Camera Gear Depreciation Calculator
Assumptions
This is your planning assumption, not a market-data rate.
$1,097 estimated book value
3.0 years / 15% annual rate
Estimated depreciation
$702
Estimated cost per shoot
$10
Value retained
61%
| Year | Estimated value | Value retained |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $1,799 | 100% |
| 1 | $1,529 | 85% |
| 2 | $1,300 | 72% |
| 3 | $1,105 | 61% |
| 4 | $939 | 52% |
| 5 | $798 | 44% |
| 6 | $678 | 38% |
This is a user-controlled planning model. It is not a tax calculation, current resale quote, insurance valuation, or appraisal.
How the estimate works
The calculator applies a declining-balance rate to the original price for each year held, then stops at the value floor you choose. Every assumption remains visible and editable.
- A higher annual rate produces a steeper value curve.
- The floor prevents the planning estimate from falling below a percentage of the original price.
- Cost per shoot divides estimated depreciation by your estimated number of shoots.
What the result is not
It is not a live used-market quote, an appraisal, an insurance replacement value, or a tax depreciation calculation. Brand, model, condition, shutter count, demand, repairs, and local markets can move actual resale value in either direction.
Tax depreciation is separate
Business tax treatment depends on jurisdiction, tax year, use, elections, and other facts this page does not collect. U.S. taxpayers can start with IRS Publication 946 and a qualified tax professional.
Track the source numbers
Keep purchase details beside the item with the camera gear inventory template. For a broader view, read about photography gear investment tracking.