2015General Discussion forum
Steadicam equipment value retention and depreciation factors
What the thread found
- High-end equipment from established manufacturers like PRO arms and XCS rigs typically retain value better than alternatives, with used examples often selling quickly with minimal depreciation
- Equipment value depends on brand reputation, build quality, reliability, and whether the manufacturer actively services the gear
- Newer or current-generation equipment retains higher resale value as a percentage of original price compared to older models
- When manufacturers introduce new technology or reduce prices on new equipment, used prices for previous generations drop quickly
- Specialized filmmaking equipment typically has limited resale value from a lending perspective, with banks commonly valuing items at around 20-30% of original cost regardless of actual market demand
- Banks and traditional lenders are generally unreceptive to specialized equipment depreciation arguments, focusing instead on conservative collateral valuation
- Operators investing in steadicam equipment should consider credit unions as alternative lenders and explore leasing options, though lease terms should be carefully reviewed
Depends on
- Bank valuations for specialized filmmaking gear do not reflect actual used market prices
- Leasing agreements may include penalties for early payoff and require retention of gear through full term
- Anecdotal evidence from used marketplace sales is more reliable than manufacturer claims about durability and value retention
- Equipment becomes obsolete when technology advances or when operator needs change such as transitioning from EFP to HD formats