In an age and time when the best camera phones have become sophisticated enough to compete with stand-alone cameras and the digital image that can be viewed on your smartphone at any time and shared with others whenever you please tramps the printed version, you might be wondering what's the use of photographic shops. However, nothing beats the quality of producing professional shots with a top-notch camera, while local stores offer a variety of services that do not begin and end with just photo printing and framing.

So whether you are a professional photographer who needs to upgrade your equipment or an amateur who simply wants to boost your skills, then get in touch with the many photographic shops in Malta and Gozo.

What can you purchase from photography and camera stores in Malta?

Despite the proliferation of smartphones, cameras continue being one of the most popular items typically found and purchased at photography shops. And if you're wondering why you should bother visiting local stores when all sorts of cameras and their equipment can be easily purchased online, you might be surprised to discover a series of benefits. For instance, salespeople at these stores are highly qualified and as a result, they can advise you accordingly, whilst a number of brands are available. Some of the most popular ones include Olympus and Spider.

Nowadays, with the vast variety of camera types and features available on the market, choosing the right one can be at times overwhelming. Having said that, some of the most important things to consider before selecting one is your skill level, your needs and quite naturally, your budget. Have a look at the list below, which features the most popular types of cameras:

Compact Camera

Also known as Point and Shoot camera, a compact camera is a good option for developing your photographic vision since it is designed for simple operation, while it allows you to try out a variety of different ideas for compositions. Being small and light means that it can be easily taken with you on trips and holidays. They usually have video recording and image stabilization. Some might have Wi-Fi connectivity so you can instantly share your memories with whoever you want. Compact cameras can vary in zoom options and amount of features. Advanced compacts allow photographers to have more control over the photos and functions such as exposure and focus.

DSLR Camera

Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera is designed for professional photographers and serious amateurs. With interchangeable lenses and creative features, DSLR offers superb quality pictures. The biggest downside of such cameras is their price and the heavy equipment it comes with it which has to be carried around.

SLR Camera

Mirrorless Single-Lens Cameras fit in between the compact and DSLR alternatives, offering many features and good-quality photos in lightweight and less expensive format. It's a compromise for those who like to have control over their camera's features but don't want to carry any heavy equipment around.

Action Camera

As the name suggests, action cameras, also known as sports cameras, are made with sport and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. Those small, compact cameras are usually waterproof and perform well in extreme conditions, while they come with a range of accessories which means that they can be attached to anything you wish such as motorbike helmets and bicycle handlebars. In addition, with this type of camera, you can shoot high-quality video footage while you are performing your favourite activities, whilst its wide lens allows you to get more width to your images.

Instant Camera

In recent years instant cameras have had a big comeback, with many new camera models available on the market. Using self-developing film to create a chemically developed print just mere seconds after taking the picture, instant cameras offer a hassle-free solution when it comes to printing out your photos. The models available out there greatly vary with these ranging between different printout sizes and the quality of photos produced.

Camera Accessories

Photographic shops offer a vast selection of accessories that come in handy with photographic equipment, such as straps, bags and cables. You can also find accessories which can help you achieve better quality photos such as external flash, light diffusers, tripods and camera filters.

What other services are available?

Photo Printing

The printing services on hand may consist of either having your photos printed by the personnel themselves over a number of business days or alternatively if you're in a rush, you can simply use the digital photo printing machine available. All you need to do is simply insert a USB memory stick into the machine, select the images you would like to have printed and simply click print. Depending on the volume of copies you need, printing your images may take a few minutes. What's more, photos can also be printed on items such as calendars and mugs, as well as on canvas.

Photo framing and displays

Photo frames of all shapes and sizes are also on hand, while all sorts of albums are also available for you to purchase such as leather albums for example. In effect, stores can also help you with designing your photo album.

Photo restoration

As you're flipping through your family's old photo album filled with pictures of your beloved ancestors, you realise that many of these have been ruined by time and are in dire need of repair. Fortunately, with the advancement of computers and software, most photographic shops can restore your old photos. Photo restoration involves repairing a copy of the image using computer software, after which a new print can be produced. Ideally, you should opt to have all photo collections that are dear to you to avoid the unavoidable.

Professional photo service

Typically a photographic shop has an in-house professional photographer who can either offer in-house photo sessions such as portraits for example, as well as professional photographic services for events like weddings, engagements, baptisms, parties and commercial events. In addition, if you need any professional shots taken for official documentation such as passports, identification cards and visas, these can also be carried out at a photographic shop of your choice.