B & H Photo-Video-Pro Audio

Like my Title says, mimicking the rather annoying tv and radio commercials, B and H really is the place to go in New York for photo and video equipment. With a wide selection and hard to beat prices, 34th and 9th avenue is your one stop shop for what you need. The place resembles santa's workshop with an ironic hesidic twist (only in NY) with a complex arrangement of conveyor belts and elevators for transfering merchandise as well as a station to station method of paying for and recieving goods. Nevertheless, all of this that overwhelms your eye actually does make things move a lot faster and you can be in and out in a matter of minutes if you know what you want. There sales team has its ups and downs depending on who you get and who you are. If you know what you are talking about, you can get first rate service. The only problems I have encountered there asking questions is when I or someone i was with didn't know so much about the piece of equipment we were looking at and then some of the sales people can be a little pushy and snooty. Most of the time I have gotten exactly what I needed, and I have used them for most of my equipment. Nevertheless, my last two transactions required me to go back because I wasn't given the right item and another time, i was sold a returned item that was in less than new condition. I wouldn't worry though. They take things back and give you want you wanted. Also, they have a free parking garage for up to an hour if you are needing to bring your car and don't want to spend 25 bucks on parking in midtown. more

If you need a new camera or camera essories or film -- B&H is the place to go. This is a HUGE store by New York City standards and they have absolutely everything you could ever need in the photo, video or audio department. They also do a really nice job with developing. The prices are extremely reasonable and the customer service is hard to beat. Those guys know their stuff -- they are very helpful and the wait is usually minimal. I highly recommend this store. more

B&H is known all over the country for great prices and a very thorough Web site. Visiting the actual store on 9th Avenue can be an overwhelming experience for a first-timer. First of all, it's run by Orthodox Jews, which is why it's closed on Saturdays. Several of the best camera/photography stores in Manhattan are run by Orthodox Jews. (I've always been curious as to why this is so, but because I don't know anyone close to that community, I don't have an answer yet). While its owners and employees don't make B&H overwhelming, it's definitely the first thing one notices when they walk in. Secondly, there's a system to the way the store is run. For example, if you want film, it's all on one side of the store. You place your order. They put it in a bucket that flies over your head. You get a number. Then you continue shopping or go stand in line with your number. When you check out, you present your piece of paper and the clerk goes to get your bucket of purchases. It's all very orderly, but unlike other places. The service is hit or miss. I've dealt with very curt staff members that weren't especially patient with my lack of certainty or knowledge. I've also had really great people who know a lot and are willing to answer each detailed question. I believe this is just simply human nature. There are so many people working there. We all have our good days and days when customers drive us crazy. Overall, it's not hard to find someone to be patient with the first-time shopper. I've seen better camera prices in other places, but overall, they have good prices. It’s amazing the services and products they offer. This place covers the entire range of photography – digital, supplies, rentals. You name it, they probably have it. more

B&H has long since been known as one of the leading photographer purveyors. They have since expanded to include newer technologies such as video and even better still, audio. They have an extensive website and catalogue, but living in the NYC area provides visual arts professionals the luxury of hands on consultations. more

B & H is probably the best place you can go for cameras and photography supplies, although they have tons of other stuff like video and lighting equipment as well. If you don't live nearby you can order by phone, mail, or internet, but if you do live close to them go to their enormous store! It's a lot of fun to check out. They also have a great range of film and image processing and printing services. And their prices are great! If you're into photography you have to try this place. more

The salespeople at B & H are very knowledgeable. They provide unbiased advice and assistance to those who need help selecting the right camera. Whenever I have purchased a camera, I have gone first to B & H to find out which camera to buy. I can sometimes find better deals elsewhere, but I always go to B & H first. more

This is where all the professional video/film/photography people go to get their equipment, so they must know something. They have absolutely everything in stock, and if they don't have it, they'll find somewhere else in the city that does. Little confusing to manuever around, as the store is enormous, but totally worth it Open every day but Saturday, and closes early on Friday. more