As the biggest online retailer on the planet, Amazon sells a fantastic range of modern tech including a great range of cameras and camera accessories such as lenses and bags.
They stock cameras from brands such as:
- Canon
- Nikon
- Samsung
- Sony
- Olympus
- Fuji and
- GoPro
If you’ve purchased a new camera from Amazon but are thinking of making a return; perhaps because you’re not happy with the performance, it’s an unwanted gift or you’ve simply changed your mind, then it’s important to get up to speed with their return policy so you don’t miss out.
We’ve taken a good look at Amazon’s returns policy and will set out how long you’ll have to return your camera, how to initiate a return, when to expect a refund, and plenty more. We’ve also carried out a competitor comparison to see how Amazon’s policy holds up.
What is Amazon’s Camera Returns Policy? In Short
In short, you can return a camera to Amazon within 30 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange. You should wipe any of your data before returning it and make sure you return the box, accessories, and manual.
Amazon’s 30-day return policy also applies to camera equipment such as:
- Lenses
- Tripods
- Camera bags
- Memory cards
- Cleaning kits
- Flashes
- Lighting
- Intervalometers and timelapse kits.
You can return a camera/equipment to Amazon for any number of reasons such as:
- If the performance is below par
- If it was ordered by mistake
- An unwanted gift
- Duplicate order
- You’ve simply changed your mind
- If it’s defective
Amazon gives you a full list of reasons when you make your return:
How to Return a Camera to Amazon
You can only return a camera to Amazon using their online returns process which is initiated by doing the following:
- Go to your Amazon account and log in
- Look for the orders and returns section which is in the top right corner on desktop or on the bottom row of the app (click the little man icon and click orders)
- Select your camera/equipment order and select the option to return or replace
- Choose an option from the drop-down menu (see our photo above) as to why you want to return your product
- Complete the box setting out your reason for return
- Select your preferred method to return
- Print off the prepaid returns label
Will I Have to Pay to Return a Camera to Amazon?
Amazon provides at least one free pre-paid returns delivery option with everything it sells up to a weight of 50lb so you will not have to pay anything to return a camera to Amazon.
Moreover, they do not charge a restocking fee either as many stores do.
How Long Until I Get a Refund From Amazon for a Returned Camera?
Amazon asks that you wait up to 14 business days before you will see the money returned to your bank account.
However, this can be sometimes quicker and sometimes longer depending on who you bank with.
If you haven’t received a refund within 21 days, we’d recommend reaching out to someone at Amazon using Amazon’s help center.
Related Post:
Amazon Battery Return Policy
Do I Need to Return the Box and Accessories?
You should return your camera in the original box with all of the accessories.
You will likely be fine if you’ve just lost minor packaging but if you’ve lost key accessories such as straps, lenses, cases, or batteries/chargers then you should reach out to Amazon using Amazon’s help center and make them aware.
Your refund may be deducted for the cost of the missing items if you fail to return them.
I am Outside the 30 Days – What Can I Do?
If 30 days have already expired, then reach out to Amazon using Amazon’s help center and make them aware of any extenuating circumstances and ask they extend the window slightly.
They may allow a short extension if the 30 days have only just lapsed.
If your camera has developed a fault beyond the 30-day returns window then you can always turn to the product warranty or guarantee.
Here’s a breakdown of the guarantees provided by the main brands:
| Brand | Warranty |
| Canon | 1-2 years |
| Nikon | 1 year |
| Olympus | 1 year |
| Sony | 1 year |
| Fuji | 1 year |
A third option is to sell your camera. There are a number of excellent camera groups on Facebook where you can sell used products. You can also use eBay and online camera forums as an alternative.
Used camera gear has excellent resale value, especially for new or slightly used products.
How Does Amazon’s Camera Returns Policy Hold Up?
We’ve had a look at some of Amazon’s competitors to see how their policies compare.
Here is what we found:
| Store | Warranty |
| Walmart | 30 days |
| Costco | 90 days |
| Best Buy | 15 – 60 days depending on membership |
| Target | 30 days |
Final Thoughts
Amazon has a fairly standard returns policy across the industry and is equivalent to most other retailers such as Walmart.
Costco’s returns policy is more generous (90 days instead of 30) but as it’s a membership-based retailer, you’re paying for the privilege.
Amazon is an excellent place to look for your next camera and boasts a huge selection from all of the main brands. They also stock a wide variety of camera accessories such as lenses, memory cards, and tripods.
