Renting Camera Lenses In San Diego: Where To Go?

San Diego is a great place to shoot a movie, with its beautiful weather, diverse environments, and proximity to Los Angeles. The city hosts several film festivals throughout the year, including the San Diego International Film Festival and the Latino Film Festival. If you're looking to rent camera lenses and other equipment in San Diego, there are several options to choose from. George's Camera, San Diego Film Equipment, and Nelson Photo & Video are all popular choices, offering a range of camera and lens rentals. Other options include Camera Exposure, PRG Gear, and Rent Cine, each with its own unique offerings and services.

George's Camera

San Diego's largest full-service camera store, Georges Camera, has been serving the city since 1965. The store has an incredible selection of photographic and video equipment and supplies, including digital cameras and professional lighting. They also rent out most of the equipment they sell and offer a try before you buy program.

Georges Camera has two locations in San Diego. The Kearny Mesa store, located at 7475 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, 92111, is home to the rental department. The other store is at 3837 30th Street, San Diego, CA, 92104.

The store has received positive reviews for its rental services, with one customer stating, "Love renting lenses from this place. Keisha is very helpful with explaining rental rules and even..." Another review mentions, "Their rental department is absolutely fantastic, and I always call my rental request in nice and easy over the phone."

Georges Camera accepts credit cards and cryptocurrency. They are open Monday to Saturday, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Camera Exposure

If you're looking to rent camera lenses in San Diego, there are several options available to you. Here are some of the top places to consider:

George's Camera

George's Camera has two locations in San Diego, one in Kearny Mesa and the other in North Park. They offer a range of affordable lens rentals and are known for their friendly and helpful staff. Their Kearny Mesa location also offers sensor cleaning services.

Nelson Photo & Video

Nelson Photo & Video is another popular choice for camera lens rentals in San Diego. They have been in business for 39 years and are well-regarded for their knowledgeable staff and affordable prices.

San Diego Film Equipment

Located in Little Italy, San Diego Film Equipment provides lens rentals and other audio/visual equipment for photographers and filmmakers. They are a good option for those looking to rent specialty equipment for their projects.

Old School Cameras

Based in Oceanside, Old School Cameras is a unique option for those looking to rent lenses and vintage camera equipment. They are known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff, and they also offer repair services.

Now, let's delve into the topic of camera exposure and how it relates to your photography endeavours.

The exposure triangle, composed of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, are the three main variables that influence camera exposure. Let's explore each of these settings and their impact on your photos:

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed refers to the amount of time your camera's shutter remains open, allowing light to reach the sensor. It is typically measured in fractions of a second, such as 1/1000 or 1/200 of a second for daylight pictures. Adjusting the shutter speed helps control the duration of exposure. A slower shutter speed is suitable for low-light conditions, while a faster shutter speed is ideal for capturing fast-paced action or sports events.

Aperture

Aperture is the adjustable lens opening that controls the amount of light entering the camera. It functions like the pupil of the human eye, widening in low light conditions to let in more light and narrowing in bright settings. Aperture settings are measured using f-numbers or f-stops, where a lower f-number indicates a wider aperture. A wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus.

ISO

ISO represents the sensitivity of your camera's light sensor. A lower ISO means the sensor is less sensitive to light, while a higher ISO increases sensitivity. However, higher ISO settings can introduce digital noise or graininess to your images. ISO settings are typically adjusted when you want to capture action or low-light scenes without slowing down the shutter speed or widening the aperture.

Mastering the use of these three settings is key to achieving the correct exposure and creating visually appealing photographs. Each setting has its own unique impact on the final image, and finding the right balance between them will ensure your photos are properly exposed, with just the right amount of light.

San Diego Film Equipment

Their camera offerings include the RED Epic Dragon, Arri Alexa EV, and several Sony and Canon cameras. In terms of lighting, they feature a variety of HMIs, LEDs, and tungstens, such as the Arri SkyPanel, which can create a diverse range of colour temperatures. They also provide the Arri M18, the most powerful light available for a 20-amp circuit.

For added convenience, San Diego Film Equipment offers an all-in-one package with their fully-stocked three-ton grip truck, which is equipped with a powered liftgate for effortless loading and unloading.

To rent from San Diego Film Equipment, simply visit their website to select your desired items and obtain a pricing estimate. Then, give their office a call to confirm your reservation. With their comprehensive inventory and straightforward rental process, San Diego Film Equipment is a reliable choice for anyone looking to rent camera lenses and other film equipment in the San Diego area.

Rent Cine

Studio A features a 17' x 25' infinity cyclorama, currently painted green, but it can be adapted to suit the requirements of your production. The studio also includes a lighting grid and a roll-up door for easy setup and access. Rent Cine's studios are a convenient option for productions requiring studio space, as power is included in the rental, and you also have the option to hire a stage manager and crew.

Nelson Photo & Video

One of the standout features of Nelson Photo & Video is their flexibility when it comes to rental periods. They offer daily, weekly, and weekend rates, making them an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term projects. And if you fall in love with a particular piece of equipment, their rent-to-own policy gives you the option to make it a permanent addition to your kit.

The team at Nelson Photo & Video is passionate about the craft and dedicated to helping their customers find the right equipment for their needs. Their knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer guidance and ensure you get the most out of your rental experience.

In addition to their extensive rental options, Nelson Photo & Video also offers a range of other services. They provide lens, lighting, and grip rentals for productions, ensuring that filmmakers have access to all the gear they need for their shoots. Their website is a valuable resource for customers, providing detailed information and pricing guidelines for their rental services.

With their long-standing presence in the community and commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest industry developments, Nelson Photo & Video has established itself as a trusted source for camera and video equipment rentals in San Diego. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, their knowledgeable staff and diverse rental options will ensure that you're equipped for any photographic endeavour.

Frequently asked questions