SEARCH  WEBSITE

I love to help people (from beginners to "old" photographers alike) discover that photography and video can be easy...and affordable! BEHIND-THE-SCENES PRO ACCESS: PHOTO VIDEO SORT by CITY If an image is black & white, final photos or videos are in post-production (check back, and refresh page). Des Moines Overlook of Des Moines Marina Pier SHOT #1 300mm SHOT #2 --- SHOT #3 --- SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. SeaTac Canadian Geese at Angle Lake Park SHOT #1 80mm SHOT #2 ? SHOT #3 ? SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Burien View of Seola Beach Towards Alki SHOT #1 SHOT #2 SHOT #3 SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Tacoma Research Boat by Browns Point SHOT #1 485mm SHOT #2 135mm SHOT #3 592mm SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. SeaTac Angle Lake Park 1 SHOT #1 37mm SHOT #2 170mm SHOT #3 --- SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. SeaTac Angle Lake Park 2 SHOT #1 37mm SHOT #2 85mm SHOT #3 --- SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Tacoma Fishing by Browns Point Lighthouse SHOT #1 530mm SHOT #2 592mm SHOT #3 37mm SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines Waterfront Pier Yellow Sunset SHOT #1 412mm SHOT #2 592mm SHOT #3 592mm SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines Sunset From Park Bench (Overlook 2) SHOT #1 32mm SHOT #2 SHOT #3 SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Tukwila River by Interurban with Blue Heron SHOT #1 300mm SHOT #2 --- SHOT #3 --- SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines Waterfront Walk & Orange Sunset SHOT #1 35mm SHOT #2 SHOT #3 SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines Waterfront Walk by the Big Tree SHOT #1 24mm SHOT #2 SHOT #3 SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines Waterfront Pier with Orange Sunset SHOT #1 50mm SHOT #2 SHOT #3 SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines Waterfront Pier with Yellow Sunset SHOT #1 24mm SHOT #2 SHOT #3 SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines Waterfront Boat Dock at Sunset SHOT #1 12mm SHOT #2 SHOT #3 SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines Sitting on Bench at the Beach Park SHOT #1 18mm SHOT #2 SHOT #3 SCENE DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor.

I love to help people (from beginners to "old" photographers alike) discover that photography and video can be easy...and affordable! BEHIND-THE-SCENES PRO ACCESS: PHOTO VIDEO SORT by CITY If an image is black & white, final photos or videos are in post-production (check back & refresh page). Also, as an Amazon Associate, I receive a commission from qualifying purchases if you buy after you click on one of our links (and there's no additional cost to you). 300mm Des Moines Overlook of Des Moines Marina Pier FILTER: None LENS: Leica 25-400 2.8-4.0 ADAPTER: None (Integrated Lens) SENSOR: 1" (Panasonic FZ1000) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 80mm SeaTac Canadian Geese at Angle Lake Park FILTER: None LENS: Leica 25-400 2.8-4.0 ADAPTER: None (Integrated Lens) SENSOR: 1" (Panasonic FZ1000) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Burien View of Seola Beach Towards Alki FILTER: None SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 485mm Tacoma Research Boat by Browns Point FILTER: None LENS: Leica 25-400 2.8-4.0 ADAPTER: None (Integrated Lens) SENSOR: 1" (Panasonic FZ1000) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 37mm SeaTac Angle Lake Park 1 FILTER: None LENS: Leica 25-400 2.8-4.0 ADAPTER: None (Integrated Lens) SENSOR: 1" (Panasonic FZ1000) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 37mm SeaTac Angle Lake Park 2 FILTER: None LENS: Leica 25-400 2.8-4.0 ADAPTER: None (Integrated Lens) SENSOR: 1" (Panasonic FZ1000) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 530mm Tacoma Fishing by Browns Point Lighthouse FILTER: None LENS: Leica 25-400 2.8-4.0 ADAPTER: None (Integrated Lens) SENSOR: 1" (Panasonic FZ1000) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 412mm Des Moines Waterfront Pier Yellow Sunset FILTER: None LENS: Leica 25-400 2.8-4.0 ADAPTER: None (Integrated Lens) SENSOR: 1" (Panasonic FZ1000) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Renton Coulon Pier from Right of Stairs FILTER: None LENS: Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Renton Coulon Pier with Stairs (2/3 Frame) FILTER: None LENS: Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Renton Coulon Pier with Stairs (1/3 Frame) FILTER: None LENS: Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 32mm Des Moines Sunset From Park Bench (Overlook 2) FILTER: None LENS: Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to M43 SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines View from Top of Cement Stage FILTER: None LENS: Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 EX ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to M43 SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines #1 Coin-Operated Binocular at Marina FILTER: None LENS: Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 EX ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to M43 SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Des Moines #2 Coin-Operated Binocular at Marina FILTER: None LENS: Sigma 17-35 2.8-4 EX ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to M43 SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Seattle I-5 Overpass on Holgate to N (MID) FILTER: None LENS: Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. Tukwila Interurban Bridge to Allentown FILTER: None LENS: Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 300mm Tukwila River by Interurban with Blue Heron FILTER: None LENS: Quantaray 70-300 4-5.6 LD ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to M43 SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 24mm Des Moines Overlook at Des Moines Marina FILTER: None LENS: Panasonic 14-42 iii ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GH5) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 35mm Des Moines Waterfront Walk & Orange Sunset FILTER: None LENS: Nikon 18-55 ii ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to M43 SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GX85) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 24mm Des Moines Waterfront Walk by the Big Tree FILTER: None LENS: Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GX85) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 50mm Des Moines Waterfront Pier with Orange Sunset FILTER: None LENS: Sigma 18-50 2.8 EX ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to M43 SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GX85) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 24mm Des Moines Waterfront Pier with Yellow Sunset FILTER: None LENS: Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GX85) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 12mm Des Moines Waterfront Boat Dock at Sunset FILTER: None Panasonic 12-60 3.5-5.6 ADAPTER: None (Native Mount) SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GX85) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor. 18mm Des Moines Sitting on Bench at the Beach Park FILTER: None Sigma 18-35 1.8 ART ADAPTER: Nikon F/G to M43 SENSOR: 2x (Panasonic GX85) SHOT DATA PRO ACCESS *Shot composition/framing is based on both the lens focal length and the sensor crop factor.

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). ABOUT EVERY LENS NEEDS "LENS-SENSOR" RECIPES (& LUTS ) LEARN WHY EVERY LENS & SENSOR CAN DO BETTER & WHY RELATIONSHIPS MATTER... LENS-SENSOR RECIPES (& LUTS) FOR BUDGET HYBRID CAMERAS Schedule a Calibration (in Seattle area) or check out our database of CUSTOM RECIPES & LUTs ABOUT Why Use Custom, Lens- Sensor Recipes? 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 ). So, I began testing every lens I could afford, and taking notes for each lens-sensor combination. I finally realized I would need a database to store all of this information, so I made this website (and now I offer a local LENS-SENSOR CALIBRATION SERVICE too). READ MORE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link CAMERAS Lens-Sensor Recipes Here's is a list of all of the cameras we've tested. When I started out, I was using extremely low budget hybrid cameras like the Panasonic GH2, G5, G7, GH4, GX85, G85, and GH5 and soon realized they could produce really good footage (as long as you figured out the right CUSTOM SETTINGS ). So, I began taking notes of all of the CUSTOM SETTINGS that worked for each lens...and had to make this website to access the information fast, on-location. SEE SETTINGS Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link LUTS Lens-Sensor LUTs Thank you for trying out these LUTs! It's super important to realize that these LUTs are the #2 step of the method (and that without our CUSTOM SETTINGS these LUTs won't do much). The goal for our "Lens-Sensor LUTs" was to help get the most out of budget lenses & cameras, by customizing the CUSTOM SETTINGS & LUTs to every combo. So remember, you need to use the lens-sensor camera settings while shooting (and then add a LUT during post-production). SHOP LUTS Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link BLOG 100% REAL Budget Photo Video Blog When some people say "BUDGET" they still talk about cameras that are WAY MORE expensive than we can afford, but this blog is actually a low-budget blog. When I started out I was using super-low-budget filmmaking cameras like the Panasonic GH2, G5, G7, GH4, GX85 and G85...but I soon realized they could produce really good footage (as long as you use CUSTOM SETTINGS, LOL). READ BLOG Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link REVIEWS 100% REAL Budget Gear Reviews 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 into my Q-P-A-C-E system. VIEW REVIEWS Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link PHOTOS 100% REAL Photos & Videos Our goal is to create 100% REAL photos & videos (without A.I.). So, we came up with our "Lens-Sensor" CUSTOM SETTINGS (& LUTs ) to process the images. The reason we do this, is we think it renders a more realistic-looking image (than using heavy post-processing) and the key ingredient in these settings recipes is to use custom camera settings, specific to each lens-sensor combination. VIEW PHOTOS Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link REAL Our Content is Always 100% REAL With all of the A.I. development going on, there is certainly enough "FAKE" content out there. So, not only did we decide to never use (generative) A.I. when creating images, but also to use realistic-looking LENS-SENSOR SPECIFIC CUSTOM SETTINGS (& LUTs ) to make it easier for the cameras to render scenes accurately (with little post-processing). LEARN MORE Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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 REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. REAL REVIEWS CAMERAS TAVT EN-EL15 Batteries (for Nikon) & PD20W Fast Charger BASIC KIT VIEW Quantaray AF 70-300 4-5.6 LD ADVANCED KIT VIEW Viltrox EF-M2II [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Tokina 11-16 2.8 ii ADVANCED KIT VIEW GoPro HERO7 Black MINIMAL KIT VIEW GoPro HERO4 Silver MINIMAL KIT VIEW Viltrox NF-M43X [NOT IN KIT] VIEW GoPro HERO4 Black [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Panasonic GX85 BASIC KIT VIEW Panasonic G7 [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Panasonic GH4 [INDOOR ONLY] VIEW Panasonic FZ1000 ADVANCED KIT VIEW Panasonic G85 MINIMAL KIT VIEW GAFFER TAPE SUPPLIED BY

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 REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. REAL REVIEWS LIGHTS PHOTOOLEX Tofu RGB Video Light BASIC KIT VIEW RALENO 19.5W LED Video Soft Light Panel BASIC KIT VIEW SmallRig RC 60B COB Video Light ADVANCED KIT VIEW ULANZI MT-79 BASIC KIT VIEW Vidpro DSLR Camera Holster Case ADVANCED KIT VIEW Meike MK-Y600BR [NOT IN KIT] VIEW GAFFER TAPE SUPPLIED BY

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). *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.

Our goal is to create 100% REAL photos & videos (without A.I.). So, we came up with our custom lens-sensor specific camera settings & LUTs to process the images. The reason we do this, we think it renders more realistic-looking images (than heavy post-processing). The key ingredient that makes this all work is our custom camera settings. REAL SCENES Images of 100% REAL People, Places & Things (No Generative A.I.) Sort by CITY

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 REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. REAL REVIEWS AUDIO Neoteck NTK 059 Amplifier ADVANCED KIT VIEW COMICA VM20 Shotgun Microphone BASIC KIT VIEW Movo SMM2 Microphone Shock Mount BASIC KIT VIEW 7RYMS iRAY DW30 [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Zoom F2-BT BASIC KIT VIEW Zoom H1n [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Yamaha Steinberg UR22MKII [NOT IN KIT] VIEW IEM Case (for Zoom F2) MINIMAL KIT VIEW Zoom F2 MINIMAL KIT VIEW THE PERFECT PART [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Zoom H1essential ADVANCED KIT VIEW ULANZI MT-44 BASIC KIT VIEW Zoom H1 [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Deity V-Mic D3 Pro [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Zoom H2n ADVANCED KIT VIEW Zoom F1 [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Aiworth E-36 [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Tascam DR-60d mkII [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Saramonic Blink500 B1W [NOT IN KIT] VIEW GAFFER TAPE SUPPLIED BY

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 REVIEWS Long-term reviews of more budget gear. REAL REVIEWS & MORE Logitech K480 Wireless Multi-Device Keyboard WORKSTATIONS VIEW RAINSMORE Camera Bag BASIC KIT VIEW YOREPEK Travel Backpack Extra Large BASIC KIT VIEW Gerber Gear Suspension 12-in-1 EDC Multi-Plier Multitool [NOT IN KIT] VIEW DJI Power 1000 (Version 1) [NOT IN KIT] VIEW ALLPOWERS R600 [NOT IN KIT] VIEW Forbidden Road Camping Stool BASIC KIT VIEW Wisdompro Credit Card Holder (with Memory Card Slots) [NOT IN KIT] VIEW SAMSUNG Gear S3 Frontier Smartwatch ADVANCED KIT VIEW GAFFER TAPE SUPPLIED BY

Highlevel View of Des Moines Marina Pier on a sunny day in January ©2026 SilverLight Photo Co. The above content is 100% REAL (and no A.I. or Photoshop tricks were used to make it). Overlook of Des Moines Marina Pier < All Scenes Behind-the-Scenes SUPPORT US TO GET FULL BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS (& PRODUCTION DETAILS) GET ACCESS GENERAL NOTES (Parking, etc.) This shot spot is on the hill above the marina on 222nd street. It's the newer overlook park, and I'm not sure if it has a number yet, but it's the area with the big deck-like surface (it looks like wood but it's a new, high-tech material of some kind). There is usually parking just 1 block East of this overlook (on 6th avenue, on the left side of street when travelling South). *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.

Canadian Geese Foraging in Grass at Angle Lake Park ©2026 SilverLight Photo Co. The above content is 100% REAL (and no A.I. or Photoshop tricks were used to make it). Canadian Geese at Angle Lake Park < All Scenes Behind-the-Scenes SUPPORT US TO GET FULL BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS (& PRODUCTION DETAILS) GET ACCESS GENERAL NOTES (Parking, etc.) As mentioned before, this location is easy to get to (it's right off HWY 99) and there's usually lots of free parking (unless the weather is really hot, but that doesn't happen too often here). *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.

OVERVIEW: This is a 600 watt portable power source that has a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source) function, so it works well as a backup battery for a computer workstation. 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? For me, I don't consider this to be portable, for a few reasons. First, while it works well as a UPS for a computer workstation, it doesn't hold a charge very well when it isn't charged frequently. Second, it's not portable in the sense of being able to travel with it because it would not be legal to take this type of battery on a passenger airplane. It's sort of portable for camping (because it would fit in a van) but again, the battery doesn't hold a charge on the shelf very well, so that's kind of out. PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, but there are other options at a lower price now (Amazon even warns that the current pricing is high). PART 3: IS IT COMMON? It's fairly common on Amazon and eBay as well, but be careful to not get version 1 (which is sometimes difficult to figure out on eBay listings). PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? For indoor use as a UPS battery (for a computer workstation) it works pretty well, but I'm not going to say it's a good battery for any other (portable) use. PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? It's easy to use as it doesn't have extra features that provide an opportunity to get something wrong. All you have to remember is to not press the little buttons by the plug-ins, because that would turn off the power output. PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? It doesn't need any add-ons. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? I bought it on Amazon (be careful to get the UPGRADED version, which isn't always easy to know on some eBay listings). RECOMMENDATION: I'm really thankful this unit kept us going during a few power outages (so it's good in that respect) but the problem is that I have both versions (1 and 2) and version 1 died after about a year. Version 2 (that says "Upgraded" on Amazon listing) has been working pretty well, for more than a year...so I don't recommend version 1 (it was the tan/white colored version). REAL REVIEWS Long-term reviews of budget photo & video gear. KIT PLAN RECOMMENDATION: [NOT IN KIT] ALLPOWERS R600 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 $ 219 *Indicates SALE price. Amazon AFFILIATE LINK AVERAGE USED PRICE -- **Indicates BUY NOW price. Ebay AFFILIATE LINK Common? ON AMAZON Yes ON EBAY Yes Easy To Use? SKILL LEVEL EASY OVERVIEW: This is a 600 watt portable power source that has a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Source) function, so it works well as a backup battery for a computer workstation. 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? For me, I don't consider this to be portable, for a few reasons. First, while it works well as a UPS for a computer workstation, it doesn't hold a charge very well when it isn't charged frequently. Second, it's not portable in the sense of being able to travel with it because it would not be legal to take this type of battery on a passenger airplane. It's sort of portable for camping (because it would fit in a van) but again, the battery doesn't hold a charge on the shelf very well, so that's kind of out. PART 2: IS IT AFFORDABLE? Yes, but there are other options at a lower price now (Amazon even warns that the current pricing is high). PART 3: IS IT COMMON? It's fairly common on Amazon and eBay as well, but be careful to not get version 1 (which is sometimes difficult to figure out on eBay listings). PART 4: HOW’S THE QUALITY? For indoor use as a UPS battery (for a computer workstation) it works pretty well, but I'm not going to say it's a good battery for any other (portable) use. PART 5: IS IT EASY TO USE? It's easy to use as it doesn't have extra features that provide an opportunity to get something wrong. All you have to remember is to not press the little buttons by the plug-ins, because that would turn off the power output. PART 6: NEEDS ADD-ONS? It doesn't need any add-ons. PART 7: WHERE DO I BUY? I bought it on Amazon (be careful to get the UPGRADED version, which isn't always easy to know on some eBay listings). RECOMMENDATION: I'm really thankful this unit kept us going during a few power outages (so it's good in that respect) but the problem is that I have both versions (1 and 2) and version 1 died after about a year. Version 2 (that says "Upgraded" on Amazon listing) has been working pretty well, for more than a year...so I don't recommend version 1 (it was the tan/white colored version). 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 .