Calculate return on investment for camera gear, lenses, and photography business equipment. Plan your upgrades strategically.
Photography Specialization
Portrait/Wedding
People, events, ceremonies
High ROI Potential
Commercial/Product
Products, real estate, architecture
Premium Pricing
Landscape/Travel
Nature, locations, stock photos
Passive Income
Equipment Investment
Entry-Level DSLR
$800-1,200
Basic features, good for learning
Mid-Range Mirrorless
$2,000-3,000
Best value for professionals
Professional Full-Frame
$3,500-5,500
Studio & commercial work
Flagship System
$6,000-10,000
Top-tier performance
Strobes, modifiers, stands
Bags, cards, editing software
Business Revenue
What you charge per photoshoot
Additional revenue from prints
Stock photos, workshops, etc.
Operating Costs
Marketing, insurance, subscriptions
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Quentions
1. How long does it take to ROI on photography equipment?
Most photography equipment achieves ROI within 6-18 months for active photographers. Entry-level gear typically ROI in 3-6 months, while professional systems ($5,000+) may take 12-24 months depending on business volume and pricing.
2. What photography equipment has the best ROI?
Prime lenses (85mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.8) offer excellent ROI due to low cost and high usage. Lighting equipment (strobes, modifiers) often provides better ROI than camera bodies because good lighting dramatically improves photo quality.
3. Should I buy new or used photography equipment?
Used professional gear typically offers better ROI, saving 30-50% while maintaining 80-90% of performance. New equipment is recommended for critical reliability needs (weddings, commercial work) or when specific new features are essential.
4. How much should I invest in photography equipment?
Aim for equipment costs to be 20-40% of your first year's projected revenue. For a $30,000 revenue goal, invest $6,000-12,000 in gear. Avoid over-investing before establishing consistent client work.
5. What's the depreciation rate for camera equipment?
Camera bodies depreciate 20-30% annually, losing 60-80% of value over 3 years. Lenses depreciate slower, typically 10-15% annually, retaining 50-70% of value after 5 years. Professional gear holds value better than consumer equipment.
6. How many sessions do I need to pay off my camera?
A $2,500 camera requires 8-12 sessions at $300-400 each to pay off the body alone. Factor in lenses, lighting, and accessories for total equipment payoff, typically requiring 20-30 sessions for a complete professional setup.
7. When should I upgrade my photography equipment?
Upgrade when your current gear limits your: 1) Image quality for client expectations, 2) Shooting speed for event coverage, 3) Low-light performance for venue conditions, or 4) Business growth into new photography types.
8. Is photography equipment a good investment?
Yes, quality photography equipment typically provides 100-300% annual ROI for working professionals. Even as gear depreciates, the income generated far exceeds the equipment cost within the first 1-2 years of consistent use.
9. How do I calculate equipment depreciation for taxes?
Most photography equipment can be depreciated over 5-7 years for tax purposes. Consult with a tax professional, but typically you can deduct 20% of equipment value annually (5-year schedule) or 14.29% (7-year schedule).
10. What's the resale value of used photography equipment?
Professional camera bodies: 40-60% after 2 years, 20-40% after 4 years. Lenses: 60-80% after 2 years, 40-60% after 4 years. Premium brands (Canon L, Nikon Gold Ring) retain value better than consumer lines.
Need a Custom Tool?
Contact our team to build a custom calculator.