7 Best Places to Find Camera Equipment Rentals in Boston

On the search for the best places to find camera equipment rentals in Boston? Then you’ve come to the right place! Boston is one of the East Coast’s top filmmaking hubs. Not only is it the setting of popular films like Good Will Hunting and The Departed, but it’s also home to well-known film schools, such as the American Film Institute and Emerson College. No matter which side of the city you’re in, you’ll find a range of camera rental options to fit your project’s size and budget.

From the latest HD camcorders to old-school film cameras, our list of the top eight places to find camera equipment rentals in Boston will have you covered. If you’re looking for a location, too, then you can use Peerspace to create a customized location and equipment package. We have hundreds of incredible spaces in Boston that can suit any production. And with the help of our dedicated hosts and our Concierge service, professional equipment is easy to obtain. But for now, let’s get back to our list!

1. Rule Boston Camera

320 Nevada St, Floor 1, Newton, MA 02460

Rule Boston Camera’s motto: “Buy. Rent. Create.” You can do all three at their camera shop in Newtown, which hosts learning labs, showroom demos, and even pub nights. Connect with fellow film enthusiasts and find the crew for your next indie project.

Their production outfitters store carries all of the expendables you need, including gloves, tape, cables, batteries, and more. Their rental options include the latest HD cameras like the Red Gemini 5K, as well as the more traditional Arriflex 35mm-film camera.

They also offer lenses, grip and lighting gear, and iMac editing systems, so you can rent the gear you need at every step of the production and post-production process. This is definitely one of the top places to find camera equipment rentals in Boston, especially for film school students and indie productions.

2. Lens Lockers

24 Roland St, Boston, MA 02129

Lens Lockers is located in Boston, but they ship gear all over the United States, so they’re a great option for traveling productions based in New England. When you’re in the area, you can pick up gear at their local headquarters for an affordable day rate. They also have a studio you can rent for photo and video shoots, which comes with studio lighting and a makeup area.

When you hit the road, you can have your gear sent directly to your location, with free shipping to anywhere in the mainland US. Your gear is delivered in heavy-duty Pelican cases by UPS, so you can track it the entire way and know that it will arrive in one piece.

If you use a lot of gear, you can sign up for the LEAP membership program. This way, you’ll get credits that you can apply to your rental gear. Keep each item as long as you like and ship it back when you’re ready to exchange it for something else.

3. High Output

495 Turnpike Street, Canton, MA 02021

High Output has been renting to productions in the Boston area since 1986. They have offices in Maine, Rhode Island, Georgia, and South Carolina as well. Their impressive catalog covers film and video gear, lighting equipment, as well as A/V gear for stage and theatre productions.

They have grip trucks available that can come fully stocked with lighting gear and expendables, as well as 1800 amp generators and production trailers. In addition, they have two studios for rent in Brighton and Canton. Plus, their range of LED lighting equipment can help you cut down on your power costs by using the latest and most efficient lighting fixtures. Whether you’re shooting a music video or hosting a live event, High Output is a reliable choice for camera equipment rentals in Boston.

4. Lens Pro To Go

130 Baker Avenue Extension, Concord, MA 01742

Lens Pro To Go is another rental house that offers both local pickup and shipping options. You’ll get a discount if you pick up your gear at their Concord location, but you can also have it shipped to your shooting location. Alternatively, arrange for pick up from FedEx, UPS, or a Hunt’s Photo near you.

They offer a variety of Canon and Nikon cameras, as well as the Arri Alexa Mini, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, and GoPro HERO 7. Your best deal may be to rent a lens or camera package, such as the Canon Beginner Wedding Package or Kids 4K Package. Their range of gear makes this a good choice for professionals and amateurs alike.

5. PRG Gear

175 New Boston St, Suite A, Woburn, MA 01801

PRG Gear is a great option for live events and traveling productions. With locations all over the United States, they can help you prep for your event anywhere in the Boston area and beyond. Hire their team of riggers to light and record your event from all angles, or set up an LED wall on stage to give your event a high-tech TEDx vibe.

They also offer a range of specialty cameras, including augmented reality, 3D cameras, and underwater housing. Don’t have the gear to edit your project? Rent one of their media servers and editing computers to safely store and process your footage.

6. Talamas

145 California St, Newton, MA 02458

Talamas has been in the business for tens of decades. They’re an authorized dealer of Panasonic gear, as well as a range of other equipment. Furthermore, they offer the RED Gemini 5K and Cooke Anamorphic 8 Special Flair lens set. For lighting, you can choose from the Arri SkyPanel S-360 and Frezzi Mini Fill Dimmable camera light, along with standard Kino Flo inventory.

You can also find wireless audio devices, microphones, monitors, and more. Pick up your gear from their Newtown location during business hours Monday through Friday.

7. Hunt’s Photo & Video Rentals

514 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

For more than one hundred years, Hunt’s Photo & Video has provided New England with lightning-fast photo development services and camera equipment. In fact, they call themselves America’s Oldest Camera Store since they’ve been open since 1889!

But of course, it’s their camera equipment rentals we’re interested in today. And in that sphere, this dedicated shop provides camera, lens, and lighting equipment with exceptionally prompt service. In fact, they offer same-day service for Melrose residents and two-day delivery options for Bostonites. They not only serve the greater Boston area, but they’re also available in Melrose, Cambridge, and Hanover, MA, as well as Providence, RI.

Bonus: Peerspace

If you’re in need of a shooting location in addition to gear, consider booking a studio or another venue on Peerspace, which offers a range of rental options from local hosts. Choose from a downtown media production studio or a black-box performance space. Many locations come with the option to add on camera or A/V equipment with your rental. If your host doesn’t offer equipment directly, then call the Peerspace Concierge service to design a customized package.

Finding camera equipment rentals in Boston: conclusion

Boston is a great option for your production, especially if you need to hire local crew. Boston’s thriving film community can support a project of any size. Whether you need a fully equipped grip truck or just want to pick up a new lens, visit one of these rental houses to find quality camera equipment rentals in Boston.

And don’t forget about the importance of the perfect production location, something else that Peerspace can assist you with. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we have hundreds of unique spaces in Boston alone. And not just any spaces, we’re talking about professional studios, bright and airy meeting rooms, private dining spaces, expansive rooftops, eclectic galleries, chic industrial lofts, and so much more.

Find unique production spaces in Boston on Peerspace