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How to Borrow / Rent and Test Cameras and Lenses Before You Buy

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty One Group Capital / LIC in VA

Many agents have posted questions asking about which cameras are best for real estate photography. There is always more than one correct answer to that question. When buying a camera, many factors will come into play as, how much money do you want to spend?, will you be shooting video?, stills?, hybrid? Will you be doing your own photo and video editing? Are you comfortable learning and using the software that comes with many camers? How much time can you afford to invest? Even things like, how the grip on the camera fits your hand should be a consideration. Do you plan on investing in lighting systems/boxes? Tripods? Monopoles? Microphones? Will you also be using the camera for all around daily use? So many factors will need to be considered before you spend $500.00 - $3000.00 + on a camera and equipment just so you can take wide angle photos.

  If you have asked around, researched, visited a camera store or two, and have narrowed your search down to  few cameras you feel will provide you with what you are looking for, and in a price range you are comfortable with, yet you're still having trouble making that final decision before purchashing, consider renting your final choices for a week, and see which one you feel the most comfortable with.

Visit:

https://www.borrowlenses.com/

There are a few stores in the DC and VA area where you can drop the camera equipment off after you have tested it out. Otherwise, ship it back. The benefit of returning it to a camera store like Ace Photo in Ashburn VA is, you can discuss it with camera propfessionals that are working there, and you can pick up lots of useful information while you're there.

 

camera

Jeff Pearl | Lic in VA

Remax Distinctive | McLean VA

703-727-4876

Homes | Land | Farms | Historic

www.jeffpearlhomes.com

Equal Housing

 

Comments(6)

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Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Jeff Pearl Great information for many of us. There are a few of these rental shops on the internet. I've never used them, as I am always worried about damage and the liability issues. Great post.

Jan 04, 2015 01:32 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Jeff Pearl this is great information, and one I now have noted for the day I am ready to purchase a new camera!  

Jan 04, 2015 02:02 AM
Jeff Pearl
Realty One Group Capital / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

#1- Thanks. I would use them if I was considering buying somthing over $600.00 or so. They offer insurance in case theey are damaged, lost, or stolen.

#2- Hi Joan, Thanks. I have been doing some research before buying my next camera. I usually start with dpreview.com. I would hate to spend $1000.00 on a camera, then find out I overlooked a better camera that would have worked for me.

Jan 04, 2015 02:13 AM
Michael Dagner
Brokers Guild Classic - Denver, CO
Your Denver Homes Realty Expert

Jeff, that is a great service for not only real estate professionals, but anyone who wants to try and compare products.  Thanks for the tip,

Jan 04, 2015 09:41 AM
Jeff Pearl
Realty One Group Capital / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

#4- Hi Michael, Thanks. I agree, anyone spending $1000.00 + for a camera should take some for a test drive. Weight and battery life are two more factors I would like to know about before buying.

Jan 04, 2015 10:21 PM
Joe Petrowsky
Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709 - Manchester, CT
Your Mortgage Consultant for Life

Good morning Jeff. Am fortunate to have two referral partners that are in the video and photography business. When I need something done at a high level, I pay them as it comes back to me, many times over. Otherwise, your solution would be a good one.

Jan 06, 2015 11:06 PM