How To Choose KEH Certified™ Pre-Owned Camera Gear

Buying a camera is an investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank—or the planet. The truth is that used camera gear can deliver the same pro-level performance as new, often at a fraction of the price. At KEH Camera, we’ve spent over 40 years perfecting the art of curating the best professionally used camera gear so you can capture stunning images without compromise.

Here’s your ultimate used camera buying guide to selecting high-quality, KEH Certified™ camera gear that’s, in our opinion, better than new.

New vs. used: What sets KEH Certified™ Pre-Owned apart

Purchasing used gear doesn’t have to mean taking risks. At KEH Camera, every piece of equipment goes through a rigorous 10-point grading system by our expert technicians, stamping it KEH Certified™ and backed by a 180-day warranty. Plus, our industry-leading return policy gives you peace of mind—so you can focus on creating, not worrying.

Why pre-owned is Better Than New:

Save Big – Get pro-level performance for significantly less.

Reduce Waste – Give high-quality gear a second life and support a circular economy.

Guaranteed Quality – Our expert grading, testing, and warranties mean you’re never left guessing.

Learn more about KEH’s grading system.

3 important tips for high-quality pre-owned camera gear

1. Understand our camera grading systems

Not all used camera gear is created equal. That’s why KEH Camera has a rigorous 10-point grading system to assess cosmetic wear, functionality, and performance. Our ratings go beyond surface-level descriptions, ensuring you know exactly what you’re getting:

• Like New – (LN -) = Barely used. Very limited signs of wear. Glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality.
• Excellent + (EX +) = Lightly used. Very limited signs of wear. Glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality.
• Excellent (EX) = Average use. Average signs of wear. Possibility of dings or blemishes. Glass may have average dust or surface marks. Excellent picture quality.
• Bargain (BN) = More than average use. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Glass may have scratches, dust, and blemishes. Should not affect picture quality.

Regardless of the grade, our pre-owned camera gear is KEH Certified™ and backed by a 180-day warranty.

2. Invest in quality lenses

Having a great lens matters just as much, if not more, than the camera body you buy. Prime and zoom lenses have held their value and performance for years, making them a fantastic investment. Every KEH Certified™ pre-owned lens undergoes rigorous testing for autofocus precision, glass clarity, and aperture functionality — so you get sharp, professional results without paying full price.

Shop used lenses at KEH

3. Consider essential used camera accessories

A high-performance setup isn’t complete without the right accessories. Used camera accessories such as tripods, flashes, batteries, and grips can enhance your shooting experience without costing a fortune. Our accessories are tested and verified to ensure reliability in the field.

Browse used camera accessories

Find Your Next Camera at KEH.com

No matter your skill level, KEH has the best cameras for photography to match your needs. From pro-level mirrorless bodies to budget-friendly DSLRs, our expertly graded, KEH Certified™ gear delivers top performance at unbeatable prices. Get the quality you need without the high price tag — explore KEH.com for the best selection of used cameras, lenses, and accessories today!

KEH Certified™ Pre-Owned Gear:

Better for your budget.
Better for the planet.
Better than new.

Explore used camera gear now.