How should you prepare to rent film equipment?

1. Provide the exact dates and times

Equipment availability is checked for a specific period, not just the filming date. Provide an approximate collection and return time, and let us know whether the package needs to be ready a day early for testing or a prelight. If the shoot may run longer, mention it in the first enquiry.

Allow for travel, unloading and setup time. A shoot beginning at 8:00 in another part of Poland may require delivery the previous day. Returning the equipment immediately after a long filming day is not always the safest option — we agree the logistics before confirmation.

2. Describe the production in two sentences

A short description such as “interview”, “product commercial”, “event” or “music video” immediately narrows down the configuration. Add the number of people on camera, delivery format, location conditions and whether the camera will be on a tripod, gimbal or slider, or operated handheld. If you have visual references, a shot list or location photos, it is worth attaching them to the message.

Include the crew size too. A package for a solo operator should be simpler and lighter than one handled by a camera operator, focus puller and video-assist operator. If the full team is not yet in place, GetCamera can provide specialists for your shoot together with the equipment.

Do not have an equipment list yet? You do not need to build it alone. Call us or tell us what you are producing — we will gladly select and configure the equipment and, if needed, recommend the right crew for the shoot.

3. Build the complete camera chain

The camera body is only the beginning. To record successfully, you need compatible lenses, cards, batteries, a way to support or move the camera, and monitoring. Every connection should be checked as part of the complete system. The camera may have the correct mount, but the adapter may not support every lens function. A monitor may accept HDMI while the production setup is based on SDI.

4. Plan the lighting and grip

With lighting, output is not the only consideration. You need to know the size of the location, available light, access to power and setup time. A light may also need a stand, modifier, ballast, extension lead and a safe cable route.

In a strongly sunlit interior, a small light may not be able to balance a window. Conversely, an extensive 1200 or 2400 W package is unnecessary for an intimate interview in a controlled room. If the setup includes heavier fixtures, booms or multiple flags, consider a gaffer who can take responsibility for rigging and safety.

5. Match the sound package to the number of contributors

A single interview may require two wireless lavalier systems: one for the interviewer and one for the guest. With more contributors, count the independent channels, plan where transmitters can be fitted and decide how the sound will be monitored. In an acoustically difficult location, a lavalier microphone will not always solve reverberation or background noise.

It is worth planning a boom microphone or separate recorder as additional protection. If dialogue is central to the film, a sound recordist on set can detect interference during the take, while there is still time to correct it.

6. Calculate media and batteries

Card capacity depends on resolution, frame rate and codec. First, make a short recording in the intended settings and check the real recording time. Then add a margin for longer takes, retakes and situations where footage cannot be copied immediately.

The same applies to power: the manufacturer's runtime is only an estimate. A monitor, transmitter, autofocus and low temperature can shorten battery life. Establish whether charging is possible on set, how many circuits the lighting will occupy and whether a portable power station is required. Do not plan the day so that the final battery runs out with the final take.

7. Check compatibility before collection

A list of exact models lets us identify most issues before dispatch. Provide the camera, lenses, adapters, monitor, gimbal and any components you are bringing yourself. If you have an unusual cable or accessory, bring it for the test. In particular, check mounts, signal standards, power type and the payload of the finished rig.

For a more complex setup, booking a camera assistant is a good solution. They can build the system, deliver it to the shoot and manage rebuilds, media and power throughout filming.

8. Documents, deposit and price

Catalogue prices are net daily rates. The standard deposit is 25% of the equipment value, unless we agree otherwise for a particular order. The price may be negotiated for larger packages or longer rentals. We confirm the final scope, security and quote before the booking.

9. Collect and test the package

Equipment can be collected in Tarnowskie Góry at an agreed time. On collection, check the number of cases, the condition of the components and how everything is packed — this will make the return easier. Power up the camera, mount the lens, record a picture and sound test, play it back, then check the chargers and batteries.

If you are using a model for the first time, do not leave learning the menu until the shoot. Prepare your own settings, but avoid changing a configuration you cannot later restore. Photograph the connections and accessory layout if the rig will be dismantled for transport.

10. Delivery and on-set support

Delivery makes sense for a larger order, difficult logistics or an early call time. In the enquiry, provide the exact address, floor, lift access, parking options and the time when the location will be ready. Transport pricing depends on distance and package size.

Delivery alone ends when the equipment is handed over. If you need setup, testing and support during filming, request these separately. We can provide a camera operator, camera assistant, gaffer or another crew member.

Preparation timeline

Final checklist

• collection, filming and return dates and times,
• shoot address and contact person,
• camera, lenses, mount and adapters,
• tripod, gimbal or another support system,
• monitoring, cables and power,
• cards, reader and backup plan,
• lighting, grip, ballast and extension leads,
• microphones, number of channels and monitoring,
• collection, delivery or crew support.

Open the catalogue and build your enquiry. Select the items, set the dates and send the enquiry directly from the website — we will confirm availability and the final configuration individually.