Top-rated cameras spanning the past 19 years, with a majority continuing to capture moments in the present
In the world of photography and videography, trends come and go, but some cameras have stood the test of time. According to LensRentals, a leading rental service for photographic equipment, certain models have remained consistently popular since 2006, hinting at their enduring appeal among professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The list of the most-rented cameras over the last 19 years is a diverse mix of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, showcasing the longevity of these devices. The top models include the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, and the Sony A7 III.
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III, introduced in 2012, boasts a 22MP full-frame sensor and a 61-point autofocus system. It brought advanced AF features from the Canon EOS-1D X to a more affordable full-frame camera, making it a game-changer for many photographers. The Mark IV, its successor, equipped with a new sensor and processor, and featuring Canon’s Dual Pixel Autofocus, ranks as the second most rented camera on LensRentals.
The Sony A7 III, a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24MP sensor and 10fps continuous shooting, is the most-rented mirrorless camera over the last 20 years. Known as a "forever camera," it has been a strong budget-friendly choice and remains the most rented mirrorless camera to date, despite being replaced by the A7 IV.
The Sony A7S III, the low-light successor to the A7S II, is the seventh most-rented camera of the last 19 years, despite keeping the same 12MP resolution. The Canon EOS R5, launched in 2020, is Canon's most advanced full-frame mirrorless camera to date, and the Canon EOS R6, a more affordable full-frame camera with a 20MP sensor and 4K 60p video, also features in the top rentals.
Interestingly, several of the most-rented cameras since 2006 also appear on the most-rented cameras of 2024, highlighting the models that remain popular today on the platform. This includes the Sony FX3, the Canon EOS R3, and the Canon EOS C300 Mark III, which are still in high demand.
The top 10 spots on the most-rented cameras of the last 19 years are dominated by Canon and Sony, with Nikon not appearing until spot number 11. The only other brands appearing in the top twenty are Kodak and Samsung, which were still in the top 5 selling camera brands in the US in 2006.
This list rests on LensRentals’ 19-year rental data, reflecting cameras valued for their performance, versatility, and longevity among photographers and videographers alike. The cameras' enduring popularity underscores their ability to meet the evolving needs of the industry, offering a blend of old and new technologies that continue to captivate users.
Hillary K. Grigonis, who leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World and has over a decade of experience writing about cameras and technology, notes the consistent popularity of DSLRs and, more recently, mirrorless cameras from Canon, Sony, and Nikon over the last 19 years. From 2006 to the present, these brands have dominated the rental market, offering a wide range of options for photographers and videographers seeking high-performance cameras.
In conclusion, the most-rented cameras of the last 19 years offer a fascinating insight into the enduring favourites in the world of photography and videography. These cameras, a mix of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, have proven their worth by remaining popular over the years, demonstrating their ability to meet the evolving needs of the industry and continue to captivate users.
- The world of photography and videography has seen trends come and go, but some cameras have maintained their popularity since 2006, as suggested by LensRentals.
- The list of the most-rented cameras over the last 19 years showcases a range of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, demonstrating their enduring appeal among professionals and enthusiasts.
- The Canon EOS 5D Mark III, introduced in 2012, is one of the most-rented cameras, with a 22MP full-frame sensor and a 61-point autofocus system.
- The Sony A7 III, a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24MP sensor and 10fps continuous shooting, is the most-rented mirrorless camera over the last 20 years.
- The Sony A7S III, despite keeping the same 12MP resolution, is the seventh most-rented camera of the last 19 years.
- The Sony FX3, Canon EOS R3, and Canon EOS C300 Mark III are still in high demand in the most-rented cameras of 2024.
- From 2006 to the present, Canon, Sony, and Nikon have dominated the rental market, offering a wide range of options for photographers and videographers.
- The most-rented cameras of the last 19 years offer a blend of old and new technologies that continue to captivate users, reflecting cameras valued for their performance, versatility, and longevity.
