KEH Camera Review: My Honest Experience Buying Used Gear

When it comes to purchasing camera equipment, many photographers face a dilemma: should you buy new or pre-owned? With countless retailers and resellers, it’s essential to find a trusted source, which is why I’m sharing my KEH Camera review to help you decide if this popular used gear retailer is right for you.

I recently purchased a Nikon Z6 in excellent condition and a F-mount to Z-mount converter in like-new-minus condition from KEH Camera. If you’re curious about whether KEH lives up to its hype, here’s my detailed review based on my shopping experience, research, and first impressions of the gear.

Why I Chose KEH Camera

Before making a purchase, I like to dig into a retailer’s reputation. I had heard great things about KEH Camera from fellow photographers, but I was initially skeptical. It’s one thing to hear glowing reviews; it’s another to trust a company with your hard-earned money for high-end equipment.

That skepticism faded quickly when I read KEH’s 4.8/5 rating and A+ accreditation on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). For a company specializing in pre-owned photography gear, this is an impressive achievement. Their high BBB rating reassured me that KEH prioritizes customer satisfaction and transparency. You can check out their BBB profile here.

The Shopping Experience at KEH Camera

KEH Camera makes shopping for used gear a breeze. Their website is user-friendly and well-organized, allowing you to search by camera type, brand, or even specific features. For my purchase, I started by exploring their mirrorless camera section, then filtered the results to show Nikon cameras, as I’ve been a long-time Nikon user.

Once I narrowed my search, I appreciated the detailed descriptions provided for each product. KEH lists information such as:

• The condition of the item (e.g., excellent, like-new-minus).

• Included accessories, such as chargers or lens caps.
• Technical details like flash systems, lens mounts, focus types, and memory card compatibility.

That being said, I noticed a few areas for improvement. For instance, KEH doesn’t provide a camera comparison tool, which would have been helpful for evaluating differences between models. Additionally, I couldn’t find details about the number of card slots in their listings. These missing features aren’t dealbreakers, but they’re worth noting for buyers who like to have all the details in one place.

Research: A Must for Camera Buyers

OnOne of the best pieces of advice I can give to anyone considering a purchase from KEH is this: do your research before buying. This KEH Camera review highlights their detailed product information, but it’s still essential to cross-reference specs and read reviews to ensure the gear meets your needs.

Here’s what my research process looked like:

• Visit the manufacturer’s website – In my case, I explored Nikon’s site to compare their camera bodies. This gave me a clear understanding of what the Nikon Z6 offered compared to other models.
• Check reputable review sites – I used resources like Shotkit, Digital Photography Review, and Run N Gun Photography for professional insights into the Z6’s performance and features.
• Watch user-generated reviews – TikTok has a surprisingly robust community of photographers who share real-world experiences with gear. These reviews helped me understand how the Z6 performs in various scenarios.

This combination of professional reviews and user feedback, paired with a thorough understanding of KEH’s product offerings, helped me feel confident in my decision to buy the Nikon Z6.

First Impressions of My Nikon Z6

Although I haven’t used my Nikon Z6 for an official session yet, I’ve spent some time familiarizing myself with the camera—and I’m already in love. This KEH Camera review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how the gear has impressed me so far.

The first thing that stood out to me was its lightweight, compact design. Compared to my Nikon D850, the Z6 feels like a dream to hold. This is going to be a game changer for travel photography and long wedding days, where lugging around heavy gear can become exhausting.

I also purchased an F-mount to Z-mount converter, which allows me to use my existing Nikon lenses with the new camera body. This was a critical factor in my decision, as it lets me transition to mirrorless technology without completely overhauling my lens collection. KEH made this transition seamless by providing gear that’s both high-quality and reliable.

Packaging and Delivery

When my KEH Camera order arrived, I was impressed by the careful packaging. Each item was securely wrapped, ensuring it would arrive in pristine condition. This attention to detail reflects KEH’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

KEH also offers a convenient payment plan option through Affirm, which can make purchasing high-end gear more accessible. For photographers who need to upgrade but are working within a budget, this is a fantastic feature.

Who Should Shop at KEH Camera?

KEH Camera is an excellent choice for photographers who:

• Want to save money by purchasing used gear.
• Appreciate detailed product descriptions and transparent grading systems.
• Need access to a wide variety of equipment, from cameras to lenses and accessories.
• Value sustainability—buying used helps reduce waste and gives gear a second life.

However, it’s worth noting that KEH’s website could benefit from additional features like a comparison tool and more comprehensive product specs. As a buyer, it’s important to fill in these gaps with your own research.

Final Thoughts: Is KEH Camera Worth It?

My experience with KEH Camera was overwhelmingly positive. From their straightforward shopping process to the excellent condition of the gear I received, KEH exceeded my expectations. This KEH Camera review highlights how their professional approach and attention to detail make them a standout option for photographers. While there’s room for improvement in their online tools and product listings, the overall experience was smooth and professional.

For photographers hesitant to buy used gear, KEH’s reputation, detailed grading system, and excellent packaging should put your mind at ease. As of now, I’d highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality equipment at a fair price.

Whether you’re upgrading your kit, exploring a new system, or simply hunting for a good deal, KEH Camera is a trustworthy option. Don’t forget to do your research to make sure a camera is right for you!

Have you purchased gear from KEH Camera before? I’d love to hear your experiences—drop a comment below and let’s chat!

Keep an eye out for upcoming sessions using my new Nikon Z6 here. I will also be reviewing the Nikon Z6 on my blog.