Rental Rates
 

What sort of day rate do you think this camera will rent for, with P2 cards? Curious to know how quickly we'll all be able to recoup our investment.

Peter

The old rule of thumb was that rental was about 1 percent of the cost of the gear. So if a camera cost $20,000 it would rent for 200 bucks. Today the rate seems to be somewhere around 2 or 2-1/2 percent, so a $20,000 package goes for $400-$500.

Thanks Bill! I know the DVX100A goes for 150/day, which would be about 4.5%, so I wonder, with good quality cameras getting cheaper, if the percentage is getting higher. At 4.5%, that would put the HVX at 450/day, which does seem a little steep...I guess the market will decide.

Peter

It's sometimes a sliding scale, based on durability and accessibility. DV cameras are notoriously obsolete quickly whereas c-stands never seem to go out of fashion. Also, cameras are more delicate than other equipment, even audio. Mopac Media here in Austin, TX will have one for rent as soon as it comes out and we're looking at a day rate of $250 or more, with multiple P2 cards. But that's the student rate -- I suspect the commercial rate will be slightly higher, probably $325 or more. But that's here in Texas -- I notice that L.A. and N.Y.C. rates for electronic equipment are considerably higher.

I am in Oklahoma and I have found rates MUCH cheaper in LA/NYC... more competition, lower prices. I will be shocked if an HVX with P2 cards is less than $500 a day ANYWHERE the first 6 months



ash =o)

Come on Ash! More than $500 a day is way too much money. Remember it's a small camera with great features but with some limitations. For example, no interchangeable lens to start with.
So, I think $350 or $400 a day would be fair. But, hey it's a great camera and you can also reduce a lot of money renting a small tripod mounted crane, than a crane for a Digital Betacam and so the other accesories.
And still have a great production.

/EDWIN

Suppose I bought the camera without the P2 cards. How much would you think a P2 card alone would be rented for on a daily basis?
-EDWIN

Z1 is going for 225 a day. It will probably drop to 175 a day. I would say hvx would replace the z1 at the 225 level. Maybe 275 tops.

Then again, the sdx900 is 600 a day...

In all honesty, it is hard to say. I know there is a LOT of anticipation for this camera and MOST people will want to try it out before buying. When you rent an SDX you are not renting the media too. I think $500 with 2 P2 cards is realistic at first in most markets.


ash =o)

also for small camera's lets not forget SUPPY & DEMAND ...
the local camera house in SF bay area may have the DVX 100 for 200 a day but there are so many around you can find private rentals for 80-100 day.