KEH Review: Guide to Buying and Selling Used Cameras

Getting a used camera (or selling your own) can be a bit of a headache, especially with tons of camera shops out there making things confusing. In this easy-to-follow KEH Review, let’s figure out if dealing with pre-owned gear is worth the time and the savings.

As a photography enthusiast, I’m always hunting for the newest camera gear. Yet, splurging on brand-new equipment can be quite pricey, especially when you’re toting around multiple cameras and lenses. But fear not! In this KEH Review, I’ll guide you through whether dealing with pre-owned gear is a smart move for both your effort and your wallet.

To truly put KEH to the test, I snagged a used Sony a7iii from their site. And, for the full scoop on the selling side, I parted ways with my trusty Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8 lens.

This review is all about sharing my KEH experience to help you decide if they’re the camera retailer that’s just right for you!

What is KEH Camera?

Before we jump into this KEH Review, let’s get to know who they are.

KEH Camera stands out as the go-to hub for buying and selling used photography gear. They’ve been at it for a whopping 40 years, and their team, filled with photography enthusiasts, ensures a smooth and transparent shopping experience for both buyers and sellers.

If you’re on the hunt for a new camera, KEH boasts a vast inventory of over 55,000 items, including DSLRs, lenses, tripods, and cases. You can score up to 40% off retail prices by opting for pre-owned gear from KEH.

Keep in mind that their stock is ever-changing, so they might not have the exact camera or accessory you’re eyeing on a given day.

For those looking to part ways with their camera, KEH has you covered. You can either sell your used equipment for cash or trade it in for different merchandise. The best part? The entire process is automated, sparing you from the hassle of dealing with auctioneers or questionable sellers.

KEH Review: Rapid Insights into KEH Camera: A Swift Review

Considering a transaction on KEH for your photography gear, either buying or selling? Let’s delve into some key aspects in this KEH Review.

KEH Review: Making a Purchase at KEH Camera

Unlock significant savings on gear, with KEH asserting they can sell for as much as 40% off the retail price. Enjoy a hassle-free and simple checkout process. Benefit from a 14-day return policy and a robust 180-day KEH warranty. Keep in mind, though, that purchases don’t include a manufacturer’s warranty. Find more insights in this KEH Review.

KEH Review: Engaging in Transactions with KEH Camera

Selling with KEH Camera is a breeze with its straightforward and automated process. Once you get your online quote, simply send your gear directly to KEH for inspection and approval. Keep in mind that, as a reseller, you might not fetch the highest price for your gear. Essentially, you’re trading a bit of the cost for the ease of working with a third-party reseller. Discover more about this process in the KEH Review.

Advantages and Drawbacks of KEH Camera

In this KEH Review, let’s talk about the good and not-so-good aspects of using their service, just like any online seller.

KEH Review: Pros

Convenience: KEH makes selling your camera gear online a breeze. The whole process, including the quote, is automated, ensuring clarity about what you’ll get in return.

Avoid Auction Hassles: No need to deal with online auctions and dodgy sellers, common headaches on platforms like eBay.

Transparency: KEH provides a clear platform, making it easy to understand what you’re getting, whether you’re buying or selling.

KEH Review: Cons

Lower Selling Price: If you’re selling, you might not get the highest price. For a better deal, you’ll need to sell directly to a third party or use platforms like eBay. It’s a trade-off between a lower price and convenience.

No Manufacturer’s Warranty: If you’re buying, there’s no manufacturer’s warranty included.

Stock Availability: Buying is a bit of a gamble. KEH might not always have the specific item you want in stock; it depends on luck.

This KEH camera review aims to give you a clear picture before you decide to buy or sell.

My Encounter Purchasing a Pre-Owned Camera from KEH Camera

In my KEH Review, I must say I’m quite pleased with my experience purchasing used gear from them. I used to shoot with the Fujifilm X-T2, a fantastic mirrorless camera for travel, but as I outgrew its capabilities, I was ready for an upgrade.

Acquiring the Sony a7iii through KEH Camera

When Sony released the a7iii last year, I was sure it was the camera for me. I thought about the Canon EOS R, but its single memory card slot was a deal-breaker. Plus, Canon doesn’t support IBIS (in-body image stabilization), a feature I find crucial.

Sony delivers amazing colors, RAW files with a super-high dynamic range, top-notch autofocus, and a bunch of specs that outshine every other camera. It was a clear choice for me. This KEH Review dives into my experience getting the Sony a7iii.

So, I decided to get the Sony a7iii body paired with the Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens from KEH.

I went for this combo with the plan to later upgrade my lens to the pricier Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens. For now, though, this lens would do the job, saving me from shelling out $4k all at once (since the GM retails for $2,198).

I knew I’d eventually sell the Zeiss lens and go for the G-Master, making this my temporary lens.

The checkout process with KEH was just as easy as with any other online store. It was a breeze, hassle-free, and in the end, I got a better deal on the gear. This KEH Review covers my experience with this transaction.

Receiving the Sony a7iii from KEH Camera

Upon receiving my camera gear, I had some mixed feelings initially, but looking back, I’m genuinely satisfied.

The camera and lens arrived in great shape. While the lens came in its original packaging, the body was wrapped in bubble wrap. I was a bit let down because I usually like to keep boxes for my electronics in case I ever decide to sell them in the future.

When a camera comes wrapped in bubble wrap, it doesn’t quite give you that “new” gear feeling, which, to be fair, it isn’t. This was crucial for me to keep in mind, especially since it was my first time buying used camera gear.

In essence, the way your item arrives can vary— it all depends on how the previous owner sold it to them.

The unboxing might not have been as exciting, but in the end, I got the camera I wanted in excellent condition, and I saved more than $450 off the MSRP. This KEH Review reflects on my experience with this transaction.

My Encounter Selling Pre-Owned Cameras to KEH

For this KEH Review, I decided to sell my Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8 Aspherical AT-X Pro EF Mount wide-angle lens for Canon APS-C sensors. I initially bought this lens around 2014 for about $800 and opted to sell it on KEH.

My goal was to share insights on both buying and selling used camera gear with KEH.

Before diving in, it’s worth noting that selling camera equipment never feels great. You’ll always get less than what you paid, so it’s crucial to remember that the difference in price is what you paid to use it during that time. This KEH Review sheds light on my experience selling with them.

Comparing KEH Camera and eBay

On eBay, the same lens, brand new in an open box, was listed for around $300-$330. KEH offered me $191, which is about $100-$140 less.

From a business point of view, this makes sense. They have costs like shipping, inspecting, cleaning, and listing the product, and they also need to make a profit, which the $100 helps cover.

From a buyer’s standpoint, it can be a bit frustrating not to get the full retail value. However, what you do get is convenience. No dealing with eBay auctions or fake bids, which is a common issue, especially with electronics.

Moreover, you don’t have to pay the 10% eBay fee or the shipping fee, both of which cut into profits. So, on eBay, I might only pocket around $250, assuming the lens sells for $300, which is a bit uncertain.

The thing with eBay is, there’s no guarantee. With KEH, there is. Plus, I got a quote from the KEH Camera website before committing to selling my lens, so I knew exactly what to expect.

After agreeing to the price, KEH provided a free shipping label. All I had to do was pack up the item and send it off. They inspected the item and approved the quote.

It’s essential to note that if you exaggerate your equipment’s condition when selling to KEH, you might get a revised quote for less money. Keep this in mind if you’re considering selling used cameras on KEH.

Comparing KEH Camera with B&H and Adorama

I’ve also sold gear to B&H and Adorama before. They’re both well-known names, and I often buy camera equipment from them. However, my experience selling to them has been just okay.

Every time, I got a call from a dedicated rep making me an offer. While this might sound good, I didn’t enjoy the experience. The rep was a fast-talker, crunching numbers and negotiating like a pro. By the time I agreed to a price and hung up, I was a bit confused, and I wasn’t even happy with the offered price.

So, even though B&H and Adorama are bigger names and might have more flexibility, I appreciate the transparency and user-friendliness that KEH provides. It felt more straightforward, not like going to a pawn shop.

For buying new camera gear, I’ll stick with them, but for selling used cameras, my preference is KEH. This KEH Review reflects my choice based on these experiences.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, my experience with KEH has been positive, especially when it comes to selling used cameras. The straightforward and automated process, coupled with the transparency in the quote and shipping, made the transaction hassle-free. While other well-known names like B&H and Adorama offer some flexibility, the clarity and ease-of-use provided by KEH stand out. For future endeavors in selling pre-owned cameras, KEH will undoubtedly be my go-to choice. This KEH Review highlights the convenience and reliability I found in their services.

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