diverse product selection, professional services, and educational content make it more than just a store—it’s a creative hub.
From beginners buying their first camera to industry professionals renting gear for commercial shoots, Adorama caters to all levels of experience. With fair prices, reliable support, and fast delivery, it’s no wonder the store remains a top pick for creatives across the globe.