Is B&H Photo Video Legit and Safe? A Detailed Review

B&H Photo Video, often called Bhphotovideo, is a popular store based in New York City. It sells cameras, electronics, computers, and other tech gear both online and in-store. Many photographers, videographers, and tech lovers trust it because the company has been around since 1973. I’ve personally shopped there, and it felt easy, safe, and smooth. Their website is super user-friendly, and they offer fast shipping and helpful customer support. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Bhphotovideo is a reliable place to find genuine products. It’s one of those stores you keep coming back to once you try it.

If you’ve ever searched online for photography gear, video equipment, or even the latest gadgets, chances are you’ve stumbled upon B&H Photo Video—or as most folks call it, Bhphotovideo. Now, you’re probably wondering: Is Bhphotovideo legit? Is Bhphotovideo safe to use? Or is it some kind of scam? Don’t worry, I had those same questions when I first came across the site too. So today, we’re diving deep into this popular retailer to figure out whether it’s legit, safe, and worth your time (and money).

Let’s get into it.

🧐 What Is Bhphotovideo?

First things first—what exactly is Bhphotovideo?

B&H Photo Video, often shortened to B&H or Bhphotovideo, is a major online and in-store retailer based in New York City. They specialize in electronics, cameras, drones, lighting gear, computers, and pretty much everything a photographer, videographer, or tech lover dreams about.

Founded in 1973, this company has been around for over 50 years. Yep, fifty! That alone gives off some legit vibes, right?

But age isn’t everything. So, let’s look at how it actually works.

⚙️ How Does Bhphotovideo Work?

Bhphotovideo operates both online and through its famous NYC superstore. If you’re in the city, you can walk right into their massive store and explore thousands of products. But if you’re like me and prefer shopping in your pajamas (hey, no judgment), their website is where the magic happens.

Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

1. Browse the Website – You’ll find everything from DSLR cameras and laptops to home studio gear and microphones.
2. Add to Cart & Checkout – Just like any other eCommerce store, you shop, add items to your cart, and check out.
3. Choose Shipping Options – They offer free shipping on many products, especially in the U.S.
4. Track Your Order – Once purchased, you can track your order until it’s at your door.
5. Customer Support & Returns – Got a problem? Their support team is super helpful, and returns are pretty straightforward too.

So far, so good. But let’s get into what really matters—safety and legitimacy.

🔒 Is Bhphotovideo Legit?

Let’s just get straight to the point: Yes, Bhphotovideo is legit. Totally, completely, 100% legitimate.

Here’s why:

• They’ve been around since 1973—scammy companies don’t usually last that long.
• They’re an authorized dealer for major brands like Canon, Sony, Apple, Nikon, and more. That’s a big green flag.
• The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives them an A+ rating, and that’s not something you earn overnight.
• They’ve been featured in major publications and trusted by professionals all around the world.

If you’re still feeling skeptical (and hey, I get it—it’s smart to be cautious online), just check out the thousands of positive reviews across platforms like Trustpilot, ResellerRatings, and Google Reviews. The overwhelming majority of customers praise the quality of service, fast shipping, and genuine products.

So yes, without a doubt—Bhphotovideo is legit.

🛡️ Is Bhphotovideo Safe to Use?

Now let’s talk about safety—because being legit is one thing, but is your personal and payment info safe?

Short answer: Yes, Bhphotovideo is safe.

Here’s how they keep things secure:

• Secure checkout – Their website uses SSL encryption, which protects your data during checkout.
• Multiple payment options – You can pay using credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or even B&H’s own Payboo card.
• No sketchy redirects – You stay on their site the whole time. No fishy popups or weird redirects.
• Clear return policy – If something’s wrong, you’ve got a straightforward return process.

I’ve personally shopped from Bhphotovideo several times and never had a single issue with payment security or personal data being compromised. If you’re wondering, “Can I safely use my credit card on Bhphotovideo?”—the answer is yes, you totally can.

✨ Features That Make Bhphotovideo Shine

Let’s explore some of the features that make Bhphotovideo not just safe and legit—but also awesome.

1. Wide Product Selection

From entry-level gadgets to professional gear, there’s something for everyone. You can literally shop for:

• Cameras
• Audio equipment
• Drones
• Smart home devices
• Computers
• Lighting kits
• Even binoculars!

2. Competitive Pricing

Prices on Bhphotovideo are usually on par—or even cheaper—than Amazon, Best Buy, and other big names.

3. Fast & Free Shipping

They ship fast—like really fast. And many items come with free shipping (especially in the U.S.).

4. Live Chat & 24/7 Support

Ever tried to get help from an online store and had to wait days? Not here. Their live chat and phone support are friendly, helpful, and responsive.

5. Knowledgeable Staff

The support staff isn’t just reading off a script—they actually know what they’re talking about. You can ask specific gear questions and get helpful answers.

6. Customer Reviews and Ratings

Each product usually has tons of helpful reviews and Q&As from real buyers. This helped me tons when deciding between two cameras.

7. Payboo Card (with Tax Savings!)

Their Payboo card lets you buy stuff without paying sales tax in certain states. That’s a huge deal for big purchases.

🚩 What About Complaints or Scams?

Let’s be real—no company is perfect. So are there complaints?

Sure, some customers mention:

• Delays during peak shopping seasons
• Items being out of stock
• Restocking fees on certain returns

But these are pretty normal and not signs of a scam. What’s important is how Bhphotovideo handles those complaints—and from what I’ve seen, they’re super responsive and willing to make things right.

So, if you’re wondering, “Is Bhphotovideo a scam?” the answer is a clear and confident: No, Bhphotovideo is not a scam.

They’re a genuine, trustworthy retailer with real people working behind the scenes to make sure you get what you ordered.

🛍️ Who Should Shop at Bhphotovideo?

Still wondering if this site is for you? Let me break it down.

Bhphotovideo is perfect for:

• Photographers and videographers
• Content creators and YouTubers
• Tech lovers
• Audio professionals
• Anyone who wants reliable, brand-new electronics from a legitimate source

Even if you’re just buying your first camera or microphone, you’ll feel confident shopping here.

🧠 Tips for Shopping Safely on Bhphotovideo

Here are a few extra safety tips (because hey, it never hurts to be cautious):

1. Create an account for faster tracking and order management.
2. Double-check product listings – make sure you’re buying the exact model you want.
3. Look at user reviews before purchasing.
4. Use PayPal or a credit card for extra buyer protection.
5. Read the return policy—just in case.

✅ Pros of Bhphotovideo (Why We Love It)

• Legit and trusted – Been around since 1973 with a solid reputation
• Safe checkout – Secure payments and personal info protection
• Genuine products – No knock-offs, only brand-new items
• Fast shipping – Especially within the U.S.
• Great support – Friendly and knowledgeable customer service
• Competitive prices – Often cheaper than other big stores
• Huge selection – From cameras to drones to computers

❌ Cons of Bhphotovideo (The Not-So-Great Bits)

• Not all items ship worldwide – Some restrictions apply
• Restocking fees – On certain returns
• Can sell out quickly – Popular items go fast
• Website can feel overwhelming – Too many options at once

✅ Final Verdict: Bhphotovideo is Legit and Safe

So let’s wrap it up.

After doing the research, reading reviews, and even making a few purchases myself, I can confidently say:

👉 Bhphotovideo is legit
👉 Bhphotovideo is safe
👉 Bhphotovideo is NOT a scam
👉 Bhphotovideo is a trusted, secure, and genuine retailer

Whether you’re a pro photographer or just someone who loves tech, Bhphotovideo is one of the best online stores you can shop from. They’ve built a strong reputation over the years, and it’s well-deserved.

So go ahead, browse their site, add that dream camera to your cart, and shop with confidence. You’re in safe hands!

📌 Bhphotovideo FAQ

1. Is Bhphotovideo legit?

Yes, Bhphotovideo is legit. They’ve been in business since 1973 and are trusted by professionals worldwide. They’re also an authorized dealer for top brands like Canon, Sony, Apple, and more.

2. Is Bhphotovideo safe to buy from?

Absolutely. Bhphotovideo is safe to shop from. The website uses secure payment systems and protects your personal information.

3. Does Bhphotovideo sell genuine products?

Yes, everything sold on Bhphotovideo is genuine and brand-new, unless stated otherwise. No shady third-party sellers here.

4. Where is Bhphotovideo located?

Bhphotovideo has a huge retail store in New York City at 420 Ninth Avenue (at 34th Street), Manhattan.

5. Do they ship internationally?

Yes! Bhphotovideo ships to many countries worldwide. You can check shipping availability during checkout.

6. How fast is shipping?

Shipping is often super fast, especially within the U.S. Many items qualify for free shipping too!

7. What payment methods do they accept?

You can pay using credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even Payboo (their own credit card).

8. What is Payboo?

Payboo is Bhphotovideo’s credit card. It gives you a sales tax refund on eligible purchases—basically saving you some cash.

9. Can I return a product?

Yes, they have a 30-day return policy for most items. Just make sure the product is in its original condition.

10. Is customer service any good?

Totally! Their customer support is friendly, fast, and helpful. You can reach out by phone, email, or live chat.