The Camera Store Blog

In celebration of 30 years within Calgary’s photography community, The Camera Store is proud to present a special group exhibition, Then & Now 30 Years of Calgary Photography. This milestone exhibition highlights the talent, perspectives, and creative evolution of Calgary’s photographic scene, seen through the lenses of a selection of photographers who have helped shape and support it over the past three decades.

Right away, you can feel it. The air in Costa Rica’s rainforest is thick, warm, and absolutely alive. In Todd Korol's newest YouTube video, he hikes through Mystico Hanging Bridges Park near La Fortuna, Costa Rica, straight into the heart of the jungle. Where trees are covered in moss, insects buzz, birds call, leaves rustle, and somewhere off in the distance, howler monkeys echo through the trees as the Arenal Volcano emerges from the clouds. Todd captures what it’s like to slow down and photograph a place that never sits still, a reminder that some of the best images come from paying attention to the small details.

Let your creativity run wild with the new Fujifilm instax mini Evo Cinema, a hybrid instant camera that merges the charm of vintage aesthetics with the versatility of modern imaging. Whether you’re snapping stills, recording short-form video, or printing memories on iconic instax mini film, the mini Evo Cinema is all about giving creators endless possibilities. And if that wasn’t enough, Fujifilm is also introducing the new Fujifilm instax mini Link+ smartphone printer, a sleek new tool for taking your favourite smartphone shots and turning them into tangible works of art. Built to inspire, create, and deliver unforgettable moments for anyone looking to step up their instant photography and printing game, with the instax mini Evo Cinema and the instax mini Link+, the possibilities are endless.

When it comes to capturing life’s most extraordinary moments, having the right tools can make all the difference. SmallRig tripods are designed with photographers and videographers in mind, combining portability, durability, and innovative features to meet the demands of any shoot. Whether you’re scaling a mountain for that perfect sunset shot or setting up for a professional video production, SmallRig tripods offer solutions that are as versatile as they are reliable. From lightweight travel options to heavy-duty systems built for stability, these tripods are an essential addition to your creative gear.

If you have been waiting to upgrade your old gear and get the new, powerful Nikon Z5 II, this is the moment you've been waiting for. Trade-in your old, working camera for the advanced Nikon Z5 II and receive a bonus $200 on top of your trade-in value! Not only is the process super easy, but you're getting bonus money for trading in – how great of a deal is that?! Get ready to feed your creativity with the Nikon Z5 II.

It's almost here! The 2026 Exposure Photography Festival is right around the corner, with over 250 artists showcasing their work in 30+ venues across Alberta! From the charming Waterton Park Community Centre to the sleek Wild Skies gallery in Edmonton, to our beloved Central Library here in Calgary, you’ll experience an exciting range of contemporary, community-driven photography projects.

We’re proud to share the release of Qareen, a new horror short film directed and crafted by Amair Javid (AJ), a filmmaker and visual storyteller who is also a staff member at The Camera Store. His work bridges the gap between technical precision and emotional storytelling, a balance that’s central to Qareen’s unsettling tone. Funded by the Canada Council, Qareen is a moody, atmospheric exploration of unseen forces that blends psychological unease with supernatural horror, offering a tightly crafted cinematic experience.

Make this year the one where you embrace versatility and convenience with the all-new Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens! This impressive, lightweight, and adaptable zoom lens is tailor-made for Nikon FX-format/full-frame mirrorless cameras. Covering a wide focal range from 24-105mm, it’s your go-to tool for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes and iconic landmarks to delicious meals, candid moments with friends, lively street scenes, unforgettable travel memories, and so much more.

Most of you know Evelyn from The Camera Store TV, but recently she got the fun opportunity to be a guest on PetaPixel! In this PetaPixel review, Chris Niccolls takes the Antigravity A1, the world's first 360° camera drone, out for a spin for the first time using its VR-like headset for first-person view (or FPV). Evelyn joins to help walk Chris through her experience using the Antigravity A1 and gives her opinions on this unique drone.

Make 2026 your best photography year yet with a year-long virtual photography mentorship program with the renowned Monika Deviat! This mentorship is an incredible opportunity to cover a comprehensive range of topics, receive ongoing support, and foster a strong, mentor-mentee relationship with Monika. Best of all, this mentorship is FREE! All you have to do is apply. Why not start the year with an exciting mentorship to help you conquer your photography goals!? 

Down to the wire and struggling to find the perfect gift? For the photographer who already has every piece of gear imaginable, why not gift them a photography experience that will stay with them forever! Our Photography Workshops are an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, experience exclusive photography opportunities, and meet fellow photographers, all while supporting local! Plus, with our gift guide below, you can find the perfect workshop for each special person.