REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: MINIMAL KIT Zoom F2 This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK ? HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET Yes CAMERA BAG Yes BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE $ 179.99 *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE $ 100.69** **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Yes ON EBAY Yes Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL EASY These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

Stills were taken from video at: 6K, 30p, 4:2:0, 10-bit, LongGOP, LPCM, 200Mbps This was my first lens test with the Panasonic LUMIX S9, and so I'm still trying to figure out the best way to do these tests (this was done WITHOUT the real-time LUT function, so I may do another test starting with the RAW still image, then make the LUT, then figure out the remainder of the settings...not sure what the workflow is going to be, yet). I think I should test again, with -1 SHARPNESS. Any links below are affiliate links. FILTER: CPL (Neewer MRC 30-Layer) Samyang 18-28 4-4.5 ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to L Panasonic S9 Natural "PHOTO STYLE" LENS-SENSOR LUT CONTRAST -5 SHARPNESS -0 NOISE +1 SATURATION -0 HIGHLIGHT SHADOW -3.5+3.5 iDYNAMIC OFF LUMINANCE LEVEL 0-1023 Unsharp Mask* ADOBE POST-PRODUCTION AMOUNT RADIUS THRESHOLD Blur / Sharpen DAVINCI RESOLVE POST-PRODUCTION LENS @FULL WIDE LENS @MID-ZOOM LENS @FULL TELE REAL RATINGS After testing each lens-sensor combo, I like to know if the rendering is going to look realistic SOOC (S traight O ut o f C amera) or if it will need a LUT (to match the shots to other lenses and cameras). CONTRAST B IS THE CONTRAST "REAL"? SHARPNESS D IS THE SHARPNESS "REAL"? NOISE B IS THE NOISE "REAL"? COLOR D IS THE COLOR "REAL"? *Click here to learn more about "REAL" Ratings . These ratings are AFTER my custom settings are applied (most combos don't look real good with default settings). NOTES: Stills were taken from video at: 6K, 30p, 4:2:0, 10-bit, LongGOP, LPCM, 200Mbps This was my first lens test with the Panasonic LUMIX S9, and so I'm still trying to figure out the best way to do these tests (this was done WITHOUT the real-time LUT function, so I may do another test starting with the RAW still image, then make the LUT, then figure out the remainder of the settings...not sure what the workflow is going to be, yet). I think I should test again, with -1 SHARPNESS. The goal of our camera settings is to improve what we call the "lens-sensor relationship" by adjusting the contrast, sharpness, noise reduction and color to create an image that looks less digital and more organic (more like film, etc). Therefore, the first step is to apply the custom settings while shooting, and the second is to add a lens-sensor LUT, to finalize the image.

Wow. I'll write more about this later, but this is the second Rokinon prime lens that turned out super good when using the Panasonic G85 sensor (the other was the Rokinon Cine 85 T1.5). For some reason, they just have enough, but not too much SHARPNESS, and the CONTRAST is very manageable. I'll have to say, I just tested the same lens on a full-frame Nikon Z5 v1, and that camera cannot handle the level of contrast this lens has...but I am really starting to appreciate the custom settings of these LUMIX cameras, even these older ones that don't have real-time LUT capability. Any links below are affiliate links. FILTER: CPL (PolarPro) Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24 3.5 ADAPTER: Minolta AF (Sony A) to M43 Panasonic G85 Natural "PHOTO STYLE" LENS-SENSOR LUT CONTRAST -4 SHARPNESS -1 NOISE +4 SATURATION -0 HIGHLIGHT SHADOW -3+2 iDYNAMIC OFF LUMINANCE LEVEL 16-255 Unsharp Mask* ADOBE POST-PRODUCTION AMOUNT RADIUS THRESHOLD Blur / Sharpen DAVINCI RESOLVE POST-PRODUCTION LENS @FULL WIDE LENS @MID-ZOOM LENS @FULL TELE REAL RATINGS After testing each lens-sensor combo, I like to know if the rendering is going to look realistic SOOC (S traight O ut o f C amera) or if it will need a LUT (to match the shots to other lenses and cameras). CONTRAST B IS THE CONTRAST "REAL"? SHARPNESS B IS THE SHARPNESS "REAL"? NOISE C IS THE NOISE "REAL"? COLOR A IS THE COLOR "REAL"? *Click here to learn more about "REAL" Ratings . These ratings are AFTER my custom settings are applied (most combos don't look real good with default settings). NOTES: Wow. I'll write more about this later, but this is the second Rokinon prime lens that turned out super good when using the Panasonic G85 sensor (the other was the Rokinon Cine 85 T1.5). For some reason, they just have enough, but not too much SHARPNESS, and the CONTRAST is very manageable. I'll have to say, I just tested the same lens on a full-frame Nikon Z5 v1, and that camera cannot handle the level of contrast this lens has...but I am really starting to appreciate the custom settings of these LUMIX cameras, even these older ones that don't have real-time LUT capability. The goal of our camera settings is to improve what we call the "lens-sensor relationship" by adjusting the contrast, sharpness, noise reduction and color to create an image that looks less digital and more organic (more like film, etc). Therefore, the first step is to apply the custom settings while shooting, and the second is to add a lens-sensor LUT, to finalize the image.

Tall trees at angle lake park by restrooms and park sign ©2025 SilverLight Photo Co. The above content is 100% REAL (and no A.I. or Photoshop tricks were used to make it). Angle Lake Park 1 < All Scenes Behind-the-Scenes SUPPORT US TO GET FULL BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS (& PRODUCTION DETAILS) GET ACCESS GENERAL NOTES (Parking, etc.) The location is Angle Lake Park, and it's easy to find (and get to) if you're traveling North on 99/International Boulevard, about two to 3 blocks past the light rail transit station, on 200th. Parking for the lake is immediately off the street, and while there isn't much, there were lots of spots available (in the middle of the day). I love the Panasonic FZ1000, so if I complain about not having had more than one camera, I'm not saying I don't appreciate it! But, there were a few shots, especially the one with the tall pine trees, where I would have liked to use a perspective control (tilt/shift) lens to keep things looking more real (because I had to angle the camera upward, the trees turned out looking kind of angled). *As A.I. (artificial intelligence) started sneaking into the photo & video production industries, I decided to go for 100% realism in my work. What this means for me, is to shoot for realistic-looking photos and video content. My approach includes using custom, lens-sensor specific CAMERA SETTINGS (and sometimes lens-sensor LUTs when needed). I never use A.I. to generate images, and I don't do tricks using Photoshop. There are adjustments I make to produce more accurate PRINTS but my goal is to limit editing as much as possible.

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: [NOT IN KIT] 7RYMS iRAY DW30 This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK ? MEDIUM USE OK ? HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET No CAMERA BAG Yes BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE NA *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE $ 54.00** **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON No ON EBAY No Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL MEDIUM These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .

REAL ANSWERS Answers from REAL people with REAL experience (not from A.I.) Can you use Minolta AF (Sony A) lenses on the GoPro ILS? Yes, you can adapt Minolta AF (Sony A) lenses to the GoPro ILS Micro Four Thirds mount, using an adapter. The good thing is the adapters for this mount makes the aperture control stepless (no clicks). < Back to ANSWERS Adapting Minolta AF Lenses to GoPro ILS You can adapt Minolta AF (Sony A) lenses to the GoPro ILS Micro Four Thirds mount using an appropriate adapter. Here are some key points about the adaptation: Benefits of Using an Adapter Stepless Aperture Control: The adapters designed for this mount provide stepless aperture control, allowing for smooth adjustments without clicks, which is particularly useful for video work. Expanded Lens Options: By adapting Minolta AF lenses, you can utilize a wider range of focal lengths and characteristics that may not be available in native Micro Four Thirds lenses. Cost-Effective Solution: Using existing lenses can save money compared to purchasing new Micro Four Thirds lenses. Considerations When Adapting Lenses Compatibility: Ensure that the adapter is compatible with both the Minolta AF lens and the GoPro ILS Micro Four Thirds mount. Manual Focus: Most adapters will not support autofocus, so you will need to use manual focus. Image Quality: Be aware that using an adapter may affect image quality depending on the quality of the adapter and the lens.

Research boat working around the corner from browns point lighthouse ©2025 SilverLight Photo Co. The above content is 100% REAL (and no A.I. or Photoshop tricks were used to make it). Research Boat by Browns Point < All Scenes Behind-the-Scenes SUPPORT US TO GET FULL BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS (& PRODUCTION DETAILS) GET ACCESS GENERAL NOTES (Parking, etc.) I'm not trying to give away any secrets here, but this might be a really great fishing spot, because there was both a fisherman in waders AND a Great Blue Heron fishing today (amazingly close to each other, too!) Oh, and there isn't any parking at this entrance to the beach, so I had to park a few blocks up the street, at the Browns Point Playfield Tennis & Pickleball Courts. And the good news is there's a portable restroom there. Regarding the cameras, as little as I like to do this, the shoot was done using just one camera (the Panasonic FZ1000) for every shot (WIDE, TIGHT, TELE). The downside to this approach was that I couldn't leave the WIDE shot rolling, while getting the detail shots...which is why I normally use 3 cameras. *As A.I. (artificial intelligence) started sneaking into the photo & video production industries, I decided to go for 100% realism in my work. What this means for me, is to shoot for realistic-looking photos and video content. My approach includes using custom, lens-sensor specific CAMERA SETTINGS (and sometimes lens-sensor LUTs when needed). I never use A.I. to generate images, and I don't do tricks using Photoshop. There are adjustments I make to produce more accurate PRINTS but my goal is to limit editing as much as possible.

sitting by the beach with blue sky white puffy clouds and green grass ©2022 SilverLight Photo Co. The above content is 100% REAL (and no A.I. or Photoshop tricks were used to make it). Sitting on Bench at the Beach Park < All Scenes Behind-the-Scenes SUPPORT US TO GET FULL BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS (& PRODUCTION DETAILS) GET ACCESS GENERAL NOTES (Parking, etc.) This was one of the rare times I got myself to go out during COVID. It was a windy day near the beach at Des Moines Marina, and my hat (and mask, hanging off my ear) kept blowing off! Another thing that was interesting, was I was sitting there and a truck pulled up and started driving on the beach. This wasn't something you would see every day, but I've talked with people who live on the beach, and they're allowed to drive on it (because there is no other access, besides steep, sloping stairways). I have a video of it on my YouTube channel (from my lens testing). I didn't log the exact tripod height (but I remember that the legs were adjusted at different lengths to accommodate the uneven terrain). The lens was the heavy Sigma ART 18-35 1.8 (on a Nikon F/G to M43 TILT/SHIFT adapter) which was a bit precarious. The camera was the Panasonic LUMIX GX85, which has excellent in-body image stabilization, which kept this heavy lens in check. I used my custom (lens-sensor specific) camera settings AND my custom LUT to finish the image. This image is a frame taken from 4K video footage. *As A.I. (artificial intelligence) started sneaking into the photo & video production industries, I decided to go for 100% realism in my work. What this means for me, is to shoot for realistic-looking photos and video content. My approach includes using custom, lens-sensor specific CAMERA SETTINGS (and sometimes lens-sensor LUTs when needed). I never use A.I. to generate images, and I don't do tricks using Photoshop. There are adjustments I make to produce more accurate PRINTS but my goal is to limit editing as much as possible.

I-5 freeway overpass up holgate facing north to seattle from middle ©2025 SilverLight Photo Co. If image is black & white, final photos or videos are in post-production (check back). I-5 Overpass on Holgate to N (MID) < All Scenes Behind-the-Scenes SUPPORT US TO GET FULL BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS (& PRODUCTION DETAILS) GET ACCESS GENERAL NOTES (Parking, etc.) *As A.I. (artificial intelligence) started sneaking into the photo & video production industries, I decided to go for 100% realism in my work. What this means for me, is to shoot for realistic-looking photos and video content. My approach includes using custom, lens-sensor specific CAMERA SETTINGS (and sometimes lens-sensor LUTs when needed). I never use A.I. to generate images, and I don't do tricks using Photoshop. There are adjustments I make to produce more accurate PRINTS but my goal is to limit editing as much as possible.

Overall, this microphone sounds pretty good (i.e. it sounds natural and "REAL") and this is with the included (stock) FOAM windscreen. However, what is really interesting is that this microphone does not sound good with the Comica...(furry lavalier windscreen). That's interesting because most of the lav microphones I've tested sound BETTER with that furry windscreen. (This microphone doesn't seem to benefit from a reduction of reverb when used INDOORS, as a lot of the other microphones seemed to. This means both that this microphone is not a good choice for me to use OUTDOORS (with the Comica furry). Also, it means, even if I did find another lavalier furry windscreen, this one will be slower to use because I can't just leave a furry windscreen on all the time (I prefer to use lav mics that sound better with a furry windscreen (both indoors and out). The good news is that they did a really good job making this microphone sound natural with the included (stock) FOAM windscreen, which I can't say is the case for a lot of other lavalier mics (the ones I've tested of course). "LAV" Proximity [7 inches / 17.78 cm] Zoom F2 [NO AUX. BOOST] 7RYMS Lavalier (for iRAY DW30) WINDSCREEN: Foam (Stock) 32-Bit Float REC. SETTINGS OFF REC. LOWCUT N/A REC. LIMITER N/A REC. LEVEL AUX. SETTINGS N/A AUX. BASS N/A AUX. HIGH-LOW N/A AUX. OUTPUT MIC. SETTINGS N/A MIC. LOWCUT N/A MIC. HIGH PASS N/A MIC. BOOST (RFI) RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE LESS THAN 1.1ft / 0.34m BETWEEN 1.1ft / 0.34m -2.2ft / 0.67m BETWEEN 2.2ft / 0.67m -3.3ft / 1m BETWEEN 3.3ft / 1m -4.4ft / 1.34m Published: January 2, 2023 at 10:09:07 PM REAL RATINGS After testing each microphone, I like to know if it sounds realistic (accurate lows/bass, mids, highs/treble) in combination with the recorder and/or AUX. amplifier, to see if it needs EQ. LOWS/BASS DO THE "LOWS" SOUND REAL? MIDS DO THE "MIDS" SOUND REAL? HIGHS/TREBLE DO THE "HIGHS" SOUND REAL? NOTES: Overall, this microphone sounds pretty good (i.e. it sounds natural and "REAL") and this is with the included (stock) FOAM windscreen. However, what is really interesting is that this microphone does not sound good with the Comica...(furry lavalier windscreen). That's interesting because most of the lav microphones I've tested sound BETTER with that furry windscreen. (This microphone doesn't seem to benefit from a reduction of reverb when used INDOORS, as a lot of the other microphones seemed to. This means both that this microphone is not a good choice for me to use OUTDOORS (with the Comica furry). Also, it means, even if I did find another lavalier furry windscreen, this one will be slower to use because I can't just leave a furry windscreen on all the time (I prefer to use lav mics that sound better with a furry windscreen (both indoors and out). The good news is that they did a really good job making this microphone sound natural with the included (stock) FOAM windscreen, which I can't say is the case for a lot of other lavalier mics (the ones I've tested of course). Remember to always monitor your audio while you're recording (using accurate headphones) because good settings can't fix bad audio. Also, these settings will not establish the exact level you'll need for every scene, but the goal is to provide a good starting point that will become clean, after adjusting in post. Additionally, these "custom settings" are used to make the Microphone-Specific EQ files work (as they won't work as intended if any of they aren't used). The EQ files were created to correct any imperfections of the microphone and/or wind protection (FOAM and/or FURRY) and were made in Audacity (the free audio editor) to make them as affordable & universal as possible.

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: ADVANCED KIT Vidpro DSLR Camera Holster Case This image is 100% REAL, and no A.I. (or Photoshop compositing) were used to make it, and I know because I took it myself. Quality? LIGHT USE OK Yes MEDIUM USE OK Yes HEAVY USE OK ? Portable? POCKET No CAMERA BAG No BACKPACK No Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE N/A *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE N/A **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Out ON EBAY No Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL MEDIUM These reviews are just my opinion and are focused on my Q.P.A.C.E. packing method, so they're not comprehensive. I wrote these mostly to help me remember what items worked for my KIT PLANS (and which didn't). If I said anything negative I apologize, as these products still may work well for you in your situation, but they were not Q.P.A.C.E (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use) enough for my budget filmmaking KIT PLANS .