Gear Swap Project at DIYPhotography.net
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.
the_wolf_brigade
November 19, 2008Shame about all these US only comps.
Udi
November 19, 2008Brian,
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.
the_wolf_brigade
November 19, 2008@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 😀
Brian Auer
November 19, 2008Thats 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.
Udi Tirosh
November 19, 2008Wolf, 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.
the_wolf_brigade
November 19, 2008That’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 😀
optimierung für suchmaschinen
January 25, 2009Wow, 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.
Brian Auer
February 6, 2009Unfortunately the project is over.