Canon Australia has established a new online community that enables photographers to rent their equipment when they’re not using it.
Known as ‘Kyōyū’, which is Japanese for ‘share’, the facility provides an affordable and simple way for people to access image-capturing equipment and allows owners to make money when they’re not using it. Kyōyū has a built-in ID verification process and Canon has arranged insurance protection for owners who are renting out their Canon gear on the platform. When an owner uses the Kyōyū service, their Canon gear is covered for theft and accidental damage for up to $15,000 while it is being rented by another user on Kyōyū within Australia.
Interested photographers can sign up here. To list equipment available for hire, simply follow the listing process, setting the pricing and where to send payments. Other Kyōyū members can send you a booking request, which you can accept or reject. All our users are ID-verified, and renters are able to message the renter to arrange for the equipment to be collected. Once the rental is over, payments are made directly to the nominated bank account.
Canon sees Kyōyū as a useful way to try new gear before making a purchase. It will also be handy for renters who want a specific piece of equipment for a one-off creative project.
