Welcome to the world of photography where two giants, Adorama and B&H, are in a constant battle for supremacy. Both companies have established themselves as leading retailers of photography equipment, and their brick-and-mortar establishments are situated in the bustling city of New York.
If you’re an aspiring photographer or an experienced professional, you might be wondering which of these two giants is the best option for you.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of Adorama and B&H, and help you make an informed decision on where to buy your photography gear. We’ll explore each company’s strengths, weaknesses, and what sets them apart from each other. So, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned photographer, sit back, relax, and read on to discover which company is the right fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- Both Adorama and B&H Photo are reputable retailers specialising in camera gear and equipment, among other things.
- Adorama has an extensive blog that discusses various photography topics, while B&H Photo has an extensive portfolio of leading brands in the photography and entertainment world.
- Both stores have rental programs and used gear stores, as well as excellent customer support staff that can help customers with any issues.
- Adorama has a VIP360 program that provides free 2-day shipping on everything ordered, while B&H Photo is closed on Shabbat and most Jewish holidays.
- Adorama’s website is organised by categories, including photography, computers, and video gear, while B&H’s website is organised by families, including photography and computers.
- Both retailers provide practical guides and recommendations to help customers choose the best gear for their needs.
Adorama review
Adorama is an authorized reseller of camera gear and has been in business since the 1970s. It has undergone numerous transformations to cater to people who require photography equipment, home electronics, musical instruments, drones, and even sports equipment!
So what separates Adorama from every other camera retailer? First, they have an extensive blog that discusses various topics, from beginner tips to more professional-grade photography tutorials.
Checking out
The checkout process is like that of Amazon and most shopping sites on the internet. Once you find a camera you like or any other equipment in this store, you can smoothly check out and confirm the shipping details, then wait for the delivery.
In-store rentals
Adorama has an in-store rental program where you can rent gear for a day, weekend, week, or even longer. This is an excellent option if you’re not quite ready to purchase something but want to try it out first.
Used gear store
Adorama also has a Used Gear Store where you can buy gently used equipment at a fraction of the original price. This is an excellent option for those on a budget or who want to buy a backup of their favorite gear.
Free expedited shipping
If you join Adorama’s VIP360 program for $49.99 per year, you can get the huge benefit of free 2-day shipping on everything you order.
This is like Amazon’s Prime, but you’re getting it from a highly specialized retailer that is an expert in camera gear.
Customer support
Adorama has an excellent reputation thanks to their enthusiastic and professional customer support staff that can help you if you are stuck anywhere. The team can also provide the price of each item you require and the shipping rates.
Adorama offers additional services such as photo printing, camera rentals, and selling used camera lenses and other equipment.
Adorama is an authorized dealer working with renowned brands such as Canon, LG, Panasonic, Bose, and Nikon.
Adorama is not just a photography store: there’s a lot more gear available, too, all available at great prices.
Camera and photo gear
This section contains all photo and video equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, tripods, and other accessories.
A guide on photo creation has been made available by Adorama, and towards the bottom of the page, you get to find the deals on the various products they sell.
Check out Adorama photography gear
Computers
This is the second segment on this site right next to photography. The various computers Adorama sells are listed by category ranging from desktops, laptops, digital storage, drivers, and components to computer software and networking equipment.
If you are opening a photography studio, you will need more than a camera, and most of the listings in this section are necessary for your day-to-day operations.
Browse for computers on Adorama
Video gear
Various video equipment is listed under this section on the Adorama site. The subcategories include; camcorders, pro video cameras, tripods, video lighting, monitors, and post-production equipment, among many others.
Leading brands selling products that fit in this category are available at the bottom of the page, making access easier and selecting the manufacturers to shop from.
Other sections that you will find on the Adorama website include; audio, home electronics, medical instruments, used, deals, drones, and sport.
On this site, you can get good video and photography equipment and those needed for the post-production of images and motion pictures.
Shop video equipment on Adorama
B&H review
When shopping for a camera online, B H Photo is among the companies that you should consider since they are a specialist camera store.
B H Photo has been in business since 1973, and it has been keeping up with emerging trends. It is older than Amazon and Adorama, and many other online stores that specialize in photography and video equipment.
B H Photo has an extensive portfolio of leading brands in the photography and entertainment world.
The B H Photo operates other sites on the internet listing the same products but catering to different audiences.
The sister sites related to B & H include Student Advantage, B2B Corp. Govt. & Edu.
B H is closed on Jewish Holidays
Orthodox Jews own b H Photo, and many of their employees also belong to the same religious community.
Their physical locations are closed on Shabbat and also on most Jewish holidays.
Even though the website is always open for business, they won’t fulfill any orders between Friday evening and Saturday evening.
Some of the categories available on the B & H site include:
Photography
Under this family, various well-known manufacturers list photo equipment, including digital cameras, lenses, drones and imaging, stability equipment, bags, and cases.
Also, B & H includes a write-up about this section, the various photography types, and the gear that best suits each.
The free advice provided is a practical guide to every new customer and those who have been in this business for an extended period.
You must follow the recommendations given by the B & H team to the letter if you want to get the best gear that will cater for many occasions.
The price of the camera and the rest of the equipment is provided, and this will guide you on which one to buy.
Computers
Hardware and software are necessary for the photography business, and B & H gives its customers a chance to shop for all the gear they need under one roof.
The products available in this section of the B & H website include laptops, desktops and workstations, printers, software and tutorials, and printers, among many others.
Also, on the listing page, some articles give free advice on getting the best camera and necessary accessories and reviews on the various products in the marketplace.
Pro Video Equipment
Pro camcorders and cameras are listed under this section. The cameras listed are of different price ranges, and it is easy for one to get one that is within the confines of their budget.
Here you can get a camera and production equipment and accessories.
Also, you can quickly get everything that you need to begin your journey towards being a professional cinematographer.
With time you will be a pro in selecting specifics and saving on time spent on browsing instead.
Mobile
Unlocked smartphones, iPads, tablets, and wearable technology devices, are listed under this section.
You can find the price of each on the page, and the purpose of the equipment being acquired should be a guide on the camera specifications to pick.
Accessories such as headphones, mobile recording, home automation, photo, and video accouterments, among others, are provided to help optimize your device to serve the function that you want.
Podcasting, videography, and photography are among the things that can be done using smartphones and other portable devices in different price ranges.
The pricing can be compared to that of Amazon to ascertain if it is also fair or not. The camera of the phone you pick should be able to accommodate your needs.
Optics
B & H has an extensive portfolio of optical equipment. Other online stores such as Amazon also have such, but B & H is a step ahead as it has a team of experts who customers can interact with before deciding.
Binoculars, telescopes, night and thermal vision, monoculars, and microscopes are among the products you will find in this section.
It also beats Amazon to the game since they provide a guide to help clientele pick an appropriate product for their needs.
B & H offers free shipping in certain instances, and you must know their criteria regarding the same to cut the cost of acquisition.
There are other segments that we have not discussed above and issues such as gifts and giveaways.
Related
FAQs
Do you have to pay sales tax with Adorama and B&H?
Even though both stores are based in New York, you will have to pay sales tax on your purchases if you’re buying from anywhere in the United States.
Is Roberts Camera Any Good?
Roberts Camera is a camera store based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They’re an excellent store for photography gear, but they don’t have the same range as Adorama or B&H.
What about Samy’s Camera?
Samy’s Camera is based in Los Angeles, California. They seem to have an excellent reputation on the West Coast, but they’re not as well known as Adorama or B&H.
Are B&H and Adorama the same company?
No. B & H and Adorama are two different companies. They are similar in various ways, and they were founded around the same time, but they are not the same company.
They are online stores like Amazon, but their focus is on video, photo, and surveillance equipment.
Also, they both have brick-and-mortar stores in New York, so many people assume that they are run by the same operator, which is not the case.
Is Adorama trustworthy?
Yes, Adorama is a trustworthy company. It is one of the many online stores that offer free shipping from time to time, and it also has competitive rates compared to other leaders in this realm like Amazon.
What does B&H stand for?
B&H stands for Blimie and Herman, the founders of the company.
Which site has better deals, B & H or Adorama?
Both Adorama and B&H run promotions from time to time, so it depends on what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our comparison of B&H and Adorama, it’s clear that both retailers offer high-quality products and excellent customer service. While they share many similarities, they also have their unique differences that set them apart.
Ultimately, the decision of which retailer to choose will come down to your individual needs and preferences. Do you prioritize a wider selection of products or lower prices? Are you looking for a particular item or seeking advice from knowledgeable experts? These are all factors to consider when making your decision.
Regardless of which retailer you choose, it’s important to remember that photography is not just about the equipment. It’s about capturing the moments that matter and telling stories through images.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, always keep the joy of photography at the forefront of your mind. We hope that this comparison has helped you make an informed decision, and we wish you a happy shooting!