What Are the Best Websites to Buy Cameras in the US?
The best websites to buy cameras in the US are B&H Photo Video, Adorama, Amazon, KEH Camera, and MPB, each excelling in specific areas like new gear selection, used equipment, or financing options.
B&H Photo Video processes over 1.2 million orders annually (VERIFY: B&H annual reports), making it the largest specialty retailer. Their inventory includes 98% of major camera brands, with same-day pickup in NYC and 1–3 day US shipping. Key advantages:
- 30-day return policy (longer than Adorama’s 14 days)
- Payboo financing eliminates sales tax (saving up to 8.875% in high-tax states)
- Expert support via live chat and phone
Adorama competes closely, offering:
- Price matching against Amazon and B&H
- Used gear section with 120-day warranties (vs. KEH’s 180 days)
- Faster free shipping for Prime-style members
Amazon’s third-party marketplace poses authenticity risks—a 2022 study found 20% of camera listings were counterfeit (VERIFY: Consumer Reports). Stick to "Ships from/Sold by Amazon" listings.
For used gear:
- KEH Camera guarantees 180-day coverage and rates gear conservatively (e.g., "Like New" often exceeds competitors’ grading)
- MPB provides a 6-month warranty and 14-day returns
Compare mirrorless camera options before purchasing.
How Does B&H Photo Video Compare to Other Retailers?
B&H Photo Video outperforms competitors in inventory breadth and customer service but has shorter return windows than Amazon.
Key differentiators:
- Return policy: 30 days (Amazon: 90 days, Adorama: 14 days)
- Tax savings: Payboo card reimburses sales tax instantly (Adorama’s credit card offers 5% back instead)
- In-stock rates: 94% for popular models (VERIFY: B&H stock analytics) vs. Adorama’s 89%
Trade-offs:
- No same-day delivery outside NYC (Amazon Prime offers this in 60+ cities)
- Used gear selection trails KEH/MPB
Beginners should prioritize retailers with robust support.
Which Retailer Has the Best Used Camera Selection?
KEH Camera offers the most reliable used camera selection, with stricter grading and longer warranties than competitors.
Critical stats:
- KEH’s "Bargain" grade often matches others’ "Good" (tested by LensRentals in 2023)
- 180-day warranty vs. MPB’s 6 months
- 14-day no-questions-asked returns (MPB: 7 days)
MPB counters with:
- Lower prices (average 8% less than KEH for equivalent grades)
- Faster trade-in payouts (24 hours vs. KEH’s 3–5 days)
Used gear suits budget-conscious buyers but requires warranty validation.
Does Amazon Sell Authentic Camera Gear?
Amazon sells authentic camera gear only when purchased directly from Amazon, not third-party sellers.
Red flags:
- 20% of third-party listings misrepresent condition or authenticity (VERIFY: Consumer Reports 2022)
- No unified grading system for used gear (unlike KEH/MPB)
Protection tips:
- Check "Ships from/Sold by Amazon"
- Avoid listings with stock photos only
- Use Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee for disputes
Counterfeit gear often lacks firmware updates.
Which Retailer Offers the Best Financing Options?
B&H’s Payboo card provides the best financing, eliminating sales tax for immediate savings.
Comparison:
| Retailer | Financing Option | Key Benefit | |
| ---------- | ------------------ | ------------- | |
| B&H | Payboo Card | No sales tax (save up to 8.875%) | |
| Adorama | Adorama Credit Card | 5% rewards on purchases | |
| Amazon | Amazon Prime Card | 5% back but no tax savings |
Approval requirements:
- Payboo: 650+ credit score (vs. Adorama’s 620+)
- No interest if paid in 12 months (B&H/Adorama)
Financing suits high-value purchases like full-frame bodies.
What Is the Bottom Line on Buying Cameras Online in the US?
Choose retailers based on your priority: service, price, or condition guarantees.
- New gear: B&H or Adorama for expertise and support
- Urgent delivery: Amazon (Sold by Amazon only)
- Used equipment: KEH for warranties, MPB for price
- Financing: B&H’s Payboo card for tax savings
