Hey guys, I'm new to the Toronto area, as well as renting gear. I'm looking into buying a camera in the near future and would like to try a few out before I shell out the big bucks. I have a pretty good knowledge of some prosumer cams (I've used PD150's and Z5's before).

Anyway, I just thought I would check to see if anyone knows of a cheap place to rent gear, I'm looking at the Panasonic HMC150, JVC HM100 and would even like to try out some of the new DSLR's like the Canon 5D MKII or Panasonic GH1.

I've looked at Vistek and it seemed a bit steep for me, but maybe I just don't know how pricey renting can be. So if anyone has any suggestions that would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!
Simon

Joe Sutherland rentals has at least a couple dozen Canon C-300s and lots of Canon 5D MK II and IIIs along with 7Ds and lenses. He has one of the largest inventory of Sony gear including F-5, F55, PMW300s and the full size cameras like PMW400. He is located at 1 Carlaw which is where the Gardner ends just East of the DVP.
416 778-4228 open 8:00 am to 7:00 pm with shorter hours on the weekend. I have rented gear from him for at least 12 years. See Joe Sutherland Rentals Toronto - Professional Digital Film Video Television Production Equipment, Pro Gear For Rent, HD SD Camera, Digital, SLR, DSLR, Prosumer, Camcorders, Support Rigs, SSD Solid State Drives, Vistek SIM Rental, Rental House, Canon, (http://www.joesutherland.com)

Hamilton Video and Sound is not IN Toronto but I can speak exceptionally highly of Peter and Mike there.

BTW, around rental rates: a simple estimate is one day of rental on a large ticket item like a camera should be somewhere between 4 - 6% of purchase price per day (multiple days often accrue sliding rates) whereas low cost items can go as high as 10 - 20% per day.

Items such as lighting kits with consumables (like bulbs) are normally higher than cameras on a percentage basis.