8 Best Places to Find Camera Equipment Rentals in San Diego

Need to know about the best options for camera equipment rentals in San Diego? San Diego may not be the first Californian city that comes to mind when you think of the movie industry, but MovieMaker has ranked it as one of the top 20 cities to film in. After all, it has beautiful weather, diversity of environments, and proximity to Los Angeles. Each year, the city plays host to the San Diego International Film Festival, the Latino Film Festival, and the GI Film Festival, which works to bring the stories of veterans to the screen.

If you’re thinking of shooting a movie in San Diego, you might imagine shooting in Old Town, on the beach, or even at the San Diego Zoo. But don’t forget to check Peerspace for some offbeat location ideas you may not have considered. Regardless of where you shoot, you’ll appreciate this list of the top eight places to find camera equipment rentals in San Diego.

1. George’s Camera

7475 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #400, San Diego, CA 92111

3837 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104

George’s Camera has been around since 1965, offering everything that you could want from a camera store, including sales, rentals, repairs, and more. Improve your technique at one of the upcoming workshops, such as one called “Nikon Night Sky Photography Seminar.” Or, get your photos printed on high-quality paper or canvas at the photo lab.

For rentals, you can choose from Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm equipment, as well as Zeiss lenses. There aren’t a lot of options for video cameras, but still photographers will find plenty to like here, including flashes, strobes, and continuous lighting. This is a great option for camera equipment rentals in San Diego for portrait photography or an engagement shoot.

2. Camera Exposure

2701 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Camera Exposure calls itself a “photographer’s dream come true.” Although they don’t have a full equipment list online, they offer everything from vintage film cameras to video cameras and a range of studio lights. Visit their University City location to see what they have on hand.

Camera Exposure is run by Kenneth Kahan, who has over 25 years of experience in the industry. Whether you shoot on film or digital, he’ll make sure you find the best gear for your shoot. They also offer film-processing services and darkroom accessories.

Before you wrap your production, embark on one of these cool team-building activities in San Diego with your crew!

3. San Diego Film Equipment

2230 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego Film Equipment has all of the gear you’ll need for each department of your shoot: grip and lighting gear, cameras, sound equipment, and more. Use the website to choose your rental items and get a pricing estimate, then follow up with the office to confirm your reservation.

San Diego Film Equipment offers the RED Epic Dragon, Arri Alexa EV, and several Sony and Canon cameras. Their lighting gear features a variety of HMIs, LEDs, and tungstens, including the Arri SkyPanel, which can create a range of different color temperatures. They also offer the Arri M18, which is the strongest light you can use on a 20 amp circuit.

For an all-in-one deal, rent their fully stocked three-ton grip truck, which has a powered liftgate for easy loading and unloading.

4. PRG Gear

PRG Gear is a nationwide company specializing in A/V equipment and lighting gear. Whether you’re staying in San Diego or touring the country, their dozens of locations make it easy to rent consistent gear packages wherever you are. Choose from HD camcorders, augmented reality cameras, film cameras, and more, as well as projectors and indoor/outdoor LED walls.

PRG Gear’s packages are best for live event recordings, such as music festivals, sporting events, or corporate presentations. Their production team can help you create your own rigging system for your venue. This way, you can capture the event from all angles.

5. Photo Monkey

2701 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Photo Monkey offers lighting, grip, and production equipment near University Heights. Although you’ll have to rent your camera elsewhere, they have all of the G&E gear your crew will need for an indoor or outdoor production.

Choose from flashes, strobes, and continuous lighting, as well as generators and electric cords to power your film set. Give them a call to create a custom package and schedule a pickup.

6. Motion Rental

2042 F St, San Diego, CA 92102

Motion Rental is one of the best options for 4K camera equipment rentals in San Diego. Not only do they have the latest Sony and Blackmagic cameras, but they also offer lenses, monitors, audio recorders, gimbals, and other accessories. They even have a DJI Matrice 600 Hexacopter drone with a licensed pilot, so you can get some impressive aerial shots!

Motion Rental offers deliveries in the San Diego area, as well as deals for multi-day rentals: you can get a full week for the price of a three-day rental. Motion Rental can also connect you with crew members if you need a professional camera team or lighting team for your production.

Check out these unique photoshoot rooms in San Diego to help uplevel your content!

7. Rent Cine

9340 Hazard Way, Suite B1, San Diego, CA 92123

Rent Cine is a rental house and studio in Kearny Mesa. In addition to the latest RED, Sony, and Blackmagic cameras, they have a fully equipped production facility with several studios for rent. Studio A has a 17’ x 25’ infinity cyclorama that is currently painted green, but it can be changed to suit the needs of your production. There’s also a lighting grid and roll-up door for easy setup.

This is a great option for camera equipment rentals in San Diego if you need studio space. Not only is power included, but you can hire a stage manager and crew, too. You’re also welcome to rent gear to take off-site to your own studio or Peerspace location.

8. Nelson Photo

625 Midway Dr. Suite J, San Diego CA, 92110

Nelson Photo has been selling and renting cameras and video equipment in San Diego for the last 70 years. Needless to say, they are a community staple, one that has seen every twist and turn in the industry. They offer Sony, Lumix, Canon, and Nikon gear at daily, weekly, and weekend rates. Plus, they have a rent-to-own policy, should you discover a piece of equipment you cannot live without.

Additionally, Nelson Photo also provides lens, lighting, and grip rentals for your production. Check out their website for more information and pricing guidelines.

Bonus: Peerspace

If you’re scouting locations for your production, don’t forget to check out Peerspace. Our platform is the largest peer-to-peer marketplace where you can find a variety of unconventional venues from local hosts. Some are already set up as photo studios, while others offer more creative, offbeat settings, like this retro Victorian home with funky decor (pictured above).

If your host doesn’t have the equipment you need on location, call up the Concierge service to see if you can add it to your booking. Have your gear conveniently delivered right to your shoot, and you won’t have to worry about picking it up on the day of your production!

Camera equipment rentals in San Diego: conclusion

San Diego is developing a reputation for being an easy alternative to Hollywood for the SoCal film industry. Why not plan your own shoot here and make use of the beautiful locations and top-notch equipment rentals that San Diego has to offer?

And of course, remember to peruse Peerspace to book a unique hidden gem space in San Diego or any place beyond. Between Peerspace’s amazing venues, helpful hosts, and dedicated Concierge service, your production will come to life beautifully and with the least amount of stress. How very San Diego!

Find unique production spaces in San Diego on Peerspace