Photography News 111 - Newsletter

Buyers’ guide

Buyers’ guide

Don’t break the bank

Can’t afford the latest gear? Then what about nearly new or second-hand? Hiring kit is another way to get equipment you desire in your hand and out on a shoot. Our latest buyers’ guide has recommendations for both

MPB › mpb.com

WORDS BY GAVIN STOKER

WHEN IT COMES to digital imaging, the pace of change has slowed compared to a decade or so ago – especially concerning new hardware, with updates often coming via firmware instead. But naturally, we all want to be out shooting with the latest and greatest kit we can afford. Here ‘afford’ is the operative word; not all of us can justify spending thousands on the latest Canon, Nikon, Sony or Leica. But a new launch does provide the possibility of us picking up the previous iteration second- hand and at a bargain price. Or, if we really do want to be working with the latest bleeding-edge innovations, then hiring the kit is a great option to avoid penury. We may want the kit for a specific shoot that will justify the expense of a day’s hire – modest when compared to buying the camera or lens in question outright – or we can use hire services as a way to try before we buy. That way you can really confirm to yourself that the big-money kit in question is truly what you need in your camera bag. Ultimately, whether going with second-hand or hiring options makes the most sense to you, this buyers’ guide will provide useful recommendations for both.

If it’s not available at the first point of asking, you can request notification as to when the item comes back into stock. Typically, even the very latest equipment is available via MPB within three months of its initial release. No wonder then that it currently has thousands of satisfied customers around the globe, thereby ensuring thousands of items are in stock at any one time. Or that MPB was voted best used specialist retailer in the Photography News 2022 Awards.

A regular name to grace the pages of Photography News , MPB is the largest platform for the buying and selling of used photo and video gear, with pre-loved kit thoroughly checked over by its in-house experts before being sold on to the next owner. As well as being able to sell your old kit via MPB, with the no-quibble ability to change your mind at the last minute, photographers and videographers can use the service to upgrade to something newer.

UK Digital › ukdigital.co.uk

Hireacamera › hireacamera.com

With flash deals and enticing offers on the most up-to-date kit – like most retailers worth their salt, UK Digital also trades in used gear. Plus, there’s always the chance to grab a bargain on ex-demo stock. Just head to the ‘used’ section of its website to see which camera bodies and lenses have had their prices slashed. Alternatively, look to save money via its part-exchange/trade-in service. Get a no-obligation quote for your old camera, camcorder or lens by emailing the details, or filling in the store’s online form. Once you’ve received a quote and sent in your equipment, UK Digital will reduce the price of your new purchase accordingly. Or, you can undertake the transaction the other way around – first purchase the camera or lens you’ve got your eye on, then send your camera for trade-in. Upon receipt and inspection, your card will simply be refunded the amount agreed. For an instant quote, make an in-person visit to UK Digital’s showroom in Clitheroe, Lancashire. Or, contact: exchange@ukdigital.co.uk

An award winner for good service – Hireacamera won best specialist service provider in the Photography News 2022 Awards – this well-established hire company can offer all the latest camera bodies, lenses and accessories, plus lighting and audio equipment. In fact, the outfit claims to have the largest range of stills and video gear for next-day delivery in the UK and is one of the biggest companies of its type in Europe. To streamline the experience of hiring for businesses and professionals, you can apply for a Hireacamera One account, where you are assigned a dedicated account manager, flexible terms and delivery options. Nice. All categories of stills cameras are available, from compact to mirrorless, DSLR and medium format, plus high-end cinema cameras for professional shoots and remote 4K-shooting PTZ cameras. Head to the website to browse the gear currently available for hire and read testimonials and case studies. Better still, call and chat through your requirements with the incredibly approachable team.

Issue 111 | Photography News 55

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