Is It Better to Rent or Buy Camera Gear?

When you’re readying for a video shoot and don’t have the necessary gear, you may be torn between buying or renting.

There are many factors that go into this decision that include cost, the amount you will be using the equipment and more.

Should you be uncertain on which way to turn, we suggest reading through this blog to help you make a decision that is best for your business or your project.

Renting Could Save You Money

Generally speaking, the biggest benefit of renting camera gear is the savings that will be created for your business. Even if you need to rent the gear for an extended period of time, it will typically cost less than buying it outright.

We understand how difficult it can be to balance the finances for a business, and the last thing you need is another big upfront expense hanging over you.

Renting will save you even more in the long run, as you won’t have to worry about maintenance or repair costs.  There are many projects that require a certain camera or set of lenses and using those without the overhead and risk of owning that equipment and paying the insurance premiums can likely result in a better financial decision for many productions.

Buying allows for greater convenience

If you need video shot on a regular basis for your business, buying is typically the preferred option because of the convenience it offers.

If you constantly need video shot, it can become an annoyance to constantly be having gear shipped to you, and then making sure you return the items on time.  Doing this for every video will result in you surely losing some money and time.

Should you be concerned about the cost of purchasing the camera gear, you can always set up a payment plan that works for your budget. Renting out your gear when it’s not being used is also a great money saving option, but carries it’s own risks and considerations.

Video Camera on a blue background

Renting gives you the latest equipment

One of the biggest advantages of renting camera gear is that you can try out the latest cameras and equipment.  Try before you buy is a great mantra, especially with camera bodies or lens sets costing well into 5 figures (and sometimes even into the 6 figure ranges)

With technology changing everyday, there is always newer and better gear hitting the market. When you buy equipment, it can quickly become outdated and leave you in a difficult situation.

Using the latest gear will ensure that your videos not only look incredible but that the equipment is always working properly. If it’s not working for any reason, most rental companies will have backup gear that they can swap in, and it becomes their problem and not yours.

While there are certainly pros and cons to renting and buying camera gear, there is also the option of hiring a professional video production team for your video needs. Should you prefer to go this route and are located in Casper, WY or the surrounding areas, we ask that you reach out to our experienced team at Stengel Media for a high quality, well executed shoot.

We have the experienced video staff and equipment to handle any type of shoot that you require using all the latest equipment and techniques.

We take pride in making your ideas and stories come to life and ask that you reach out to us at 307-259-1867  today.