You’ve put in the hard work, saved up, and now, it is time to buy yourself that brand new camera that you’ve been eyeing. The problem is that in this day of online shopping, it is difficult to decide who will get your money. You don’t want to spend your hard-earned cash on low-quality equipment, so it is essential to be cautious.
The good news is that even with the hundreds of websites that don’t sell good gear, there are a few others that do. You only need to know which ones and decide from there based on convenience, price, and customer service. So, if you are looking forward to buying a good camera and gear, we have compiled a list of the 12 best online camera stores.
Adorama
Adorama is by far one of the best stores for all matters camera and videography. They are based in New York, but their online store has pretty much everything you could need. They also have a call center in case you would like to talk to a representative about your options and maybe get an even better deal.
They have a 30-day money back policy with specific conditions that you will have to meet before you can return the product. However, the process is quite seamless, thanks to their excellent customer care. If you are serious about photography, you may want to join their VIP program that has several perks you would love. You get an extended 60-day return period, 2- day delivery for free, and early access to their discounts.
It has a dedicated learning center and a lot of helpful content on AdoramaTV to help you become the best at what you do. They deliver to over 200 countries around the world, so you are sure to get your gear.
B&H
The store was established by a couple, Blimie and Herman, in the 70s, but it has grown exponentially to be the best store for cameras and electronics. The website offers a wide range of cameras and equipment, including some used pieces that are inspected, tested, and graded before selling.
Their prices are friendly, considering that you are getting genuine products. They deliver all over the world apart from very few countries. The store also has a 30-day return policy with quite reasonable conditions, so the process is smooth. B&H offers standard free shipping of 7-10 days and 3-7 days for products over $49.
If you ever get the chance to be in New York, you may want to visit their learning center where you can get a lifetime of knowledge on cameras and equipment. They also have videos and podcasts, so even as you are buying from them, they give you everything you need to succeed.
Samy’s
If you are on the West Coast and don’t want to order from a store that is too far away, then Samy’s is your best option. Their website stocks all types of cameras and equipment, so you have a wide selection from which to choose. It has a 30-day return policy with clear conditions and free shipping for goods above $49.
The store also offers a good selection of used cameras, but they sell through eBay. They thoroughly inspect and grade the gear before selling, so you know exactly what you are buying. Just like Adorama and B&H, they also have in-store classes and helpful videos to get you started.
Ritz Camera
If you are a beginner or amateur photographer, and you don’t want to be bombarded with information about cameras and equipment, then Ritz is a good option. They carry a decent selection of cameras and other gear suitable for non-professional photographers.
Their prices are great with decent discounts and price matching program, so you are sure to get what you need at the right price. They have the 30-day return policy but do charge a 10% stocking fee. Ground delivery is free, but since they have several local stores, you may have to part with a sales tax when you order online. They, however, have a support team, so in case of any issues or questions, there is someone to address that.
Hunts
It was established in the 50s and has been an excellent provider of cameras in New England. The store has a unique website where you can get a good variety of cameras and anything else you may need. The prices are very good with great discounts and sales to look forward to.
They have clear conditions on their 30-day return policy and excellent customer service, so you can return without a fuss. The only downside is that they don’t deliver outside the US, and if you are in Rhode Island, Main, and Massachusetts, you will have to pay a sales tax.
Amazon
Amazon is the biggest online store for almost anything and everything, so you are guaranteed to get an extensive selection of cameras. If you are looking for a great deal, then Amazon is the place to be since the prices are just too good.
If you have an Amazon Prime account, then you can get fast delivery on your products, although you can get the same on selected items above $49. The 30- day policy is decent enough, so if you want a great online store, then Amazon is the way to go.
They also have a great selection of used items, but just like anything else you buy from Amazon, you have to check on quality and extensively read reviews. However, most sellers offer genuine, tested products, so if you are on a budget, do not shy away from trying some.
You may have to pay sales tax on your order depending on whether or not Amazon has a distribution center near you or not. The online store ships worldwide, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding a seller that ships to your location.
Abe’s of Maine
Although Abe’s is not as large as some stores on this list, it does offer a decently large variety of cameras and electronics. Their physical store is in New Jersey, but their online store offers everything you would find there.
Shipping is standard, but the fees vary, and some products attract a shipping fee while others are free shipping. The return period is only 14 days if you meet all their conditions, and it may attract a 15% restocking fee. Shopping in the online store is easy and fast thanks to their user-friendly interface.
The store often has great promotions and seasonal and non-seasonal sales, so it is worth to check in, and you may get a great deal on your camera. They do ship outside the US, but the process isn’t as seamless as on other sites.
Precision Camera & Video
If you are around Texas, and you’re looking for an excellent website to buy your camera and gear, then Precision Camera & Video is a great seller. They have a physical store there, but their online one is equally as good, and you can receive your order in just a couple of days.
They stock a wide range of cameras and equipment but nothing too impressive. The store’s online customer service is excellent, and their representatives can help you decide on what you need. They offer free ground shipping for goods over $200 and a free return policy of 14 days.
A great feature about the store is that other than selling, they also rent their gear through their on-site studio where they also offer classes. You may get coupons on your purchase, which you can use to get excellent discounts or pay for the beneficial classes.
MPB
MPB may not be as popular as some stores, but it is an excellent one with offices both in New York and England. They carry a wide range of used equipment, so it is a one-stop shop for all your camera needs. The site is easy to use and has clear descriptions, so you will have a better idea of what you are buying.
Other than an excellent website, their customer representatives are always ready to help and are very knowledgeable about the products that they stock. They have a meticulous 16-point grading system for all the gear that they receive, so you are guaranteed fantastic products.
All their products come with a six-month warranty and have a 7-day return policy. For a fraction of the price, you can get yourself all the gear you need to get your photography work underway.
Vistek
Vistek is the most significant camera store in Canada with an online store that promptly delivers within the country and the US. They carry a wide selection of all cameras, lenses, and photography equipment at very competitive prices.
They have a dedicated YouTube channel that gives you great insight into the world of photography as well as lessons to become the best that you can be in the area. If you have the advantage of visiting their physical store in Toronto, you get access to their photo lab where they offer classes and rentals.
Vistek offers free shipping on reasonably sized goods weighing 10 pounds and below. Other shipping rates are highlighted on their website, so you can decide whether they are a viable option for you.
National Camera Exchange
This store has been operational since 1914, always offering a good selection of cameras, lenses, and equipment. It has a reliable online store that has a decent stock of everything you need and more, especially for beginners, and at great prices.
You get free shipping all over the USA for products worth $50 and above with the common 30-day return policy. The terms of return are quite friendly, but you will have to pay a restocking fee of 10% on goods worth $1,500 and above. They also sell a wide variety of used cameras and equipment. The site also offers rental services, so you should visit the website if you need equipment you’re not ready to purchase outright.
Keh
Keh has been the largest store for all used cameras and equipment for over 40 years. If you have a low budget and you need a variety of products, this website is the place to be. They use an eight-point grading system with a comparison chart against B&H, Amazon, and Adorama. The price-match guarantee allows you to get the lowest price on products such that they pay you the difference if you can find it at a lower price.
They have a 180-day warranty on the gear as well as a 14-day return policy with favorable terms. The store accepts a variety of payment options, such as PayPal, as long as the shipping and PayPal address is the same.
Many photographers use the site to sell their equipment and then upgrade their equipment with other used models. It is that reliable, so you can be confident of getting a high-quality camera.
