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B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio
Categories: Shopping Electronics Shopping Photography Stores & Services Local Services IT Services & Computer Repair Electronics, Photography Stores & Services, IT Services & Computer Repair [Edit]
420 9th Ave(between 33rd St & 34th St)
New York, NY 10001
Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen, Chelsea, Midtown West
(866) 265-7999
Announcement
New Nikon 1 J1 Digital Camera+ 1030mm VR ZoomLens Kit
After$200 Discount- $546.95- ends 5/26 '12
http://bhpho.to/JI46F5 or 866-265-7999
- Nearest Transit:
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34 St - Penn Station (A, C, E)
34 St - Penn Station (1, 2, 3)
28 St (1, 2)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 7 pm
Fri 9 am - 1 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
445 reviews for B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio
Review Highlights
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"B & H stands for Badass & Handlin' Issh." In 207 reviews -
"Easily the best camera store in the world." In 8 reviews -
"You'll learn a ton about photography." In 55 reviews
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444 reviews in English
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Review from Greg D.
Emeryville, CA
4/21/2012
This place is a techies wet dream. I had to go visit it after I had done so much online shopping with them. Going to the store in it self is an experience that rivals places like the apple store. (the product delivery system is pretty bad ass) Plenty of floor help, lots of choices in products and just feels 'cool' to walk around and browse the store. Best buy and the like need to take note, this is the way electronics will be sold from now on.
One more thing, this store actually had the product I needed cheaper than amazon (some noise canceling headphones) imagine that! -
Review from Robert H.
5/20/2012
I love these guys but they are NY vibe.
The staff is knowledgeable and the store has the top goods in the AV industry. They are high volume, intensely knowledgeable and operate at light speed if you visit in person for a purchase.
It's NY, no waiting to do!
I've purchased still and moving image equipment from them at the shop and over the interwebs. They are infinitely more honest than Ad*r*m* on phone and Internet orders. You can receive a printed catalog in the mails which gives a periodic update to the state of the AV equipment world as a supplement to searching online.
Check their store hours before visiting, they are on Sabbath time.
Srsly one of America's most comprehensive, honest and knowledgeable dealers in photo, video equipment at a great price. -
Review from Anthony H.
Flushing, NY
4/28/2012
For many years I have been going very often because it is easily the most popular photo/video store in US if not the world. I have seen their catalogs in companies and studios oversea. For some reason customer service was never really good in ANY photo equipment stores. But at least at B&H you can play around with many items before you buy it.
Return and exchange is easy to deal with but DON'T BOTHER to sell your stuff to B&H. I had a "technician" looked at my Canon lens. He put his thumb on the glass and tell me it worth $30 dollars while they sell them used for $150.Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 5/16/2012
Your comment about our used dept employee concerns me,… More » -
Review from Vincent L.
Manhattan, NY
4/27/2012
i used to buy from here pretty often because they are one of the few place in manhattan with pretty much everything you could need as a video/audio professional. they let you play around with a lot of the items and for the most part the employees are knowledgeable or will find someone who can help you. the prices aren't great, but what can you do when your options are low.
customer service on the other hand is terrible quality. obviously you can't generalize and there are times when there are employees who treat you well, but there are also some really crappy workers here that you just really want to punch in the face constantly. it's like they carry a pretentious kind of attitude that is not only disrespectful towards customers, but annoying.
i find if you aren't being helped over the phone or in store as much as you want. just call back or ask another worker, some of these guys are just complete tools who think their hourly wage gives them the right to be jerk-offs, but there are a few who are great. one time i was putting in a phone order and asked if i could have a qualified messenger pick up the order for me. the guy was adamant that without the messenger's full name, he couldn't put the order through. i asked if could speak to a manager or someone that could help further, he said no and hung up. i called back again and got someone else, who gladly put the order through for me, no problem. this was for a few hundred dollar order too, and i wasn't being a prick, i was just asking because i've done it before.
even if it was company policy, you have to talk to the customer professionally, not like a complete moron. i try my best now to buy the things i need from adorama, fotocare, abel cinetech, online and other places. it's just humiliating to deal with this kind of company and i would easily pay more for better service, but it's a shame they don't realize it.
they've also shipped items to wrong addresses. lord knows why. but that's always very irksome and especially if it's time sensitive, it can really ruin your day and completely f*#k up your (photo) shoot. and given their terrible hours, your issues won't get resolved anytime soon. i used to love b&h and have spent tens of thousands of dollars here over the years, but i always think twice now.Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 5/16/2012
We always appreciate customer feedback and constructive… More » -
Review from Rita Y.
San Francisco, CA
5/3/2012
We didn't actually shop here but en route to the High Line, we passed all these people rushing into B&H or folks coming out with tripods and photo equipment. So, Hubby and I ambled in. They don't let you hang around the doorway as I was just going to wait for him, so I had to go in. He wanted their catalog but it's the size of a big telephone directory or the old Sears catalog, so he declined to take one. There is a lot of energy in the store, tons of customers.
They do sell on line. As stated by a prior Yelper, it's like elves. I felt the same when we walked by the check out counter on our way out, several guys were sitting at individual sections while customers were paying. It popped into my head that it was like the bank of Gringotts from a Harry Potter movie or something. You just needed to put elf masks on these guys.Listed in: Stomping Around NYC
Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 5/4/2012
Thanks for visiting. We're glad you dropped in and glad you… More » -
Review from Dominique F.
Arlington, VA
4/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
OK, i think Best Buy is definitely a mini market compared to B&H.
My friend from Egypt was visiting and she had researched the store's website and knew exactly which camera she wanted. But as we stepped through the doors of this store we realized that it'll definitely not be as easy as just walking in, buying and walking out. We spend close to 2 hours in this store and if possible would have prolly spend more.
Positives:
-HUUUUUGEE selection
-Free candy across the isles
-Knowledgable staff
-Did I mention free candy?
-Very good business operations; even if the checkout line is long, you'll be done in no time.
-Ok seriously, I still think the free candy is pretty awesome.
Negatives:
Can get redicolously crowded. Some guy passed out and they had to bring an ambulance, but everyone in the store continued their shopping normaly. I stood there for a second, watching the med staff and thinking to myself when did we become like this?Listed in: I'm in a New York state of…
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Review from Eddie S.
Arlington, VA
5/18/2012
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a pro, this place has products to fit your needs and budget. Their stock of factory-refurbished SLR's is outstanding. They have every accessory you could possibly need--or even think of--with respect to photog stuff or video. I'm a very satisfied customer.
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Review from Will R.
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Insane, but thorough place with very helpful staff....for the most part anyways. My girlfriend and I went recently to do some shopping for her family in Israel. When she went to place an order in her Father's name they noticed her name was Hebrew, and obviously she got a little bit of preferential treatment which made things nice for us. I think the basic thing here is business- if you're serious and have the cash to spend, they're helpful and want to expedite things. The place is a mad house, especially so on the weekends. But, their selection is extraordinary with anything anyone in the photo-video arts could ever want. I felt a bit overwhelmed being inside the store, but it's a cool place especially if you know exactly what you're looking for and you have the money to spend!
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Review from David M.
Manhattan, NY
5/3/2012
I've been a fan of B&H for over a decade and will always go to them first for any electronics purchase.
Yesterday, I had second thoughts. I introduced a friend to their flagship store in Manhattan. While a friend was deciding whether to spend a thousand dollars on camera gear with them, the associate was using the store computer to purchase something from Amazon. The salesman went through the entire purchase process in front of us: pulling out his credit card and shipping his purchase to Patterson, NJ.
The salesman also had difficulties speaking English and was not very knowledgeable about his department--SLR cameras. -
Review from Brian C.
3/26/2012
B&H... There's no comparison. You're essentially walking into a dream wonderland filled with anything and everything your heart could ever desire. I hate even walking near B&H because I find it difficult to not stop by and buy something.
This store always offers the most competitive prices and has knowledgeable sales reps.
Tip: B&H has its own parking lot across the street on 34th, next to the Icon lot. You get an hour free if you spend over $100, and two hours free if you spend over $300 at the store. -
Review from Jon L.
Brooklyn, NY
3/11/2012 10 Check-ins Here
B&H - where do I begin?
I've been coming here for 7 years now for photo equipment, and am a very happy camper.
For one, when spending hard-earned money on gear, I like a well-trained salesperson who is not afraid to make a recommendation and teach me a thing or two.
I like that the salespeople really, really give a damn.
I like that basically everything which costs less than a Hasselblaad is available to be played with without any sales pressure.
I like it that you are always presented with a cheaper option.
I like that when I'm looking for something odd and out of stock they ship it quickly - usually for free.
I like it that unlike high-turnover big-box stores, you come to recognize those old-timer salespeople from repeat visits - and that it's very hard to find a wet-behind-the-ears salesperson (I do understand the need for trainees).
I like that there is ever the slightest problem or misunderstanding, there is always a manager, professional and empathetic, a millisecond away.
I like it that when I need to return something they don't treat me like crap.
Thank you, B&H. -
Review from Patrick C.
Avon, CO
Updated - 4/23/2012
The new customer service rep, Henry P. took ownership of the issues and pushed for quick resolution. Based on his professionalism I will do business with B&H again.
Patrick1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/18/2012
Seriously? I ordered an open box tv from the "used" department. Upon arrival it looked as if… Read more »
Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 4/18/2012
We regret this TV set was damaged in transit and apologize… More » -
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Review from Jay J.
Manhattan, NY
3/19/2012
This is literally camera heaven in here...
An enormous selection on high end to low end cameras and media software.
Great customer service, knowledgeable staff....
I've gotten all my cameras, video cameras and video software here.
I'll be coming back soon to get some podcast equipment.
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Would be 5 stars, however the company really needs to reward loyal customers with percentage off coupons.
I've spent at least 10K here in the last 3 years in here, it would be nice to get a 0.50 cents coupon.... I'm just saying!
SIDE NOTE: Stay away from the free candy, which hails from Brazil...
Its like crack....You'll end up downing like 80 of em and scaring the good citizens with your green tongue and purple lips....Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 3/19/2012
Thank you for your orders and this feedback. We believe the… More » -
Review from Angel H.
Queens, NY
3/11/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've passed by this place for years, but never ventured inside. It took a beginner's photography class for me to explore. You see, one of my courses this semester is basically photo 101, where you're not only required to use ACTUAL film (Remember using film for your camera? I know, it took me back too), but to also develop your own negatives and pictures. Although it can be a bit tedious at times, the entire process is addictive and so worth it. It makes you appreciate photography as an art form.
I'm getting off track here, so back to B&H. My professor recommended this place, K&H, and Adorama. So far B&H is my favorite. Although it's pretty busy on the weekends, you will most definitely find a knowledgeable salesperson to help you. True, K&M is cheaper, but the disadvantage is that you kinda have to know what you're looking for. Otherwise, the K&H staff will sell you the wrong item. That happened to me, but I'll get into more detail in a separate review.
For the student taking basic photography, take heed about this fact. Ilford photo paper will not accept student discounts, but Oriental paper does. However, Oriental paper is best suited for someone who again, knows what they're doing. Ilford paper not only produces better pictures for the beginner, but much better quality. Plus Oriental paper from what I've observed so far, is better with fiber based as opposed to RC. That's just my opinion, but it might change over time.
The staff is friendly, and very professional. The entire business is well organized, despite the crowds. Even if you're claustrophobic, you can shop here in peace. As for the way it's run, it's like a well oiled machine. You go to any particular section, get what you need. They take the product you're about to buy, handing you a receipt. Then you go to a separate area, where you pay for the item. Afterwards, you're directed to pick-up, where you witness your purchase being rolled on a conveyer belt. It's kinda neat in an odd way. Another pro is that despite the long lines, it all goes along very smoothly. You will not waste any valuable time, and soon you'll be heading out the door in a matter of minutes. Very nice indeed. Of course, this only makes me wanna spend more time in B&H in the near future.
FYI...here's a link to the Ilford company: http://www.ilford.com/en/ -
Review from Rebecca S.
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
This is the most efficient, amazing shop I have ever been to.
Seriously. I went there nearly two weeks ago and I'm still amazed.
Basically, you walk in. You follow a trail of crappy, chewy candy to a salesman, who will find what you need, show you on the PC, you blink and he has the actual product right in front of you. Then he gives you a ticket, you follow the candy trail to the cashier, and there your product is, waiting for you. The secret is in the storewide conveyer belts where magical elves in the back send the products all around the store - so smart!
I wish the world was this efficient, and complete with candy trails.Listed in: New York
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Review from Ignatz R.
Manhattan, NY
2/15/2012
This place is like the Mecca of photo stores. Okay, maybe not so much "Mecca" but more like the "Holy of Holies" of photo stores. But seriously, not only does this place have everything, but the knowledgable salespeople will take as much time as they need with you, and answer all your questions. I usually hang out in the film/darkroom/vintage camera departments and have yet to be disappointed or leave uninformed of my options. I cannot imagine that the other departments that I may never end up visiting are any less well appointed. Who knows, I might need night vision binoculars someday (That depends on who moves in across the street).
So if you need a simple point and shoot digital, a DSLR, a large format film shooter with bellows to spare, or maybe you just need to fill out your minyan, get down to B&H already. -
Review from Jim C.
New York, NY
4/2/2012
Overwhelming to say the least. I walk in there and expect to drop at least $500 on a new Lens But the prices are pretty fucking decent.
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Review from Kristina H.
Brooklyn, NY
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh. My. God. This place is just awesome.
I came here to buy supplies for my Photo 1 class. I drove in from Brooklyn because they essentially have free parking (1 hour free if you spend $100, 2 hours free if you spend $300) - and, trust me, it's so easy to spend at least $100 to get that free hour.
I was in and out in 45 minutes including waiting on TWO lines (to pay, and to pick up my items). I didn't know what to expect when I came here, but this place is so efficient. The staff is very kind and knowledgeable.
You collect the items you want to buy, talk to a representative who scans everything and puts it in a bin that travels on a trolley like contraption on the ceiling that runs through the store to checkout. SWEET. Then, by the time you're done walking through the store, wait on line to pay. 1 cash line, 1 credit card line. Then, wait one one more line to pick up your bags. That's another thing, the lines move in this place like nothing I've seen before. EFFICIENT. The process, though it seems complicated, makes sense. They have to do what they have to do to ensure that no one steals their merchandise.
Also, this place is just a few blocks away from the Midtown Tunnel! Woo!
Forget Brooklyn. Can I just live here?! -
Review from Nathalie C.
San Francisco, CA
2/9/2012
AWE-SOME
Love this place. I've purchased 4 digital point-and-shoot cameras, 1 camcorder, 1 iPod and a laptop from this place and have always been happy with the price, shipping and service this place gives. Always on time and decently priced, this place fits the bill for 5-star company. -
Review from Nancy O.
4/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you love electronics, organized chaos and free chewy candy, you'll love B&H. I mean you've really gotta love your camera or be a professional to even know where to begin here. For the everyday tech purchaser, go to the Apple Store.
Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 4/16/2012
We appreciate your business and this feedback. I think one… More » -
Review from Jim M.
1/25/2012
Computer/electronic/gadget/photography extravaganza!
Walking into this store was like walking through the looking glass after looking at their catalogs and online website for so long. Their selection is fantastic for whatever they have. Cameras? They have them. Pelican cases for camera equipment? They have them, in a multitude of configurations and sizes. Laptops and desktops? They have them. Bags for laptops, they got it. Completely audio and video get ups? They got it. Hard drives and storage racks for hard drives? They got it. Tablets? They got it. mp3/DAP's and PVP's? They got'em. The only thing they didn't have was the newest ASUS Transformer Prime tablet. I suppose I will have to wait.
Now I"m going to have a Philip K. Dick dream...... -
Review from Douglas C.
Manhattan, NY
2/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
Total candy shop. I could spend DAYS in this place. Ones' shopping at B+H is limited only by one's credit limit.
B+H is not just about cameras. Great selection of tripods, lighting, audio, video, bags, computers, drives, headphones, etc. You name it, they've got it.
Don't expect to find all brands here. But they have pretty much close to everything you'd want to buy. Also, the B+H iPhone/iPad app does not have all merchandise.
The prices are reasonable, but not the best. You can certainly find better deals online. But this criticism simply reflects the cost of running a brick and mortar shop (in Manhattan) that provides excellent service and which is staffed with really knowledgable competent folks.
Only real downside is that, due to the fact the place is run by Hassidic Jews, the place is closed for Sabbath, i.e. from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. You can't even buy online during Sabbath. (You can add to your "Wish List" but you can't actually place in your "Shopping Cart" or check-out!)
Hint: Tax-free for destinations outside of New York and shipping is discounted. So you can touch and taste, then have them ship it back home. -
Review from Rich B.
1/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The best.
For real. There's my review.
Since the mid-90's (back when I ordered from a paper catalog) B&H, and sometimes Adorama, were my go-to shop for buying camera gadgets. Now they sell all sorts of things I want to buy and their store is amazingly designed with the little conveyer belts everywhere. -
Review from Giacomo C.
New York, NY
1/7/2012
When I need to buy a camera, this is where I go. Service can be snob and rushed, but you do get the best quality out there.
Closed Saturday.Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 1/9/2012
We appreciate your order and this feedback. I'm sorry to… More » -
Review from Emily C.
12/19/2011
Camera and video geeks, prepare for sensory overload. I stopped here with my photographer boyfriend yesterday and lost him within the first 30 seconds. Until this point, he'd only ordered from the store online. This place means business. Everything a photog could POSSIBLY need, from studio gear and lighting to computer software, to tripods, camera gear, and god knows what else.
The employees are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable and the store was surprisingly in order for being mobbed with last minute holiday shoppers. Beyond photography equipment, this warehouse has an immense selection of other electronic goods, from laptops to projectors. Go here but beware. You will try to run in every direction at once. Take your time- there's a lot to see.Listed in: Best Customer Service, Big Apple Musts
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Review from Judy G.
Manhattan, NY
5/7/2012 1 photo
May 6, 2012. My friend and I had the pleasure of speaking with Tony (Anthony Han) about our DSLR cameras and photography in general. Tony was the most curteous, patient, and honest sales person. He took his time answering me and my friend's questions everything from batteries, SD cards, filters, camera settings, flash, and even took the time to give us a few lessons and insight on photo composition, shutter speed, and lighting. This was the opposite experience of another sales person who just minutes before ignored me and walked passed when I curteously asked "Pardon me - could you help me?". Customer service like that of Tony (Anthony Han) or "To NY" he initially introduced himself as would be the reason I return back to B & H Photo. Tony was proud to be part of the B & H organization and emphasized that the staff is honest and would not try to cheat you out of a deal. Tony's feedback on our purchases was extremely sincere and he did not pressure us into purchasing anything more than we needed. Thank you, Tony!
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Review from Philip R.
12/24/2011
If you're looking for a comprehensive photography and video store that also sells all other electronics look no further than B&H. If you're looking for a quiet specialist photography or video store there are other options and B&H does tend to get crowded with tourists and a little overwhelming for some.
The selection is incredible and every member of sales staff are knowledgeable to the point of almost being intimidating. With specialists in every department (camera bodies, lenses, tripods etc) you'll not get bad advice but occasionally will get a pushy up-sale ("you need a specialist cleaning cloth?" No thank you. "A UV filter?" No thanks, just the lens is fine. "A lens cap holder?" No thanks I have pockets in my pants.)
One of the other often undiscovered joys of this store, aside from the miles of conveyor belt which is truly one of the wonders of the electronics world on its own, is the events space. Hosted by David Brommer, a great photographer and amiable mentor to many B&H customer, the events space offers a regular series of free seminars and tutorials from guest presenters. Be warned though, the space fills up quickly and booking a place online is essential.
The B&H experience, from being greeted by Pedro at the front door, through the myriad departments, staff, products, free candy, information and education is only marginally let down by the cashiers who are generally abrupt, rude and have no interest in helping. But the cashiers don't need to do anything beyond take payment so its not really a problem, simply takes a little shine off the overall experience.
Bonus: If you're a Foursquare user who checks in and spends more than $50 there's a free tote bag or small backpack offer currently running.Listed in: Places for photo enthusiasts
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Review from Jennifer R.
Princeville, HI
5/5/2012
B&H Photo not only has good products at great prices,their service is incredible! I bought a lightweight Pearstone tripod for use on the beach in Kauai. The latch that locks the camera in place broke, so I contacted the manufacturer to buy a replacement.. Got a total blow-off and was told no parts were available. I called B&H to see if they might know an alternate source and was told to return the floating head for repair. I anticipated a 4-6 week turnaround, but got the head back in about 10-days with the broken latch AND a sticky release pin both replaced! Awesome! Thank you B&H!!
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Review from Chris M.
12/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Visiting B&H is like walking into a candy store, actually more like a Disney World made of candy. There are a lot of staff ready to answer questions. I reserved a place in one of their Event Space seminars (well in advance). The speaker was good and I came away with a cool tip and resources.
I've been ordering from B&H exclusively for my camera gear for years. As a part time professional photographer I don't have to second guess with them. Because I live fairly close (Massachusetts) I frequently have shipments to me in a day, never more than two, (depending on what time of the day you order) using UPS ground.
Their prices are consistently as low as anywhere. My favorite part of B&H is their used section (available online and in-store). Obviously the prices are lower than new items but the key to buying from B&H is that you can trust their rating. You aren't going to get a piece of junk. I most recently bought a Manfrotto that was rated 9. I saved about $100 off the new price and I couldn't find a scratch on it.
B&H is where it's at.
One more thing, if you're on Facebook you should 'like' their page. You get frequent updates on new equipment, technology, techniques, you name it. If I don't find their posts directly useful (which they usually are) they're at least interesting. A nice touch on their part! -
Review from Simon P.
New York, NY
1/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
WTF!
This place is extraordinary. It has everything (literally) and the prices seem the same as the cheapest on Amazon. I've never seen a set up like this with a overhead minirailways to move orders around, loads of staff who generally are friendly and welcoming with few exceptions (The more knowledgable assistants may occasionally need to remember they are there for the customer and stop being quite so arrogant, but this is the exception rather than the rule).
Note to owner, you have an brilliant business, keep it up. Just take some of the staff on customer service training and teach them how to smile.Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 1/16/2012
We appreciate your interest in B&H Photo and this feedback.… More » -
Review from Charlie J.
New York, NY
11/13/2011
Go here only if you already know what you want. They are great with photography, horrible with anything else (computers and hardware especially)
If you have questions, then they say it's not their department and they send you somewhere else to try and find somebody who might know. Then when you get there, it'll be the same thing.
They are good and quick to sell you what you already know you want. But helping you is beneath them.
Be aware of the conveyer-belt system (Even if you find what you were looking for -with no help from employees- you have to go to one register so they can give you a reciept, and then they'll send your package on their conveyer-belt system. Then you'll go stand in another line to be rung up, then you'll stand in another line to pick up your purchase.Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 11/17/2011
We're concerned about your dissatisfaction and would like to… More » -
Review from Nat V.
San Mateo, CA
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok this is going to be a difficult one for me. I love this place dearly and shop there online all the time. The online part of the store is absolutely awesome, they have a huge inventory, their deliveries are fast, and return policy is very nice. We've been loyal B&H customers for years and were very much looking forward to visiting their brick and mortar store while we were visiting NYC.
We were in search for a bunch of new equipment and had a lot of questions on different topics from video lights to tripods, gels, and more. We spent a couple of hours in the store looking at stuff. We stopped six or seven sales people asking them different questions. And what was the same for all of them - they all were effing clueless! I couldn't believe it. None of them was able to answer simple questions like what video light is the strongest. One female staff member just looked around when we asked her and seamed to pick the first one she saw!
The store visit was absolutely useless, I guess we'll go back to ordering a bunch of stuff online and trying it out ourselves.
So, so disappointing! If it's help and knowledge you need, you are not going to find it in this store.Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 11/8/2011
We are very concerned about this uncharacteristic… More » -
Review from Carlos S.
Woodbridge Township, NJ
1/7/2012
B&H is a photographers paradise. The store is quit large, two floors and takes up an entire city block. This is hands down the best place to buy photography equipment (at the store or on line).
The salespeople are friendly, very knowledgeable, truly know photography and do not get paid commission so they have your best interest in mind. You will receive the honest truth. I have been talked out of things by the sales people that I was intending to buy simply because the item would not meet my needs.
You can touch, feel and try everything in the store. The prices are very fair and most cases even cheaper than other stores (Adorama, Best Buy, Costco, Walmart, etc). If you're a novice or a professional photographer B&H is must visit. -
Review from Anne H.
Manhattan, NY
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is equivalent to Fry's on the west coast. I love their high tech system of moving products to the cashiers department. I once asked who designed such an intricate system, but they didn't know. In any case, they have a very efficient system. If you are a tech geek, you will LOVE this place. Sometimes, I prefer this place over online sites like New Egg.
They have a lax return policy. For instance if you lost or misplaced your receipt, no need to worry because it is linked to their database with your telephone number. They will charge you 10% restocking fee only if a part is missing from the packaging.
Last, holiday purchases may be returned January 18th. That is almost a month and a half. -
Review from Jezzie X.
New York, NY
3/8/2012
I can't believe I never knew about this place until about a year ago. But now that I know it, I can't think of anywhere else to go for all of my photography needs. Well, except if I want to rent a lense or something, because they don't do any rentals. That I have to go to Adorama for.
Anyway like everyone had mentioned this is an EXTREMELY EFFICIENT store and it's actually pretty creative how they manage to have these electrical chutes and overhead trolleys to help customers with not having to carry a bunch of stuff around while they shop. Well, I guess if they have only 1 big superstore, then they can afford to make it as high-tech as possible. But there's something else special about B&H store which is that when you enter you feel like you're in this specialty club with everyone else who you know are not only shopping for the same things but also like the same things. Note that this is different than if you enter a Best Buy or PC Richards. B&H brings people together and traps you there, in a good way. There is just no way you can go in and out of the store without longingly pausing to glance over all of the equipment and electronics that you never knew existed, or could exist in such a cool way.
My favorite department is of course the digital photography department. There are like a dozen experts who are on call to help you with any and all questions concerning photography, and will patiently let you experiment with various lenses. The lenses aren't cheap, but any photographer will tell you that photography is probably one of the best expensive hobbies. Still, it's fun to browse around and know that if you ever seriously need anything professional, and need expert unbiased advice, you will have a place to go. -
Review from Lotem B.
Updated - 10/21/2011
It is well known that if you are after any Audio Visual equipment than your search starts and ends here at B&H.
My family and I have been using their online services for years (Free shipping!!) and so when we were in NYC we just HAD to pay a visit to the shop. (Actually my dad was probably so looking forward to pop in here more so than ANY of the New York attractions. No lie)
It is only upon stepping in to the shop (after security, of course), observing the sheer size of the facility, seeing the amount of stations, demo models, staff, computers, and most impressive of all, the rails hanging from the ceiling... Merch flying round the shop's levels.. Funky stuff..
My dad and I went to check out the cameras (So wants that Nikon D3xs) and than the memory cards.. We asked for the staff's advice and the guy was super friendly and helpful. It seems that everyone there are well knowledgeable about the products and so there's NO way someone will not find what they're looking for....
Btw,
Special THANK YOU as they managed to ship my order to CA before the holidays... I didn't expect that so that was a nice surprise...Listed in: RandomnessGoodness, LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT, NYC, Favorite shops...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/14/2011
I use their web site.,....
I order all my equipment from them and them only..... If I have any… Read more »
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Review from Jonathan E.
Brooklyn, NY
11/25/2011
This place offers the Wonka Factory experience for consumer electronics... everything in your wildest dreams in a surreal retail/conveyer belt experience.
It can, at times, seem busy/crowded but the Ortholoompas tend to be a lot more knowledgeable than the Sleestacks of Best Buy and other retailers.
My only negative is they are closed Saturdays, and have other odd hours around the holidays. If planning a visit, make sure to look at the calendar. Otherwise, you'll be hard pressed to find a similar range of well-priced audio/video stuff in a retail experience. -
Review from D N.
Brooklyn, NY
9/7/2011
One of the best places to buy equipment in the city. Fair prices, with a knowledgeable and helpful staff. You might have a little trouble finding a store associate - it's busy all the time. Also the long procedure required to purchase an item can be little daunting - I went to three different counters to get my camera. But all in all, it's worth it.
But there's a reason why so many professionals shop here - I've never heard of anyone who had a problem with a faulty product be unable to return it, and I've never had someone in sales try to sell me on the highest price item to make his commission.
They'll actually say: "For your needs, you really can go for the cheaper flat screen" or "Instead of paying for the Bose stereo, go for the no-name - it's just as good, and you'll save a bundle"
I like places that try to save me money.Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 9/7/2011
Thank you. This is very gratifying. You wrote, "I've never… More » -
Review from Nick C.
11/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
It is well documented how awesome this place is.
If you are in the market for anything in audio, video, or photography, be it from the professional levels down to the novice, the staff is well educated, always around (there are so many of them!!) and department specific, if you need it they will help you find it and you most likely will be leaving with it.
Among the above they also have a huge selection of computers and laptops at better than competitive prices, projectors, lighting, TELESCOPES!... you name it.
Wrap up;
The place is huge because it houses nearly everything. The conveyor belt storage system they have also means you won't be in there too long if you know what you want. If you need it, they probably have it. -
Review from Athena C.
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
they have every photo/video equipment you can think of. This is a photography/videography haven for a lot of people. There are huge selections and there are also tons of sales people ready to help you. I can't really say their attitude is exactly warm but they are knowledgeable. The price is not the lowest you can find but it is competitive.
I usually come here to test out a device before I make my purchase. They do have odd hours because it is a very strict Jewish establishment. Don't come on the weekends or during Jewish holidays.Comment from Henry P. of B&H Photo-Video-Pro Audio 10/10/2011
Thanks for your kind words. This is very gratifying. For… More »
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