Gear Swap Project at DIYPhotography.net
By Brian Auer • November 18th, 2008
DIYPhotography.net is running a cool project where you’re asked to swap gear with a buddy and write up a review of the borrowed equipment. This is a neat idea because we often become desensitized to the pros and cons of our own equipment, but these things are very obvious when using new gear. The project gives you the opportunity to experience something new while also contributing a resource to the online community (your review).
The guidelines for the project are simple: find a partner, swap gear, go shooting with your partner, write a review, and post some photos. The gear swap could be anything including cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, tripods, etc. Some good ideas might include exchanging your Canon for a Nikon, your dSLR for a P&S, your digital camera for analog, your super-telephoto for a super-wide, your zoom for a prime, and so on.
The project is also a contest, and three winners will be picking up some two-week equipment rentals from BorrowLenses.com. First place gets a camera/lens combo, second gets a camera body, and third gets a lens (the specific bodies and/or lenses will be chosen by the winners). Also, the contest is only open to US residents due to the nature of the prizes and the location of the sponsor.
As a judge for the contest, I’ll be looking for quality reviews that are packed with good information and accounts of the experience. I’ll also be judging the entries on creativity and presentation, so put a little extra time and effort into it — it’ll go a long way. Jim Talkington will also be choosing a winner for the contest.
Shame about all these US only comps.
Brian,
Thanks for putting this post, up. I am really exited about this project and think it brings up the opportunity everyone wants to try some new equipment.
Wolf, if you have a contact.company in Australia for lens rental, give me a shout or post a comment here I’ll try to bring them in.
@Udi: I don’t know of one here, but there have been a few comps recently that have been US only so I guess my frustration was born out of that
Personally though, I can compete on my own. I have so much gear that each day I have to narrow it down to a few formats to take along
Thats a good point wolf, everyone is welcome to participate and I would certainly encourage that. it’s just the prize that’s limited to US residents.
Wolf, Brian, I could not agree more on making the best out if this opportunity, even if without a prize.
@Wolf: you are in a great position, with all the equipment you pack, you can provide a review from the expert perspective (I wonder who;s gonna take the shrink couch this time), and help a lucky partner test a piece of gear that they would not have access to otherwise.
That’s a good point Udi. Last I heard Dr. Lomo was on the border of joining forces with the_wolf_brigade…
With a month to go before the dealine hits I should be able to track him down in time
That’s a really awesome project. Would love to try it out too but unfortunately I’m from a different country. Sigh! I love photography and would like to try out new equipment. Me and my friends use a wide range of equipments but it’s always nice to try new stuff. Oh well. But really nice idea. Thanks for the information.
Wow, Great. That’s an awesome project. I’ve always wanted to use different gear but they never fit in my budget. This would be just awesome for me. But I guess I’m too late for this now. Anyway awesome idea. Thanks for the information.
Great idea. Sharing gear is always better. Different people could try out different gear and get to know there actual talent and not get stuck to just few equipment which limits their capability. Its a really good idea. Thanks for sharing.
One of my friend who had visited your site told me about it and about the idea of the project. I think its simply awesome. The ability to share your gear and improve is just wonderful. Great article. Thanks for sharing it with all.
great, that’s a really good idea for a project. Form the part I come we are just limited to our own gear. It would be really superb to join this project.
Like the idea. Sharing the gear is a really good thing. I’m linked to this photography club. And I think this will be a great project for us too. Where we are we don’t have much of these projects. But this would be ideal. Thanks a lot for the information. Cheers
Hmmm interesting. Very much interesting. It’s a really good project. But what is the process to join this project? i would love to join too. Please let me know.Thanks
Unfortunately the project is over.