For over half a century, Ted's Cameras has been helping Australians capture life's most important moments, whether it's the smile of a newborn, the colours of an outback sunset, or the thrill of a sporting victory.
What started in 1970 as a single store on Elizabeth Street in Melbourne has grown into a national destination for photographers and creators of all levels. For a deeper look at how photography itself has evolved alongside Ted's, explore Ted's illustrated history of photography. While the cameras have evolved from film to digital, from 8K cinema rigs to AI-powered autofocus, the Ted's experience has stayed the same: expert advice, the latest gear, and service you can trust.
55 years on, we're proud to still be the place where Australia shops for cameras, camera accessories, photo printing and where customers know they'll be welcomed with knowledge, passion, and a genuine love for photography. Curious about your photo printing options? Our complete guide to digital photo printing in Australia walks you through everything available in-store and online.
From 1970 to Today: Ted's Cameras' 55-Year Story
- 1970 — Ted opens the first store at 239 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
- 1981 — Sony releases the first filmless electronic camera.
- 1982 — Two key members, Silvano and Sue, join the Ted's team. They both still work at Ted's today — Silvano at the Melbourne store and Sue in the insurance department.
- 1983 — Sony launches the first handheld video camera.
- 1984 — Frank joins the Ted's family. He can still be found today working at the Fountain Gate Ted's Store.
- 1986 — Kodak scientists invent the world's first megapixel sensor (1.4 million pixels).
- 1990 — Jason from our Adelaide store joins the Ted's team.
- 1991 — Kodak and Nikon launch the first digital SLR.
- 1994 — First consumer digital camera released; Compact Flash memory card introduced.
- 1995 — Bruce from the Brisbane store joins the Ted's ranks.
- 1996 — First consumer camera with an LCD screen on the back.
- 1999 — First digital SLR designed and manufactured by a single camera company released.
- 2003 — Digital camera sales exceed film camera sales for the first time.
- 2004 — Kodak ceases production of film cameras.
- 2009 — Ted's installs environmentally friendly HP printers & kiosks in all stores.
- 2009 — Canon 5D Mark II launches the DSLR video revolution.
- 2011 — Subject eye autofocus introduced.
- 2012 — Mirrorless cameras become mainstream.
- 2014 — Introduction of 6K and 8K sensors.
- 2018 — Full-frame digital cinema cameras become standard.
- 2020 — Development of virtual production cameras with real-time VFX integration.
- 2020 — Introduction of 12K sensors.
- 2022 — AI autofocus systems become standard in many cameras.
- 2023 — Ted's opens its first store in Western Australia.
- 2024 — Long-serving Ted's staff member, Dot, retires after over 43 years of dedicated service.
- 2025 — Ted's celebrates 55 years of expert knowledge and service.
Here's to the Next Chapter
55 years is a long time in business, but for us, it's just the beginning. We'll keep bringing you the best gear, the best advice, and the best service — just as Ted promised back in 1970.
To all our customers, from those who remember buying their first film roll at Ted's to those unboxing their first mirrorless camera today, thank you for being part of our story. Here's to the next 55 years of capturing moments, making memories, and sharing the joy of photography.
Want to keep up on the latest Ted's news and photographic gear roundups, such as the best cameras for vlogging? Keep one eye on Ted's Photography Blog.
Find Your Local Ted's Store
Find a Ted's Cameras Store Near You
55 years on, Ted's has grown from that original Elizabeth Street address into a national network of stores — each one staffed by people who genuinely love photography. Whether you're visiting Ted's Cameras Fountain Gate in Melbourne's south-east (where long-serving team member Frank is still on hand to help), dropping into Ted's Cameras Knox, or heading to Ted's Cameras Adelaide (home to Jason, who's been part of the Ted's family since 1990), you'll find the same expert advice and hands-on service that's defined Ted's since 1970.
Every Ted's store stocks the latest cameras, lenses, and accessories, and offers in-store services including photo printing and gear advice tailored to your shooting style. Not sure which store is closest to you?