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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 To access episodes with behind-the-scenes content, log in and then click a WATCH SEQUENCE button below. Tacoma BTS: The Beach Beyond Brown's Point Lighthouse WATCH SEQUENCE While the official landmark is certainly the lighthouse, a beautiful but more peaceful beach lies just around the corner, and the locals (people and wildlife) prefer it.

All items are in working condition because we tested & reviewed each one. We get rid of items if we can't use them for our KIT PLANS, or they don't pass our QPACE checklist (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use). See the REVIEWS page (on our website) for more on what we did & didn't like about each product, because they still could work well for you (but just didn't work for us). SURPLUS CAN'T USE, OR DON'T NEED WORKING...BUT NOT PART OF OUR KIT PLANS All items are in working condition because we tested & reviewed each one. We get rid of items if we can't use them for our KIT PLANS , or they don't pass our QPACE checklist (Quality, Portable, Affordable, Common, Easy-to-Use). See the REVIEWS page (on our website) for more on what we did & didn't like about each product, because they still could work well for you (but just didn't work for us). Sort by CATEGORY CAMERAS SURPLUS Leather Camera Case for LUMIX FZ1000 (by MegaGear) All I did was open the box, put the camera into it, and then realized that it was going to take too much time to remove this case to put the camera onto a tripod (for VIDEO the FZ1000 needs a tripod, so this case doesn't work for me). [NO REVIEW] SEE ON EBAY* *As an Amazon or eBay Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link (at no additional cost to you). CAMERAS, [NOT IN KIT] SURPLUS SOLD: The Nikon Z5 (v1) is NOT Good for Video I really wanted this to work because it is one of the few full-frame cameras, with IBIS, that were under $600...but even after adding custom, Nikon Picture Control files, this camera is horrible for video recording purposes. I was going to just keep it for doing stills only, but I really do need a hybrid photo & video camera if I'm going to spend this money. PODCAST REVIEW SEE ON EBAY* *As an Amazon or eBay Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link (at no additional cost to you). CAMERAS, [NOT IN KIT] SURPLUS SOLD: The GoPro HERO4 Black Doesn't Have a Screen The HERO4 Black was supposed to be the top-of-the-line action camera of that time period, but it does not have a rear screen, yet the HERO4 Silver does...so I recommend buying that instead. To me, the lack of a screen on the HERO4 Black makes it impossible to use on a professional shoot. REVIEW ON BLOG SEE ON EBAY* *As an Amazon or eBay Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link (at no additional cost to you).

CAMERAS Panasonic G95 I did not expect to like the Panasonic LUMIX G95 (probably because of all of the negative videos about it on YouTube) but after using it, I think it's one of the best budget hybrid photo & video cameras (for your #2 camera). See YouTube Playlist CANON NIKON OLYMPUS PANASONIC SIGMA TAMRON TOKINA MISC. & M42 CANON Canon [FD] DB Canon FD 50 1.4 S.S.C. DB Canon FD 50 1.4 S.S.C. ii DB Canon FD 50 1.4 DB Canon FDn 50 1.8 Canon [EF] DB Canon 50 1.8 DB Canon 50 1.8 ii DB Canon 50 1.8 STM DB Canon 70-200 2.8 DB Canon 75-300 DB Canon 75-300 ii DB Canon 75-300 iii DB Canon 75-300 iii USM NIKON Nikon [F,G] DB Nikon 17-35 2.8 DB Nikon 18-55 DB Nikon 18-55 ii DB Nikon 18-55 VR DB Nikon 18-55 VR ii DB Nikon 35 1.8 G DX DB Nikon 50 1.4 D DB Nikon 50 1.8 D +2X MACRO Nikon 70-300 D DB Nikon 70-300 ED Nikon 70-300 G Nikon 70-300 P OLYMPUS Olympus Olympus 12-50 3.5-6.3 Olympus 14-42 EZ Olympus 14-42 ii R Olympus 25 1.8 Olympus 40-150 4-5.6 Olympus 40- 150 4-5.6 R Olympus 60 2.8 MACRO PANASONIC Panasonic Panasonic 12-35 2.8 Panasonic 12-35 2.8 ii Panasonic 12-35 2.8 iii Panasonic 12-60 2.8-4 Panas onic 12-60 3.5-5.6 Panasonic 14 2.5 Panasonic 14 2.5 ii Panasonic 14-42 (Gray) Panasonic 14-42 PZ Panasonic 14-42 ii (Red "HD") Panasonic 14-42 iii (Ring) Panasonic 14-42 iv (Gray "HD") Panasonic 15 1.7 Panasonic 20 1.7 Panasonic 20 1.7 ii Panasonic 25 1.4 Panasonic 25 1.4 ii Panasonic 25 1.7 Panasonic 45-200 4-5.6 Panasonic 100-300 4-5.6 Panasonic 100-400 4-6.3 SIGMA Sigma Sigma 16 1.4 DC DN DB Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 EX Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 ii DB Sigma 17-50 2.8 Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DB Sigma 18-35 1.8 DB Sigma 30 1.4 DC DN TAMRON Tamron DB Tamron 10-24 3.5-4.5 LD DB Tamron 17-50 2.8 +SHIFT (#ad) DB Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC +SHIFT (#ad) DB Tamron 70-300 LD Di DB Tamron 75-300 LD TOKINA Tokina DB Tokina 11-16 2.8 DB Tokina 11-16 2.8 ii DB Tokina 12-24 4 DB Tokina 12-24 4 ii DB Tokina 12-28 MISC. & M42 Misc. & M42 DB Pentax Super-Takumar 50 1.4 DB Pentax Super-Takumar 50 1.4 ii DB Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50 1.4 DB Asahi SMC Takumar 50 1.4 Koah 35 1.2 Koah 50 1.4 Minolta AF 50 1.7 Min olta A F 50 1.7 ii Min olta MD 50 1.7 Promaster 70-300 SETTINGS Qu antaray 70-300 4-5.6 LD Qu antaray 70-300 4-5.6 LDO Rokinon Cine 24 T1.5 Rokinon Cine 35 T1.5 Rokinon Cine 50 T1.5 Rokinon Cine 85 T1.5 Vivitar Series 1 70-210 3.5 Vivitar Series 1 70-210 2.8-4 Vivitar Series 1 70-300 4.5-5.6 INFO KEY: DB = More lens data at lens-db.com LENS FILTER KEY: SETTINGS or BARE = Unfiltered UV = UV Filter ND8 = Neutral Density (and #) VND = Variable Neutral Density CPL = Circular Polarizer BPM = Tiffen Black Pro-Mist® GG = Tiffen Glimmerglass® LENS ADAPTER KEY: + ADAPTER = Standard adapter (no optics, etc.) +BELLOWS = Macro bellows (plus adapter) +BOOST = Speed booster (i.e. focal reducer) +HELICOID = Macro helicoid (expands in/out) +SHIFT = Perspective control adapter (i.e. shift) +TILT = Tilt adapter (angles focus plane) +TILT/SHIFT = Focus plane, perspective control Read: " How I Adapt Old Lenses (for Micro Four Thirds) " REMEMBER TO "REFRESH" PAGE TO SEE NEW DATA

Here are the cameras I have tested. I started out using extremely low budget filmmaking cameras like the Panasonic GH2, GH4, GH5, G7, GX85 and G85, and realized they could produce really good footage, as long as you found the "sweet spot" in each lens-sensor combo. So, I began taking notes of all of the CUSTOM IN-CAMERA SETTINGS that worked (to produce a film look) for each lens I tested...then I had to make this website (to access the information fast, while on-location). REAL CAMERAS Lens-Sensor Recipes for Legacy LUMIX Cameras. Top Secret (Our Method) Panasonic LUMIX GH5 Panasonic LUMIX GH4 Panasonic LUMIX G95 Panasonic LUMIX GX9 Panasonic LUMIX G85 Panasonic LUMIX GX85 Panasonic LUMIX G7 Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000 How I Adapt Old Lenses Learn More: What Camera Settings Are Best (Differs for Each Lens?)

CAMERAS Panasonic GX9 Panasonic LUMIX GX9 See YouTube Playlist CANON NIKON OLYMPUS PANASONIC SIGMA TAMRON TOKINA MISC. & M42 CANON Canon [FD] DB Canon FD 50 1.4 S.S.C. DB Canon FD 50 1.4 S.S.C. ii DB Canon FD 50 1.4 DB Canon FDn 50 1.8 Canon [EF] DB Canon 50 1.8 DB Canon 50 1.8 ii DB Canon 50 1.8 STM DB Canon 70-200 2.8 DB Canon 75-300 DB Canon 75-300 ii DB Canon 75-300 iii DB Canon 75-300 iii USM NIKON Nikon [F,G] DB Nikon 17-35 2.8 DB Nikon 18-55 DB Nikon 18-55 ii DB Nikon 18-55 VR DB Nikon 18-55 VR ii DB Nikon 35 1.8 G DX DB Nikon 50 1.4 D DB Nikon 50 1.8 D +2X MACRO Nikon 70-300 D DB Nikon 70-300 ED Nikon 70-300 G Nikon 70-300 P OLYMPUS Olympus Olympus 12-50 3.5-6.3 Olympus 14-42 EZ Olympus 14-42 ii R Olympus 25 1.8 Olympus 40-150 4-5.6 Olympus 40- 150 4-5.6 R Olympus 60 2.8 MACRO PANASONIC Panasonic Panasonic 12-35 2.8 Panasonic 12-35 2.8 ii Panasonic 12-35 2.8 iii Panasonic 12-60 2.8-4 Panas onic 12-60 3.5-5.6 Panasonic 14 2.5 Panasonic 14 2.5 ii Panasonic 14-42 (Gray) Panasonic 14-42 PZ Panasonic 14-42 ii (Red "HD") Panasonic 14-42 iii (Ring) Panasonic 14-42 iv (Gray "HD") Panasonic 15 1.7 Panasonic 20 1.7 Panasonic 20 1.7 ii Panasonic 25 1.4 Panasonic 25 1.4 ii Panasonic 25 1.7 Panasonic 45-200 4-5.6 Panasonic 100-300 4-5.6 Panasonic 100-400 4-6.3 SIGMA Sigma Sigma 16 1.4 DC DN DB Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 EX Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 ii DB Sigma 17-50 2.8 Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX DB Sigma 18-35 1.8 DB Sigma 30 1.4 DC DN TAMRON Tamron DB Tamron 10-24 3.5-4.5 LD DB Tamron 17-50 2.8 +SHIFT (#ad) DB Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC +SHIFT (#ad) DB Tamron 70-300 LD Di DB Tamron 75-300 LD TOKINA Tokina DB Tokina 11-16 2.8 DB Tokina 11-16 2.8 ii DB Tokina 12-24 4 DB Tokina 12-24 4 ii DB Tokina 12-28 MISC. & M42 Misc. & M42 DB Pentax Super-Takumar 50 1.4 DB Pentax Super-Takumar 50 1.4 ii DB Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50 1.4 DB Asahi SMC Takumar 50 1.4 SETTINGS Koah 35 1.2 Koah 50 1.4 Minolta AF 50 1.7 Min olta A F 50 1.7 ii Min olta MD 50 1.7 Promaster 70-300 Qu antaray 70-300 4-5.6 LD Qu antaray 70-300 4-5.6 LDO Rokinon Cine 24 T1.5 Rokinon Cine 35 T1.5 Rokinon Cine 50 T1.5 Rokinon Cine 85 T1.5 Vivitar Series 1 70-210 3.5 Vivitar Series 1 70-210 2.8-4 Vivitar Series 1 70-300 4.5-5.6 INFO KEY: DB = More lens data at lens-db.com LENS FILTER KEY: SETTINGS or BARE = Unfiltered UV = UV Filter ND8 = Neutral Density (and #) VND = Variable Neutral Density CPL = Circular Polarizer BPM = Tiffen Black Pro-Mist® GG = Tiffen Glimmerglass® LENS ADAPTER KEY: + ADAPTER = Standard adapter (no optics, etc.) +BELLOWS = Macro bellows (plus adapter) +BOOST = Speed booster (i.e. focal reducer) +HELICOID = Macro helicoid (expands in/out) +SHIFT = Perspective control adapter (i.e. shift) +TILT = Tilt adapter (angles focus plane) +TILT/SHIFT = Focus plane, perspective control Read: " How I Adapt Old Lenses (for Micro Four Thirds) " REMEMBER TO "REFRESH" PAGE TO SEE NEW DATA

Our goal is to make budget filmmaking cameras create a more film-like image by using custom, Lens-Sensor SETTINGS & LUTs for each of the lenses we test. We mainly do affordable lenses, because this is the main "focus" of SilverLight Photo Company (making good stuff on a budget). RECIPES RECIPES MAKE BUDGET LUMIX CAMERAS, BETTER. LEARN HOW TO MAKE LUMIX CAMERAS WORK BETTER & HOW TO USE "LENS-SENSOR" LUTS "LENS-SENSOR" RECIPES & LUTS FOR BUDGET LUMIX CAMERAS We make RECIPES & LUTs that turn budget LUMIX cameras into professional workhorses. Check out our database of Lens-Sensor Recipes & LUTs ABOUT What Are Lens-Sensor Recipes (& LUTs)? The main reason to use custom "Lens-Sensor Recipes" (& LUTs ) is that every lens sends light to a sensor differently. Some sensors like sharp lenses (especially those with an optical low-pass filter) and some don't like a lot of sharpness. Some sensors love lots of color saturation, yet some can only take a little. Before I knew this, I was searching (for years) to find the perfect lens-sensor combo...until I realized that they need CUSTOM SETTINGS (now called Recipes ). LEARN MORE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link CAMERAS Lens-Sensor Recipes I've been testing extremely low budget hybrid cameras like the Panasonic G7, GX85, G85, GX9, G95, GH4 and GH5 and I've discovered they all can produce great video, as long as you use the CUSTOM SETTINGS . After testing, I started taking notes of the settings that worked for each combo, and then made this website, to be able to access all the info, fast. SEE RECIPES Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link LUTS Lens-Sensor LUTs Thank you for trying these LUTs! It's important to know these LUTs are the #2 step of this method (the CUSTOM SETTINGS are the 1st) and without those...these LUTs don't do much). So remember, use the lens-sensor camera settings while your're shooting and add the appropriate LUT during your post-production. SHOP LUTS Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Before you can take the Thrifty 3 Challenge you must search...as lore-like as it sounds. Yes, we do earn a small commission "from qualifying purchases" when you use the links below, but our goal is to help you to get your kit, as quickly as possible...so that's another reason we do it. Sometimes, we might sell these items on our eBay store too, but that means you'll be getting the exact gear we were testing, so you know it works. FIND THE THRIFTY 3 (ON EBAY*) & THEN GO TAKE THE CHALLENGE Before you can take the Thrifty 3 Challenge you must search...as lore-like as it sounds. Yes, we do earn a small commission "from qualifying purchases" when you use the links below, but our goal is to help you to get your kit, as quickly as possible...so that's another reason we do it. Sometimes, we might sell these items on our eBay store too, but that means you'll be getting the exact gear we were testing, so you know it works. Select a CATEGORY WIDE: Kit Lenses (& More) THRIFTY 3 WIDE: Tokina 11-16 2.8 (Nikon) I used to recommend using a KIT LENS, but this is now the first wide angle lens I recommend, as it's now LESS EXPENSIVE than most kit lenses! This one works well because of the constant 2.8 aperture, and it even works with most sensor sizes (yet on full-frame sensors, it's only at 16mm). This lens is very common on the used market (in the US anyway) and I prefer adapting it from the Nikon mount version. READ REVIEW SEARCH EBAY* As an Amazon or eBay Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link (at no additional cost to you). TIGHT: Nifty 50 THRIFTY 3 TIGHT: Nikon AF 50 1.8 D There are multiple options for good, affordable 50mm prime lenses, but this early Nikon AF 50 1.8 D is one of the best. It's optically better than the f/1.4 version (of the same vintage) and because it is optically so good, you can even use it with an old Vivitar 2x MACRO teleconverter, and turn it into a 100mm macro (the teleconverter reduces the sharpness, but the lens starts out so sharp that it works really well). [NO REVIEW YET] SEARCH EBAY* As an Amazon or eBay Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link (at no additional cost to you). TELE: 70-300 (1990s) THRIFTY 3 TELE: Quantaray 70-300 (1:2) I’ll cut to the chase and say this lens is super useful but it’s one of the least expensive lenses I use. It’s a 1990s vintage Quantaray AF 70-300 4-5.6 1:2 MACRO version (for Nikon) and it’s almost identical to some of the Tamron and Promaster versions (of the same specifications) which leads me to believe they were manufactured by the same source, and that they are optically identical, which I proved out during testing. READ REVIEW SEARCH EBAY* As an Amazon or eBay Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link (at no additional cost to you).

I think we've figured out a way to get more ("perceived") dynamic range from certain budget hybrid cameras. The key is to use lens-sensor specific picture profile settings. The reason this works is these settings are being applied in REAL-TIME (before the image data is compressed and saved) and therefore it's sort of like adjusting the RAW video. Top Secret: LENS-SENSOR RECIPES (& LUTs) HOW WE USE "LENS-SENSOR" RECIPES (& LUTs ) I think we've figured out a way to get more ("perceived") dynamic range from certain budget hybrid cameras . The key is to use lens-sensor specific picture profile settings. The reason this works is these settings are being applied in REAL-TIME (before the image data is compressed and saved) and therefore it's sort of like adjusting the RAW video. I learned this as I was testing a bunch of low-budget ($600 or less) cameras (with every lens I could afford) while hunting for the film look. I started taking notes of film look settings for every lens and camera. I ended up documenting so many lens-sensor combinations, that I had to create this website (to be able to look up the settings quickly). Now, I use these settings almost every time I shoot (it makes files a lot easier to work with in post)! STEP 1 CHOOSE YOUR CAMERA START BY GOING TO THE CAMERAS PAGE (FROM THE TOP NAVIGATION BAR) The first step is to find the camera you use. To do this, click on "CAMERAS " (from the top navigation bar on this website). There's also a link from the ABOUT page (just click the "SEE SETTINGS" button). THEN, CLICK ON YOUR CAMERA (OR CLICK THE "SEE SETTINGS" BUTTON) Once you're on the CAMERAS page, you can click on either the picture of your camera (at the top) or scroll down to the notes about each camera, and then click the "SEE SETTINGS" button. OR ENTER THE CAMERA NAME IN THE SEARCH BAR (AT TOP OF WEBSITE) Another way to see the settings for a specific lens-sensor combo is to enter the CAMERA & LENS name into the "SEARCH" bar (the orange oval at top right of the website). STEP 2 FIND YOUR LENS WHEN YOU'RE ON YOUR CAMERA'S PAGE, SCROLL DOWN TO FIND YOUR LENS Once you get to your camera's page, the lenses are listed by brand (and you can click on the brand name to go to that section). Find your lens in the list and then click on the “SETTINGS” button. NOTE: Some of the lenses have optional settings for using FILTERS. These are marked differently (so see the filter key, at the bottom of each camera's page). OR ENTER THE LENS NAME IN THE SEARCH BAR (AT TOP OF WEBSITE) Another way to find a specific lens-sensor combo is to search for the LENS name (by typing in the brand name and focal length) using the "SEARCH" bar or the SEARCH page. It can also be good to enter the name of the camera in the search (makes it faster). STEP 3 USE "LENS-SENSOR" SETTINGS (WHILE RECORDING) ENTER THE CUSTOM "LENS-SENSOR" SETTINGS (IN THE PICTURE PROFILE) This is the most important step, and it's easy (as long as you pick the right settings for your camera/lens combo). Most of the settings are accessed through the picture profile, but some are in other places. START SHOOTING, ENJOY HOW EASY IT IS TO GET THE EXPOSURE RIGHT! This part is kind of difficult to explain unless you've tried it. The short story is, it's easier to judge the exposure when using custom (lens-sensor specific) settings because what you're looking at is WYSIWYG . IF YOU SWITCH LENSES, SWITCH SETTINGS (AND SAVE CUSTOM SETTINGS) This is probably the most difficult part of my whole process (because you have to change settings every time you change lenses) but it's actually pretty easy and fast to do (especially if you save the custom settings as presets to the camera, one for each lens). STEP 4 DOWNLOAD & APPLY THE LUT (*UNLESS IT'S GOOD SOOC ) BUY AND DOWNLOAD THE "LENS-SENSOR" LUT (FROM THE LUTS PAGE) You can download the lens-sensor LUT from the LUTs page but just remember, you'll need to use the custom "lens-sensor" CAMERA SETTINGS (while you're shooting) to make them work. APPLY THE "LENS-SENSOR" LUT (USING YOUR VIDEO EDITOR OF CHOICE) Apply the LUT to your clips using whatever video editor you use (as long as it supports LUTs). If you're editing shots from multiple cameras make sure to use the right LUT (specific to that lens & camera). *SOMETIMES THE SOOC SHOT IS GOOD ENOUGH (AND NO LUT IS NEEDED!) My goal is to make "lens-sensor specific" camera settings that are good enough to work WITHOUT a LUT (the SOOC workflow) yet sometimes I do create a lens-sensor LUT if the image needs work. STEP 5 SHARE THIS (IF YOU LIKE IT) Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link MY GOAL IS TO MAKE BUDGET FILMMAKING CAMERAS LOOK BETTER! When I started this website, my goal was to make it easier for me to get the "film look" with the budget filmmaking cameras I was using (the Panasonic GH4 , G7 , FZ1000 , GX85 and G85 ). I soon realized the "secret sauce" was to use custom (lens-sensor specific) settings, and sometimes to add a LUT . I now use these settings every time I shoot, and I feel good about how easy these files are to work with in post...yet it's even better when I can go SOOC (and not have to spend any time color grading).

Prove you don't need expensive lenses, to make professional content. LENS #1 YOUR KIT LENS AS THE WIDE SHOT? We know the kit lens was designed to disappoint (to force upgrades) so I'm now recommending using a Tokina 11-16, unless you need AF. THE CHALLENGE: Can You Survive? PROVE YOU DON'T NEED EXPENSIVE LENSES, OR THE PERFECT CAMERA TO CREATE PROFESSIONAL CONTENT! WIDE = A Kit Lens? I used to recommend using your kit lens...until the Tokina 11-16 2.8 became so affordable (on the used market) I started going with it. I'm still testing kit lenses, but we know they were designed to disappoint (because how could anyone NOT love a variable aperture lens) but the Tokina 11-16 is a super affordable f/2.8 lens that even works on full-frame (but only at 16mm, LOL). TIGHT = Nifty 50 When camera companies cared about quality (and didn't force upgrades) every camera included one of these. I don't think anyone would say these aren't good, but are they good enough to produce professional work? They are (and I've tested many). Plus, if you add a Vivitar 2x MACRO TELECONVERTER (#ad) you'll score a decent macro too! TELE = 1990s 70-300 I remember the time when nobody liked these (it was when they were included in camera kits, sometime in the 1990s). What makes these great is combining them with a (2x crop sensor) Micro Four Thirds camera and you'll get all the telephoto you'll ever need unless you shoot birds (but that's not very nice). SEARCH EBAY FOR THE "THRIFTY 3" *The goal is to survive, with only the THRIFTY 3 lenses, for 3 months. To join us, just tag your YouTube videos with #Thrifty3 Budget CAMERAS Budget CAMERAS Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Now Playing The "Nifty Fifty" is the BEST $100-$200 you'll ever spend 02:45 Play Video Now Playing Filmmaking Tips with a 50mm Lens [feat. Kase Wolverine Magnetic VND Filters] 06:41 Play Video Now Playing $40 Lens with Pro Quality? 04:08 Play Video Now Playing Tokina 11-16 2.8 OLD VS NEW // Just A Scam?! 09:30 Play Video Now Playing Best Gimbal Lens for the Panasonic GH5 // Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 Review 05:48 Play Video Now Playing Every FILMMAKER Needs This CHEAP Vintage Lens 02:18 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 GX85 G85 Cinematic SETTINGS Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 + Tiffen Black Pro Mist 1/8 02:04 Play Video Now Playing 6K OPEN GATE TEST Quantaray 70-300 4-5.6 LD Panasonic GH5 01:15 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 This $25 lens will change the way you shoot 06:07 Play Video Can one survive, with only the THRIFTY 3 lenses, for 3 weeks?

I love to help people (from beginners to "old" photographers alike) discover that photography and video can be easy...and affordable! TOP 10 TIPS Our Top Photo & Video Production Tips. Video Production ALWAYS SHOOT WITH (AT LEAST) TWO CAMERAS TIP #001 GET ACCESS Good cameras are not very expensive these days, so one thing you can do to be more productive is to always record with at least 2. Video Production USE 2 OF THE SAME CAMERA (OR LENS-SENSOR SETTINGS) TIP #002 GET ACCESS Using two of the same camera (or two with the same color science) is the easiest way to make the colors match between cameras (less work in post-production.) Video Production START WITH A MINIMAL KIT (THEN GO BASIC & ADVANCED) TIP #003 GET ACCESS Here's the way I would go about building up a kit if you aren't rich, but want to follow the "Always shoot with 2 cameras" method. Get a 2nd camera going, even if it's just a GoPro, at first. Video Production ALWAYS BACK UP YOUR AUDIO (USING A PASSTHROUGH) TIP #004 GET ACCESS We all know that good audio is almost as important as good video, so make sure to stay backed up (an easy way is using a Zoom H1e as a passthrough.) Video Production ALWAYS BACK UP YOUR VIDEO (2 CAMERAS, ATOMOS, ETC.) TIP #005 GET ACCESS There’s no greater disaster then being in the right place, at the right time, but not getting the shot! One great backup is using an HDMI recorder! Video Production USE "T-LIGHTING" (NOT 3-POINT LIGHTING) TIP #006 GET ACCESS I use T-Lighting because it’s faster to set up and less expensive than 3-point lighting (and yields similar results!) T-Lighting is much more versatile because it can be used in spaces with low ceilings. Photography & Video Production MAKE IT EASY ENOUGH TO DO WHEN YOU'RE STRESSED TIP #007 GET ACCESS I take this tip seriously, because I've been through the "burnout" stuff. Yet, if you make your production methods simple, you always have them to fall back on when you’re too stressed to think. Photography & Video Production SMALLER GEAR MEANS A SMALLER PACK TIP #008 GET ACCESS Portability is the main reason I prefer compact gear, but there are cost and speed reasons as well, especially if you're setting up and tearing down all by yourself. Photography & Video Production MAKE ONLY ONE TRIP TO THE CAR (AND 1 BACK) TIP #009 GET ACCESS This tip is all about security and avoiding getting robbed when you put gear in your vehicle...but it also really speeds up setup and teardown! Photography & Video Production USE P-A-C GEAR (PORTABLE, AFFORDABLE, COMMON) TIP #010 GET ACCESS If you do lose everything for some reason (theft, financial reasons, etc.) this tip makes it much easier to rebuild a budget filmmaking kit.

Thank you for supporting this website, helping it grow. Our goal is to provide lens-sensor settings recommendations and LUTs that can transform budget cameras into professional workhorses. ALL ACCESS GET ACCESS TO BTS DATA, LENS-SENSOR LUTS, PRO TIPS & MORE Thank you for supporting us. Our goal is to provide simple methods (SHOOT43) and custom "lens-sensor" settings (& LUTs) that transform budget cameras into professional workhorses. BTS Access (Lifetime) $ 20 20$ Get access to behind-the-scenes data for photo & video production locations (local area only, but this price may go up if more areas are added). GET ACCESS Full Access to BTS Shoot Data LUT Access (Lifetime) $ 30 30$ Get access to all finalized (non-BETA) Lens-Sensor LUTs. This price will probably go up (as more LUTs are added) so it's a good idea to get locked in early! GET ACCESS Full Access to Lens-Sensor LUTs FULL Lifetime Access (BTS, LUTS & More) $ 40 40$ Get full access to BTS (behind-the-scenes) data, access to all finalized (non-BETA) Lens-Sensor LUTs, plus all photo & video production TIPS. This price will probably go up as more LUTs are added. GET ACCESS Full Access to BTS Shoot Data Full Access to Lens-Sensor LUTs Full Access to Photo & Video Production TIPS *Forever means "as long as we're in business" (sorry for being REAL). 1 GET ACCESS TO ALL BEHIND-THE-SCENES DATA Please note this is local (Seattle area) but if you live close it's really good. It shows how to get each shot. GET ACCESS 2 GET ACCESS TO ALL LENS-SENSOR LUTS Get full access to all of the LUTs we've created for the budget LUMIX cameras we've tested so far, plus get updates whenever a new LUT is released. GET ACCESS 3 GET ACCESS TO ALL PHOTO & VIDEO PRODUCTION TIPS These are practical tips, not just basic advice (not the kind you get when you ask A.I. a question). This started with just our TOP 10 TIPS but this list continues to grow... GET ACCESS PICK YOUR PLAN (SUPPORT US AS A MEMBER, AND GET MORE ACCESS) Thank you for joining...This helps our website stay in business for sure. GET BTS ACCESS (GET BTS ACCESS TO SINGLE & MULTI-CAM SHOOT DATA) Stuff keeps being added to the website, as often as we can... GET LUT ACCESS (GET THE FULL ACCESS PLAN & GET ALL LUTS...FOREVER) Well, it's not technically forever, but you'll get all the LUTs we add to our database.

These are real, long-term reviews of gear I actually use. Keep in mind these reviews are just my opinion, and are not supposed to be comprehensive or the final say about these products. These are mostly to help me remember what items worked for me, and what didn't. So, the product may work for you and your needs, but it didn't fit within my Q-P-A-C-E system. REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. BUDGET Lights READ REVIEWS REAL REVIEWS LIGHTS Are there any good budget filmmaking lights out there? If so, how do you know? GO REAL REVIEWS AUDIO Looking for good budget filmmaking audio recorders & microphones? GO REAL REVIEWS CAMERAS A good camera and lens can make a huge difference, but do they have to be expensive? GO REAL REVIEWS & MORE More things that may help (especially if you're a frugal photographer or filmmaker). GO 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 KIT PLANS .