Buy or Rent - Camera

The Camera Package is usually a large line item in your film budget. Motion Picture Cameras are one of the few items in a film production that can be reused. Obviously, food cannot be reused. Film stock cannot be reused and unused film stock has a ticking shelf life. But cameras can be used and reused no matter what kind of story is written or actors are cast. A way to amortize the cost of a camera package is to use it for multiple films. There are several questions you must ask yourself before you make the decision to buy or rent a camera.

1) How many films do you realistically expect to make?
If you only plan to film two films over the next decade, it will not make sense to buy a camera because it would be less expensive to rent a camera.
2) In what time frame?
Digital camera technology is constantly changing. If there is too much of a time lag between films, your digital camera may become obsolete. If you buy a motion picture film camera, it will cost you to maintain the camera. You can rent out the camera when you are not using it but you run the risk of it being damaged or not being available when you need it.
3) Do you plan to use digital tapes or film stock?
Film stock is much more expensive than digital tapes. Also, the cost to develop film and create the film elements is much more expensive than a DI. Be careful that your story will not be hurt by using digital cameras since some natural elements like light, fire, and water sometimes distorts on digital tapes.

Check QuickFilmBudget.com for a sample film budget.