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I love to help people (from beginners to "old" photographers alike) discover that photography and video can be easy...and affordable! BEHIND-THE-SCENES SELECT YOUR SORT: SHOT SCENE SEQUENCE FILTER by CITY If image is black & white, final photos & videos are in post-production phase (please check back, and refresh). SeaTac Canadian Geese at Angle Lake Park SHOT #1 80mm SHOT #2 592mm SHOT #3 135mm SCENE DATA GET ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor.

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With all of the A.I. and Photoshopping going on, there's definitely enough "FAKE" content out there, so we created a database of realistic CAMERA SETTINGS & LUTs that make it easier to capture photos & video almost SOOC, with affordable cameras & lenses. 100% REAL We make REAL content (without A.I.) & have BTS to prove it. With all of the A.I. and Photoshopping going on, there's definitely enough "FAKE" content out there, so we created a database of realistic CAMERA SETTINGS & LUTs that make it easier to capture photos & video almost SOOC, with affordable cameras & lenses. REAL CAMERAS (YOU CAN'T GET THOSE SHOTS WITH A CELL PHONE!) All of the cameras we use cost less than a good cell phone, but work better. REAL LUTS (WE ONLY DO REAL "LENS-SENSOR SPECIFIC" LUTS) We've found what works best is for LUTs to be specific to each lens-sensor combo. REAL BTS (DETAILED CAMERA SETTINGS & LOCATION SCOUTING DATA) We go over the details of how we shot a location, and link to the gear. REAL PRINTS (NO A.I. IS USED TO MAKE ANY OF OUR IMAGES...EVER!) If you've ever wished photos would be 100% REAL, that's precisely what we do. A REAL BLOG (NOT SUMMARIZED POPULAR OPINIONS FROM A.I.) Our articles are based entirely on personal experience, not A.I. queries.

RFI WARNING: The Zoom H1 (v1) has noticeable RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) when used at less than 5 FEET from an iPhone 13 Pro max. This is a major limitation, especially for LAV use, because if the recorder is in the pocket of a groom, and they have an iPhone somewhere in their coat, this is going to cause RFI. Unfortunately 37 didn't work, so I had to use 43 on the Zoom H1, and had to bump the mic gain to 6 (On Dial) "CLOSE" Proximity [3.5 inches / 8.89 cm] Zoom H1 (NO AUX. Amplifier) Deity V-Mic D3 Pro + Foam (Stock) WAV 24-bit/96kHz REC. SETTINGS Off REC. LOWCUT Off REC. LIMITER 43 REC. LEVEL AUX. SETTINGS AUX. BASS AUX. HIGH-LOW AUX. OUTPUT MIC. SETTINGS Off MIC. LOWCUT N/A MIC. HIGH PASS 6.0 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: March 10, 2022 at 11:01:01 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: RFI WARNING: The Zoom H1 (v1) has noticeable RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) when used at less than 5 FEET from an iPhone 13 Pro max. This is a major limitation, especially for LAV use, because if the recorder is in the pocket of a groom, and they have an iPhone somewhere in their coat, this is going to cause RFI. Unfortunately 37 didn't work, so I had to use 43 on the Zoom H1, and had to bump the mic gain to 6 (On Dial) Keep in mind, these settings will not establish the exact level you'll need for every scene (where the audio level "bounces" around -12) but my goal is to provide a good starting point (that comes out clean, after boosting in post). It's also important to use these "recommended settings" for my microphone-specific EQ files to work properly (they won't work as intended if any of the "audio variables" are different). The EQ file was created to correct any sonic imperfections of the microphone or wind protection (foam, furry) and have been created with Audacity (the free audio editor) to make them as affordable as possible. Also, it's important to always monitor (accurate headphones) your audio while recording so you can hear any problems and make any changes needed to your audio. GAFFER TAPE SUPPLIED BY

Still testing, and on this camera (GH5) it has way too much SHARPNESS, CONTRAST and NOISE (and the COLOR is bad in part due to the extreme HIGHLIGHT SHADOW curves applied). Any links below are affiliate links. Nikon 17-35 2.8 D Panasonic GH5 Natural "PHOTO STYLE" -3 CONTRAST -5 SHARPNESS +5 NOISE -0 COLOR -3+4 HIGHLIGHT SHADOW OFF iDYNAMIC OFF iRESOLUTION 0-255 LUMINANCE LEVEL 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 IS THE CONTRAST "REAL"? SHARPNESS IS THE SHARPNESS "REAL"? NOISE IS THE NOISE "REAL"? COLOR 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: Still testing, and on this camera (GH5) it has way too much SHARPNESS, CONTRAST and NOISE (and the COLOR is bad in part due to the extreme HIGHLIGHT SHADOW curves applied). 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.

Since this website is all about saving money by getting the film look with cheap filmmaking cameras (even though I "always shoot with 2 cameras") my memes mostly focus on the low budget filmmaking culture...as well as a few "former photographer" jokes. REAL VIDEOS A few of our 100% REAL (no-A.I.) videos! COLOR (LUTs & Settings) COLOR (LUTs & Settings) Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing Nikon 70-300 4-5.6 D ED (Panasonic GH4) CINELIKE D -1+5+5-2 02:03 Play Video Now Playing Promaster 70-300 4-5.6 (Panasonic GH4) NATURAL -4+1+4-1 PARFOCAL TEST 01:45 Play Video Now Playing Panasonic GX85 with Nikon 70-300 4-5.6 AF-S (ED) NATURAL -3-3+4-1 01:24 Play Video Now Playing Minolta AF 50 1.7 (Panasonic GX85) NATURAL -0-0-0-0 vs. -2-2+5-0 + LUT 01:40 Play Video Now Playing Promaster 70-300 4-5.6 (Panasonic GH4) NATURAL -0-0-0-0 vs. -4+1+4-1 + LUT (THINGS) 4K 01:01 Play Video Now Playing Promaster 70-300 4-5.6 (Panasonic GH4) NATURAL -0-0-0-0 vs. -4+1+4-1 + LUT (PLACES) 01:03 Play Video Now Playing Canon FDn 50 1.4 (Panasonic G7) NATURAL -0-0-0-0 vs. -3+2+4-2 01:02 Play Video Now Playing Pentax Bellows-Takumar 100 4.0 (Panasonic GX85) 01:27 Play Video Now Playing LUMIX Lens-Sensor Recipes 00:43 Play Video Now Playing Lens-Sensor Specific SETTINGS 06:34 Play Video Now Playing Pentax Super-Takumar 50 1.4 ii (Panasonic GH4) THINGS White Hydrangea 01:51 Play Video Now Playing Pentax Super-Takumar 50 1.4 ii (Panasonic GH4) Lens-Sensor SETTINGS (PLACES) 01:49 Play Video Now Playing Sigma 18-35 1.8 (Panasonic G7) CINELIKE D -0-0-0-0 vs. -2-3+3+1 REMASTERED 01:54 Play Video Now Playing Nikon 70-300 4-5.6 D ED (Panasonic GH4) CINELIKE D -0-0-0-0 vs. -1+5+5-2 + LUT 01:35 Play Video Now Playing Tilt Shift Lens for Micro Four Thirds? Adapter for Nikon 18-55 (Panasonic GX85) 01:34 Play Video Now Playing Panasonic G7 with Nikon 80-200 4 AIS 00:33 Play Video GAFFER TAPE SUPPLIED BY

REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: BASIC KIT Movo SMM2 Microphone Shock Mount 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 No CAMERA BAG No BACKPACK Yes Affordable? AVERAGE NEW PRICE $ 12.95 *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE N/A **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Yes ON EBAY No Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL EASY OVERVIEW: This is a rubber band style shock mount that not only fits a shotgun microphone but also fits a small audio recorder like the Zoom H1. MAIN POINTS: PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? PART 3: IS IT COMMON? PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? PART 1: IS IT PORTABLE? Yes, it's small and light, and so it works well to leave it attached to the small Ulanzi MT-44, in the side pouch of a backpack (ready to quickly set up the mini shotgun mic). PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? It might be a little more expensive than other inexpensive rubber bands style shock mounts, but this is the only one I've found that also fits a Zoom H1 audio recorder, so maybe that's why the price is a little higher. PART 3: IS IT COMMON? No, it's not common, because it's only available on Amazon, and I've seen it go out of stock several times (somebody else needs to make one of these, that not only fits a shotgun microphone, but also the Zoom H1). PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? The quality is okay, and it should last as long as the rubber bands do...and you could try to figure out how to replace those if they're broken. PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? Yes, all you have to do is push the microphone or audio recorder between the rubber bands (be careful) and do the opposite to remove. The only problem would occur if you broke the rubber bands. PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? No, this is an add-on. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? Got it on Amazon (haven't found it any where else, yet). RECOMMENDATION: This shock mount works well with either a small shotgun microphone or a small audio recorder like the Zoom H1, H1n, H1e, etc. It's an essential part of our kit plan. 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 .

[Vintage lens, and the condition may vary.] This is the "push pull" type of lens, and so I was initially not too excited to test, or recommend it, but this copy didn't have any issues with zoom creep (even when I was pointing the camera upward at birds!) Any links below are affiliate links. [UNFILTERED] Nikon 80-200 4 AIS + BOOST (Viltrox NF-M43x .71x) Panasonic G85 Natural "PHOTO STYLE" -1 CONTRAST -3 SHARPNESS +2 NOISE +1 COLOR -2+2 HIGHLIGHT SHADOW OFF iDYNAMIC OFF iRESOLUTION 16-255 LUMINANCE LEVEL 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 IS THE CONTRAST "REAL"? SHARPNESS IS THE SHARPNESS "REAL"? NOISE IS THE NOISE "REAL"? COLOR 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: [Vintage lens, and the condition may vary.] This is the "push pull" type of lens, and so I was initially not too excited to test, or recommend it, but this copy didn't have any issues with zoom creep (even when I was pointing the camera upward at birds!) 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.

WARNING: I do not recommend using this microphone with this transmitter/recorder because there is noticeable RFI (Radio Frequency Interference). "LAV" Proximity [7 inches /17.78 cm] 7RYMS iRAY DW30 (Recorder) [NO AUX. BOOST] JK MIC-J 017 (Lavalier) WINDSCREEN: FURRY (Comica) 48k 24-bit REC. SETTINGS N/A 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 BAD LESS THAN 1.1ft / 0.34m BAD BETWEEN 1.1ft / 0.34m -2.2ft / 0.67m BAD BETWEEN 2.2ft / 0.67m -3.3ft / 1m BETWEEN 3.3ft / 1m -4.4ft / 1.34m Published: March 20, 2023 at 9:52:08 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: WARNING: I do not recommend using this microphone with this transmitter/recorder because there is noticeable RFI (Radio Frequency Interference). Keep in mind, these settings will not establish the exact level you'll need for every scene (where the audio level "bounces" around -12) but my goal is to provide a good starting point (that comes out clean, after boosting in post). It's also important to use these "recommended settings" for my microphone-specific EQ files to work properly (they won't work as intended if any of the "audio variables" are different). The EQ file was created to correct any sonic imperfections of the microphone or wind protection (foam, furry) and have been created with Audacity (the free audio editor) to make them as affordable as possible. Also, it's important to always monitor (accurate headphones) your audio while recording so you can hear any problems and make any changes needed to your audio. GAFFER TAPE SUPPLIED BY

[TESTING...] Any links below are affiliate links. [UNFILTERED] Nikon 70-300 4-5.6 D ED + HELICOID (Macro Helicoid Adapter) Panasonic G7 Natural "PHOTO STYLE" -3 CONTRAST -0 SHARPNESS +3 NOISE -1 COLOR Standard HIGHLIGHT SHADOW OFF iDYNAMIC OFF iRESOLUTION LUMINANCE LEVEL 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 ? IS THE CONTRAST "REAL"? SHARPNESS ? IS THE SHARPNESS "REAL"? NOISE IS THE NOISE "REAL"? COLOR ? 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: [TESTING...] 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.

I feel like these settings are working okay for capturing what this lens is capable of, but as I mentioned in the GX85 review of this lens, the lens has optical imperfections (that give it an interesting character) but it's so inconsistent from one aperture value to the next (the contrast, sharpness and color intensity change quite a bit) that makes it difficult to come up with a single settings recommendation (as I can with most optics). Any links below are affiliate links. [UNFILTERED] Canon FD 50 1.4 + ADAPTER (Non-Optical, NO BOOST) Panasonic G85 Natural "PHOTO STYLE" -4 CONTRAST +2 SHARPNESS +3 NOISE -2 COLOR OFF HIGHLIGHT SHADOW OFF iDYNAMIC OFF iRESOLUTION 16-255 LUMINANCE LEVEL 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 NO IS THE CONTRAST "REAL"? SHARPNESS NO IS THE SHARPNESS "REAL"? NOISE IS THE NOISE "REAL"? COLOR NO 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: I feel like these settings are working okay for capturing what this lens is capable of, but as I mentioned in the GX85 review of this lens, the lens has optical imperfections (that give it an interesting character) but it's so inconsistent from one aperture value to the next (the contrast, sharpness and color intensity change quite a bit) that makes it difficult to come up with a single settings recommendation (as I can with most optics). 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.

This lens is AMAZING...it delivers so much contrast and color that I had to tone those down (to get a "REAL" image) and the SHARPNESS is almost a perfect match for this sensor (not to sharp, etc.) though I had to use some NOISE REDUCTION to keep things looking real. Any links below are affiliate links. [UNFILTERED] Sigma 75-300 4.5-5.6 + ADAPTER (Non-Optical, NO BOOST) Panasonic GX85 Natural "PHOTO STYLE" -5 CONTRAST -0 SHARPNESS +3 NOISE -2 COLOR OFF HIGHLIGHT SHADOW OFF iDYNAMIC OFF iRESOLUTION LUMINANCE LEVEL 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 A IS THE NOISE "REAL"? COLOR C 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: This lens is AMAZING...it delivers so much contrast and color that I had to tone those down (to get a "REAL" image) and the SHARPNESS is almost a perfect match for this sensor (not to sharp, etc.) though I had to use some NOISE REDUCTION to keep things looking real. 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.