Clear visibility is essential for staying on schedule and within budget, no matter the job or industry. A camera system offers more than just a price tag; it’s an investment in oversight, risk management, and documentation. Cameras simplify tasks like verifying claims and monitoring daily progress, making it effortless to track a jobsite’s history and current status.
Using a camera is always a great idea for the site; but what’s the best way to pay for it? Should you lease or buy a construction camera?
The biggest difference between the two options comes down to:
- How long will you need the camera for?
- How will you be storing or shipping the camera from project to project?
Leasing
Leases are all-inclusive, so service and hardware are bundled for one hassle-free cost. With a lease, OxBlue will manage the camera inventory between projects. Typically, leasing a camera is best for projects that will be completed in under 3 years or for companies that need logistics/inventory management for multiple projects.
Leasing gives you the greatest flexibility for buying because you can easily change camera models for different projects and needs.
If you lease a camera, we’ll provide the return shipping, refurbish or recondition the camera, and send it to your next project.
| PREPAY LEASE Most competitive rental pricing
 | MONTHLY LEASE | CUSTOM LEASE | 
| 
Pay upfront for expected service durationShipping included for camerasPricing rolls over at lease extensionFees apply if returned earlier than minimum service agreementService starts 10 days after camera shipsReturn equipment within 10 days of lease expiration | 
Pay first month upfrontMonthly invoices issued during termShipping included for camerasNo cancellation feesReturn equipment within 10 days of lease expiration | 
Bulk discounting and unique leasing options available for businesses with multiple projects per yearShipping included for cameras | 
 
| PROS | CON | 
| 
One hassle-free costBulk pricing and unique leasing optionsNo late fees for delayed hardware returnsFree software upgrades | 
Return equipment within 10 days of lease expiration | 
 
Buying
Purchasing a camera is a smart move if you're planning to take long-term advantage of the benefits of a construction camera. The more you put the camera to use, the better your daily cost looks compared to leasing.
When you choose to buy a camera, you take on the responsibility of storing and relocating it as necessary. Simply unplug it when no longer needed, and the service concludes. With the purchase option, you pay only for the actual usage and have an opportunity for bulk-hardware pricing.
| PRORATED | CONTRACT | PREPAY CONTRACTMost competitive service pricing
 | 
| 
Pay for what you use per monthUnplug the camera to stop serviceShipping included for camerasNo cancellation feeInvoiced monthly | 
Set minimum term of serviceFixed bill each month, regardless of camera statusService starts 10 days after camera shipsAfter minimum service term, rolled over into "prorated rate" unless contract renewedShipping included for cameras | 
Set minimum term of servicePay upfront for expected service durationShipping included for camerasPricing rolls over at renewalNon-refundable but transferable within same year for relocations   | 
We’ll work with you to determine what makes the most sense for your project. From quick interior renovations to multi-acre facilities, we’ll find the best purchase agreement for your project.