How Much You Can Earn Renting Out Your Film & Photography Gear in NZ

If you’re a photographer, filmmaker, or content creator in New Zealand, chances are you’ve got valuable equipment sitting idle between projects. That DSLR you use twice a month, the drone you take out over summer, or that lighting kit from your last shoot – all of it could be earning you cash when you’re not using it.

Across NZ, more creatives are realising they can rent out their gear locally and make a reliable side income without lifting more than a finger. With the rise of peer-to-peer camera hire platforms like Sharehub, it’s easier and safer than ever to connect with verified local renters, secure payment upfront, and protect your investment with the Owner Guarantee.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• How much you can earn from renting out film and photography gear in NZ

• Which gear types perform best

• How to list and manage bookings on Sharehub

• Tips for maximising your earnings and protecting your gear

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The Rise of Camera Hire in New Zealand

The NZ creative industry is thriving – from independent filmmakers in Wellington to wedding photographers in Queenstown. But professional-level gear can be expensive, and not everyone wants to purchase thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment for one project.

That’s where local gear hire steps in.
Traditionally, photographers hired from big rental houses in cities. Now, platforms like Sharehub allow individuals to list their own gear for hire, making it:

• More affordable for renters

• More profitable for owners

• More accessible for creatives outside major city centres

Compared to Facebook Marketplace or Trade Me, Sharehub focuses on trust and safety – with verified users, secure payment processing, and a built-in Owner Guarantee that covers eligible items up to $5,000 for accidental damage or theft.

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How Much Can You Earn Renting Out Your Gear in NZ?

The earning potential depends on your kit, demand in your area, and how often you’re willing to hire it out. Here’s a breakdown of typical NZ rental rates:

*Based on 8 bookings per month – many owners earn more in peak season.

Example: If you rent a $250/day kit for 10 bookings in a month, that’s $2,500 in extra income – all from gear you already own.

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Popular Gear That Rents Well in NZ

Some items consistently attract bookings because they’re versatile and in demand:

• Full-Frame Cameras – Canon EOS R5, Sony A7S III, Panasonic S1H

• Zoom Lenses – 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8

• Prime Lenses – 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.2

• Drones – DJI Mavic 3, DJI Mini 4 Pro

• Lighting Kits – Portable LEDs, softboxes, strobes

• Audio Equipment – Rode mics, Zoom recorders

Tip: Bundle accessories like tripods, gimbals, or extra batteries to increase your daily rate.

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What Influences Your Rental Income?

Several factors can make a big difference to your earnings:

1. Brand Reputation – Canon, Sony, RED, and DJI command higher rates.

2. Gear Condition – Well-maintained gear gets better reviews.

3. Seasonality – Summer weddings, school holidays, and film festivals bring higher demand.

4. Location – City hotspots like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch see more rentals.

5. Listing Quality – Professional photos and detailed descriptions convert more bookings.

6. Responsiveness – Fast replies = more confirmed hires.

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Why Sharehub Beats Other Marketplaces

While you could list on Facebook Marketplace, there are big differences:

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Step-by-Step: Listing Your Gear on Sharehub

1. Sign Up & Verify – Create a free Sharehub account and verify your profile.

2. Create a Listing – Add photos, specs, and daily/weekly rates.

3. Set Availability – Use the built-in calendar to block out dates you need your gear.

4. Approve Bookings – Review renter profiles and approve requests you’re happy with.

5. Arrange Pickup – Coordinate safe handover times via the in-platform messaging.

6. Get Paid – Earnings are processed securely via Stripe after each booking.

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Maximising Your Bookings

• Use Quality Photos – Show your actual gear in good lighting.

• Write Honest Descriptions – Include all specs, accessories, and quirks.

• Offer Bundles – Attract bigger bookings with package deals.

• Stay Competitive – Check local rates and adjust when needed.

• Encourage Reviews – A strong profile leads to more trust (and more bookings).

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Protecting Your Gear on Sharehub

With Sharehub, you’re covered by the Owner Guarantee for eligible items – up to $5,000 – in case of accidental damage or theft during a confirmed booking.

For extra security:

• Require a refundable security deposit for high-value items.

• Meet in public locations for handovers.

• Take time-stamped photos before and after.

• Keep communication inside the platform.

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Case Study – A Kiwi Owner’s Earnings

Sarah – Wedding Photographer, Auckland
Sarah owns a Canon EOS R5, a 24-70mm lens, a DJI drone, and a small lighting kit. She listed them on Sharehub with competitive daily rates:

• Camera body – $180/day

• Lens – $60/day

• Drone – $120/day

• Lighting kit – $80/day

She gets an average of 6–8 bookings per month. In her first three months, she earned $4,320 – enough to pay off the drone entirely and reinvest in new lenses.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pricing Too High – Start competitive, then adjust.

• Poor Photos – Stock images won’t build trust.

• Slow Replies – Delays lead to lost bookings.

• Not Checking Profiles – Always review renter history.

• Skipping the Guarantee – Don’t list high-value gear without cover.

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Conclusion – Your Gear Could Be Paying for Itself

Renting out your film and photography gear isn’t just a side hustle – it’s a way to get more value from what you already own.

With Sharehub, you can:

• Earn hundreds or even thousands per month

• Rent to verified, trustworthy locals

• Protect your equipment with the Owner Guarantee

• Manage everything from one simple dashboard

Whether you’ve got one camera or a full production kit, now’s the perfect time to start.

List your gear on Sharehub today and turn idle equipment into an income stream.