So, are you thinking about getting a camera and the associated equipment to hone your skills in capturing memorable moments? Or is it all about a short film that you wanted to make for ages? Well, no matter what your purpose is, it’s imperative to spend quite a fortune to get a set of photography gear that’ll make your dream come true.
Now, when it comes to acquiring photography gear, you’ll have two universal choices of your own – you can either buy whatever you need or rent them.
Which one should you choose, though?
I mean, the feeling of being the first owner of your equipment certainly seems like a plausible option here. But do you have enough money to splash on it?
On the other hand, renting a product is certainly a financially-feasible option. However, it also comes with the inevitable risk of getting a damaged or underwhelming product.
Sounds like a dilemma that you have encountered before, right?
Okay, let’s get you out of the conundrum right now!
Buying Photography Equipment
Buying your new photography gear will almost feel like you are starting from a clean slate. If I’m being honest, I’d also prefer to have a shiny new toy in my hands and explore it instead of getting something someone has used before. However, that’s not the only reason why most people opt to buy the equipment. There is a lot more to it.
Why Should You Buy New Camera Equipment?
When you purchase new photography gear, you’ll be able to truly own it. This, in turn, will help you get the time and patience to learn a new skill or two with it.
Besides, if you want, you can also rent out the product whenever you want to earn some extra cash. Also, you may sell it entirely if you are in need of cash.
Why Shouldn’t You Buy New Camera Equipment?
Buying a new camera and the associated gear usually requires a huge amount of upfront cost or investment. Hence, the financial commitment will be quite lengthy in this aspect.
Besides, the rent-out potential will also depend on the demand-supply for the gear. So, it’s not like you can give it out to anyone whenever you want.
And honestly, with the way the photography market is moving – we are getting introduced to a new product almost every passing day. So, you may have to upgrade frequently too.
When Should You Buy New Camera Equipment?
As a rule of thumb, you should only purchase new camera equipment if you have enough cash for it. If you are still learning the mannerism of using it, you’re better off renting. Also, before you buy a new camera, don’t forget to check how it differentiates from the older one.
If it adds only a new feature or two, it’s better to wait for a more advanced model.
And don’t buy a camera just because it offers more megapixels than the one you already have. The photo quality of the model will depend on it, yes. But it’s not the only thing that plays an important role in this aspect. Twenty-four megapixels is enough if you are just starting off.
Renting Photography Equipment
Compared to buying photography equipment, renting it wouldn’t be something a dreamer would love to do. However, if you are more of a realist, it will be the best possible option for you.
But, again, that’s not the only reason why some people like to rent photography gear. There’s a lot more to it. Let’s keep moving to find out more about it.
Why Should You Rent New Camera Equipment?
Renting a camera can help you learn about a specific equipment or test it out before you buy it. This way, you won’t have to commit to your purchase without knowing anything about it.
You may also use the rental gear as backup equipment for an important gig, like weddings. Use the low-end camera you have for your peace of mind.
If you don’t really want to take valuable gear on a plane, you may also ask for a rental to be delivered to your hotel. It will lower the risk of breakage or damage to some extent.
Renting can also be an excellent option if your current model is out for repair. With it, you can still go for professional shoots and offer an excellent performance accordingly.
Why Shouldn’t You Rent New Camera Equipment?
If you are renting photography gear habitually, the cost may begin piling up on your budget. It can sometimes drain you of more money that you may have spent while buying the gear.
Also, when it comes to renting, you’ll be subjected to the ability of the renter. In case a piece of gear has already been rented out, you must wait before it’s available again.
Finally, as you are renting the product from someone else, you won’t be able to sell it. This, in turn, can make it difficult for you to sustain yourself when you need a lot of money.
When Should You Rent New Camera Equipment?
It’s a no-brainer, really.
If you don’t have enough money in your bank, you will never go wrong with renting. But you can also use a renting option if you want to try out a camera before buying it.
You may also use a rented camera for some leisure-time clicking, especially if the camera you own is left at a repair center. It should keep you going in your professional world.
Renting and Buying – The Two Sides of a Coin
The decision of buying camera equipment or renting it will solely depend on your budget and the circumstance you want to use it for. So, make sure to note down whatever I‘ve said in this article and follow them properly while making your decision.
However, if you want to rent from an excellent option, make sure to opt for some reputed and popular in the market, like Expressway Cinema Rentals. This way, you will be able to get lots of information on them to learn if they are suitable for you or not.