This is The Digital Story Podcast #958, July 30, 2024. Today's theme is "Hiking or Biking for Summer Photo Adventures?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Two popular summer activities for outdoorsy types are hiking and biking. The days are longer and the air is warmer, tailor-made for both forms of exercise. But what if we want to combine our favorite year-round hobby, photography, with these pursuits? Which is better? On today's TDS Photography Podcast I'll take a look at the pros and cons of each. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Hiking or Biking for Summer Photo Adventures?

Having grown up in Southern California, hiking and biking have been part of my life since I was a kid.

At first, biking. Any boy worth his salt had a set of wheels by the time he went to school. For us, a bicycle was freedom. Since parents in those days didn't think much about their kids until the nosecounts at dinner time, boys and girls with bikes could roam the earth freely until the street lights came on.

Riding a bike is second nature for me. I don't really think about it any more than I do breathing or walking. The magically stays upright as I move from place to place. Even while waiting at traffic lights I can balance with feet on the pedals for a short time.

These days, when I ride to work, I'm traveling between 18 and 22 MPH. That's a lot of ground compared to 3-4 MPH walking speed. My office is 6.5 miles from home. With traffic lights, I get from one place to the other in about 25 minutes. That's a nice commute. If I were to walk it would take 2 hours.

So you'd think that biking would be great for photo adventures. Yes and no. Let's look at the pros and cons.

Biking Pros for Photography

• Can cover more ground. If you're exploring somewhere like wine country, where locations are spread out, then a bike allows for a wider variety of photo opportunities.
• Can carry more weight. I prefer bike trunks to panniers, but even a midsize trunk can transport a decent amount of photo gear that isn't on your shoulders. Plus bottle cages secure your water for the day.
• Bikes provide a variety of options. If you're riding on trails, choose a mountain bike, rough surfaces a gravel bike, and strictly asphalt, go with a nice hybird. Plus now you can supplement your peddling with an electric motor, further increasing your range and conserving your energy.

Biking Cons for Photography

Hiking Pros for Photography

• It's easier to scope out shots, and once you see them, you'll actually take the time to photograph them.
• Photography provides natural breaks from hiking. If I'm trudging up a hill and ready for a break, I'll scope out a scenic overlook and make that my goal. Not only do I have a chance to catch my breath, I often get a lovely shot.

Day hiking requires less gear. There's no bike to lock up and worry about, and the odds of a flat tire are much lower with boots than wheels.

• Hiking is more social than biking. If you have friends joining you on a photo walk, it's so much easier to converse than group bike rides.

Hiking Cons for Photography

• You have to be in better shape for hiking than biking.
• All of your gear must be carried on your back or waist.
• You can cover as much ground as with a bike.

Bottom Line

In my opinion, bikes are best to get you to locations in a point A to point B fashion. But once you're there, it's best to get off the bike, lock it up, then explore your photo opps on foot.

I love the freedom of riding a bike. It's the closest thing I've experienced to flying like a bird. I like that bikes don't pollute the atmosphere. And you can combine biking with public transportation - buses and trains.

But I've learned that for photography, I have to get off the bike if I'm going to fall into a creative zone and make good pictures. Because otherwise, I'll just keep riding, and riding, and riding.

I can't believe Olympus walked away from this camera - if only we had it now

You can read the entire story on DigitalCameraWorld.com.

Apple may use Samsung for iPhone cameras, ending longtime Sony run

You can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

The Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel on the back window of a VW ID.4

If you want to keep your cameras, laptops, phones, and tablets topped off while camping and on the go, the Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel ($129) might be the perfect solution. It's super compact (about the size of a laptop when collapsed), weighs just 2.6 pounds, and has a maximum output of 40 watts.

40W Mini Solar Panel Top Features

• Direct Device Charging: With direct charging capabilities via its included hub, you can power up your devices quickly and efficiently.
• Efficient Solar Conversion: Featuring a 23 percent solar conversion rate, ensures you get the most power possible from the sun.
• Extreme Durability: With an IP68 waterproof rating and verified through 8 IEC tests, this solar panel is built to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions.
• Solar panel cable with multifunctional USB hub, which is exclusive to the standalone version of the SolarSaga 40W panel.

Pairing the Solar Panel with a Mini Power Station

The solar panel fits perfectly on the back window of my VW ID.4 SUV, serving as both a sunshade and a solar generator at the same time. Devices can be plugged directly into its hub that includes one USB-C and one USB-A port, or you can pair the solar panel with the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station ($129) that features 100W Dual PD charging and discharging.

The Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station that fits in the palm of your hand.

This is how I typically work with the 40 watt solar panel - I have the panel plugged into the Explorer 100 to add power while I use the other USB-C port to charge a device. This can happen simultaneously.

The Jackery 100 Plus can be charged and discharged simultaneously, providing a constant flow of energy for your digital devices.

All of my current cameras can be recharged via USB-C - Fujifilm X100V, Olympus OM-1, and Nikon Zf - as well as my iPhone 15 Pro Max and MacBook Pro M1 14" laptop. A full Explorer 100 Plus can do a complete round of charging of all three cameras, the iPhone, and the iPad. After recharging the Explorer 100, it can also completely refuel my MacBook Pro.

Using the 40-watt solar panel, I usually see about 25 watts of juice flow into the Explorer 100, recharging it in a couple hours.

Safer than Drawing Off the Car's 12 Volt Battery

Many cars allow for charging off their 12-volt batteries via a 12-volt car accessory plug or via USB ports. This is convenient when the car is running, but should be used with caution when not in motion, especially in remote locations.

The last thing you want to do is compromise your 12-volt car battery so it can't do its intended job: keep your car running. Having a separate power source for digital devices is an extra layer of protection against mishaps.

The Jackery 100 Plus power station can be shaded by the 40W solar panel when working in hot conditions.

Bottom Line

The Jackery SolarSaga 40W Mini Solar Panel combined with the Jackery Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station provides a flexible, powerful energy source for your digital devices when away from home.

The panel folds down to 10" x 12" and the mini power station is only 5" x 3.5". Together they will fit easily in any gear bag for the working photographer. Both items can be stowed in carry-on for air travel and used on location when you arrive.

USB-C Power Delivery allows this compact duo to refuel every piece of gear I use without having to lug around bulky power adapters. All I need is a USB-C cable, and I'm in business.

Other Articles in This Series

The Bluetti AC70 Power Station Review - Off-the-Grid Freedom.

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Review - Power Your Roadtrips.

Roadtripping with the BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Fridge/Freezer - A Review.

Hot Coffee, Soup, on the Road with this Portable Electric Kettle.

Note: The affiliate links in this article help support my research and writing. There is no additional charge to you the customer. Thank you for using those links.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #957, July 23, 2024. Today's theme is "Behind the Scenes at the Olympics." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Opening ceremonies for the Paris Summer Olympics are this Friday. Certainly this is a thrilling moment for athletes from all over the world who will compete for their countries. But it's also an exciting time for the media specialists who are preparing to capture those moments. I've been lucky enough to witness firsthand the Olympic experience. And to celebrate the Paris event, I will take you behind the scenes to the Beijing Summer Olympics. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Behind the Scenes at the Olympics

Derrick tells the story of his Beijing Olympic experience.

"The Summer Olympics in Beijing were held from August 8 to 24, 2008. A total of 10,942 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in 28 sports and 302 events, one event more than those scheduled for the 2004 Summer Olympics.[2] This was the first time China had hosted the Olympic Games, and the third time the Summer Olympic Games had been held in East Asia, following the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. These were also the second Summer Olympic Games to be held in a communist state, the first being the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Soviet Union (with venues in Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, and Estonia)."

"During the 2008 summer games, an unprecedented 87 countries won at least one medal. Host nation China won the most gold medals (48), and became the seventh different team to top an overall Summer Olympics medal tally, winning a total of 100 medals overall. The United States placed second in the gold medal tally but won the highest number of medals overall (112). The third place in the gold medal tally was achieved by Russia." Source: Wikipedia.

Camera sales hit highest level for three years driven by mirrorless and a compact rebound

You can read the entire story on DPReview.com.

This $479 Smart Telescope Lets Anyone Shoot Beautiful Astro Photos

You can read the entire story on Petapixel.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #956, July 16, 2024. Today's theme is "How Still Photography, Once Again, Tells the Story" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

New York Times photographer, Doug Mills was on stage just a few feet from Donald Trump when an assassin's bullet grazed the former president's ear. Mills, who has been covering the presidency since the days of Ronald Regan, recorded a series of images that help tell the story of that terrible day. This week, I'm thinking about the value of photojournalism as we try to understand these events.

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How Still Photography, Once Again, Tells the Story

Essay read by Derrick Story.

Source credits from the essay.

From The Daily: The Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump, Jul 15, 2024.

Associated Press: In a world of moving pictures, photographs capture indelible moments in Trump assassination attempt.

The Art of Stills Photography on Movie Sets

You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.

Canon teases 'Something Big' on July 17th

You can read the entire story on DPREview.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #955, July 9, 2024. Today's theme is "Are You an Off-the-Grid Ready Photographer?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

Some of the most important images in my personal library were captured during the Tubbs Fire of 2017. I documented the events the best I could during our 10-day evacuation flee. But I could have done better, much better, had I been prepared. And I wasn't. Whether it's in time of emergency, or fulfilling a desire to just get away, off-the-grid readiness is sure to pay dividends at some point in the near future. In this week's podcast, I share what I've learned over the last seven years. I hope you enjoy the show.

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Are You an Off-the-Grid Ready Photographer?

On Monday, July 8, 2024, the Texas Tribune reports: "Hurricane Beryl has knocked out power for more than 2.7 million Texas customers, as of 12:59 p.m. Monday, based on estimates from PowerOutage.us and CenterPoint Energy.

Outages are most extensive in the Houston area and coastal counties including Matagorda, where Beryl landed as a Category 1 hurricane at approximately 4 a.m., Monday. Significant outages are also in Galveston County, Calhoun County and Jackson County. As the morning progressed, outages extended further inland and into Deep East Texas to areas including Polk, San Jacinto, Montgomery, Grimes and Washington Counties.

As we all know, reports like this are commonplace. Now, this show isn't about doom and gloom. But, what if we could combine emergency preparedness with outdoor adventure and photography? In other words, doing what we like helps prepare us for an event that we don't want, but need to be ready for?

I have a camping trip coming up in a few weeks that I'm so looking forward to. These outings have evolved a lot over the last few years, becoming more enjoyable than ever.

In part, that's because camping gear has improved - many of those new items I will talk about today. Additionally, getting away from early morning leaf blowers, cranky commuters, and the steady stream of discouraging news has its advantages as well.

I also view my solo camping trips as dry runs for disaster preparedness. In a most enjoyable way, I test my evacuation system for our family, including cooking options, sleeping accommodations, power supply, and more.

One new example that I'll be writing about later next month is an item called TentBox. It's a tent that mounts to the top of the car and can sleep 2 people. It collapses to only 18" tall while driving, but is a full-fledged living space when erected. One of the many advantages is that it can be set up in just a minute or two, and I don't have to unload anything out of the car to get some shuteye. Stay tuned for that review in mid-August.

In addition to these dry runs helping me improve my preparedness, this type of exercise will allow me to be a better storyteller. I will spend less time dealing with the elements, and will have more time for documenting with my photography and writing.

Sounds efficient, doesn't it? Let's dig into some of the specifics.

The Shortlist of Considerations

So I'm going to start with the basics for car camping and emergency preparedness, then get into our photography and computer gear after that.

• Food - Food is important, obviously, but my experience has been there isn't a lot of time, or the facility, for cooking meals. That's why I like having dehydrated backpacking meals in the mix. If you haven't had one for a while, I think you'll be surprised at how good they taste, and they are satisfying. My camping trips allow me to rotate stock, using up the older ones and replacing with new meals.
• Water is more difficult because it's bulky. We can only store and transport so much. I prefer 1-gallon containers that are easier to stash in odd places than bigger containers that are heavy and bulky.
• Sleeping - Unless you have a Rec Van, you're most likely looking at some sort of tent for shelter. Personally, I like tents. Sometimes I even feel like a kid in a fort with them. But I don't like pitching them. And they take up room in the back of the SUV where I'd rather be storing other supplies. So, I'm hoping that my top-of-car mounted tentbox is the answer that I've been looking for. Be sure to have an inflatable mattress and a good sleeping bag for each person in your party.
• Power - This is where things have really changed for me over the last couple years. I once looked at power as a luxury. It's nice to have camp lighting, laptops, and air compressors. I now look at these items as necessities. If I'm going to be able to do my thing in any location, I need power.

  USB-C Power Delivery (PD) has improved charging my electronic devices substantially by sending up to 100 watts through the USB-C cable. Because the Power Station monitors the charging, devices such as my laptop are refueled quickly and efficiently. All you need is the cable.

  So now I'm more interested in higher-capacity Power Stations, such as the Bluetti AC70 1,000 Watt Power Station (768Wh Capacity for $429) and the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus (632Wh capacity for $399). Not only can the keep my cameras and computers running, but they can also power portable refrigerators, lighting, compressors, hot water kettles, and more. And they are compatible with portable solar panels.

• Clothing - I know this category isn't as sexy as electronics, but it makes a world of difference when it comes to comfort. Hats, gloves, boots, jackets, and both short and long pants are worth testing on your camping trips. Keep the good stuff. Move along the rest.

Once you've tested (and enjoyed) your outdoor equipment on a camping trip, pack it in an organized way back home. I like stackable plastic containers that are efficient in both the garage and in the car. If you need to make a quick get-away, everything is already organized and ready to go.

The Bluetti AC70 Power Station Review

One thing I've learned while testing portable power stations is the importance of finding the right balance between ample energy storage in a unit that's still light enough to carry around. That's why I've come to appreciate 1,000-watt models, which walk that line between capacity and mobility, and most recently in that category, the Bluetti AC70.

This 22.5-pound unit measures 12.4" x 8.2" x 10.1". I can pick it up with one hand, carry it to the car, and it doesn't take up much room in the boot. Its LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries have a total capacity of 768Wh with two AC outlets (1,000W Rated Power/ 2,000W Lifting Power), two USB-C ports (100 watts), a pair of USB-A ports (12 watts), and a 12V DC car accessory outlet. If needed, surge power can go up to 2,000 watts.

During testing, the AC70 powered a mini fridge, hot water kettle, room fan, laptop, stereo system, LCD television, and living room lamps. It's beefy enough to serve as a backup power source at home and mobile enough to run an entire campsite on the road. This type of versatility means that the AC70 will provide a return on its modest investment regardless if you're a road-tripping photographer or someone who wants to trim energy costs at home with portable solar.

Things I Like (and what also could be improved)

What I liked

• Bright, informative LCD screen
• Dedicated standard DC input for solar panels
• Excellent mobile app for monitoring the unit and adjusting its settings
• Fast recharging via AC outlet, solar, car accessory port, or gas generator
• Simultaneous input/output capability
• Customizable configuration
• Robust design
• Excellent value for 1,000-watt unit (currently available for $429)

What could be improved

• Lacks built-in emergency light
• Bluetooth only, no WiFi to extend range of mobile app

You can read the entire, comprehensive review here.

Amazon Prime Day Sale

The Bluetti AC70 Portable Power Station is on sale for $399 as part of Amazon Prime Day, until July 15, 2024.

The OM-5 Advantage | 4 Computational Features You Need to Know

You can read the entire story on GetOlympus.com.

Enhance Your Photos With NASA's Sharpening Technique

You can read the entire story on FStoppers.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.

Bluetti AC70 Power Station connected to a Bodega Mini Fridge in the boot of a VW ID.4

One thing I've learned while testing portable power stations is the importance of finding the right balance between ample energy storage in a unit that's still light enough to carry around. That's why I've come to appreciate 1,000-watt models, which walk that line between capacity and mobility, and most recently in that category, the Bluetti AC70.

This 22.5-pound unit measures 12.4" x 8.2" x 10.1". I can pick it up with one hand, carry it to the car, and it doesn't take up much room in the boot. Its LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries have a total capacity of 768Wh with two AC outlets (1,000W Rated Power/ 2,000W Lifting Power), two USB-C ports (100 watts), a pair of USB-A ports (12 watts), and a 12V DC car accessory outlet. If needed, surge power can go up to 2,000 watts.

During testing, the AC70 powered a mini fridge, hot water kettle, room fan, laptop, stereo system, LCD television, and living room lamps. It's beefy enough to serve as a backup power source at home and mobile enough to run an entire campsite on the road. This type of versatility means that the AC70 will provide a return on its modest investment regardless if you're a road-tripping photographer or someone who wants to trim energy costs at home with portable solar.

Things I Like (and what also could be improved)

What I liked

• Bright, informative LCD screen
• Dedicated standard DC input for solar panels
• Excellent mobile app for monitoring the unit and adjusting its settings
• Fast recharging via AC outlet, solar, car accessory port, or gas generator
• Simultaneous input/output capability
• Customizable configuration
• Robust design
• Excellent value for 1,000-watt unit (currently available for $429)

What could be improved

• Lacks built-in emergency light
• Bluetooth only, no WiFi to extend range of mobile app

There's a great deal of competition among portable power stations. Each brand has its personality and features. Let's take a look at what Bluetti has packed into the AC70.

Input - Adding Power to the AC70

Input from a 100-watt solar panel and simultaneous DC and AC output.

SOLAR: I have a 100W solar panel permanently set up on my south-facing patio at the studio. I use it to keep all my power stations topped off. Most of my small appliances at work run off the solar-fueled power stations. That includes lighting, all of my electronics, cooling fans, and the television.

The AC70 fits right into this scenario. During the day it receives a flow of 65-75 watts from the panel, which is enough to power my appliances downstairs. If I need more juice, I can set up a 200W panel knowing the AC70 can accept up to 500Ws (12V-58VDC, 10A) from solar. At that level, I could refuel the unit in about 3 hours. And yes, it does have pass-through charging, so I can input and output simultaneously.

PLUG-IN AC: When I'm on the road, I can also top off the Bluetti via 120V AC in the hotel. (I like to camp for two nights, then hotel one night.) This form of charging, plugging the AC70 into the wall, was one of my first peeks into its unique feature set.

There are three modes for plugin charging - Silent, Standard, and Turbo. Silent, which is easiest on the batteries and doesn't prompt the fans to kick on, limited charging to 265 watts. Standard, which is the middle option, logged in at 437 watts. And Turbo kicked it up to 928 watts.

It's good to know that you can refuel the AC70 in less than an hour, but I would reserve the Turbo setting for those times when speed is most important, because it does add more stress to the batteries than the other modes.

Plus, using Silent mode, I went from 14 percent full to 100 percent in just a little over 3 hours with no noise or stress. This will be my default setting.

12V CAR ACCESSORY PORT: There's an adapter to tap the 12V car accessory port for recharging. I tend not to use that option since I have an electric VW ID.4, and I'd rather use its juice to reach my next destination, but it's great to have that adapter if needed.

A Word About the Bluetti Mobile App

The easiest way to monitor activity and adjust settings is with the mobile app. Using my iPhone, I was able to control nearly every aspect of the AC70, including changing the charging modes I just discussed.

The app also contains a ton of information to help you learn how to better use the device, contact tech support, and more. The Bluetooth connectivity was stable, and if I wandered far away from the Bluetti, it easily reconnected when I was back in range. That said, I do wish it had WiFi as well. This would be particularly handy at home where I could monitor the AC70 from any room.

Powering Appliances with the Bluetti AC70

A hot water tea kettle drawing 1000 watts plus is a good test for any power station.

This is a reason why we have a power station in the first place... to power and charge things. And in this capacity, the AC70 performs its job admirably.

I'll start with a pair of USB-C ports with a maximum power output of 100 watts. These are output-only ports, which I prefer, so there's no confusion when you're trying to transfer power to another USB-C device.

One such example is using the AC70 to top off smaller units that have two-way ports. The energy always flows the way that I want, from the larger unit to the smaller one.

USB-C is also handy for my MacBook Pro laptop, Nikon Zf camera, Olympus OM-1 camera, Apple Watch, and just about every other portable device that I depend on. When I plug in the Mac, the output reading zooms up to 74 watts providing a quick charge of the laptop. And I can charge both camera and MacBook at the same time.

For photographers and videographers on the go, the AC70 provides freedom from AC outlets. It can power cameras, computers, and accessories for an entire day, regardless of your location.

I don't use them as much, but there are also two USB-A outlets that are rated at 12 watts in total. They are handy for smaller peripherals such as keyboards and mice.

For heavy-duty appliances, such as hot water kettles, microwaves, and televisions, there are a pair of AC outlets. This is where robust really comes into play. Smaller 300-watt units are fine for light duty, but if you plug a 750-watt microwave or 1,000-watt tea kettle into them, they shut down.

The AC70 can handle both of these scenarios. My litmus test is a 1,000-watt tea kettle that I have on the kitchen counter at work. I plugged it into the Bluetti, filled halfway with water, and turned it on.

The LCD readout soared to over 1,000 watts, but that wasn't a problem for the AC70 because of Power Lifting, which allows the Bluetti to handle high-power resistive loads up to 2,000 watts. (If it's disabled, you can turn it on in the Setting Mode by pressing and holding the AC power button.)

Of course, battery drainage is going to be faster in these situations. But generally speaking, we're usually only talking about a few minutes to boil water or heat up a dinner.

Finally, we can't overlook the venerable 12V car accessory port that can power 12V DC appliances up to 120 watts. I like it because its direct current is the perfect source for my Bodega Portable Refrigerator that only draws 35 watts in Eco mode. That's a lot of cold drinks from the AC70.

ECO Mode on the Bluetti

ECO Mode indicated on the LCD display. Also, showing AC charging in Standard Mode.

This setting is important for conserving energy in the AC70. That's because the power station is much more than a bunch of Lithium batteries packed in a case.

There's an operating system (complete with OTA firmware updates), Bluetooth radio, and lots of internal electronics. If you were to leave the system on, even without output load, the AC70 would slowly drain power.

In my tests, it lost 3 percent in a 6-hour period, with no load (going from 100 percent to 97 percent.) I wasn't surprised by this, but it was a good reminder to shut down the AC70 when its services were not needed. ECO mode can help with that.

When operating in this mode, the AC or DC output will automatically turn off if the AC70 is bearing below the threshold you set, or with no load at all for the amount of time you've selected in the settings. This helps the Bluetti retain more of its energy.

Eco mode settings can be set independently for AC and DC. With either, there are increments of 1-4 hours and minimum wattage draw as well.

If neither the AC nor the DC outlets are enabled, the AC70 will shut down automatically after a short period of time. So if you want it to stay on, enable either AC or DC, even if nothing is plugged in.

All of the Eco mode settings are available in the Bluetti mobile app.

Final Thoughts

If you've never experienced the robust joy of a 1,000-watt portable power station, I doubt you will be able to go back to smaller units except for specialized situations.

Everything gets easier with more storage. A cloudy day is no longer a deal-breaker, and your camping trip can stretch to an extra day or two.

At 22 pounds, the AC70 is right on the edge of portability. Most people can grab it single-handedly and carry it to its working destination. It will fit on top of a roller bag for transport to a hotel room.

(When your mates ask you why you're bringing a roller bag on a camping trip, you can show them why as you transport the AC70 up to the room for refueling on an off day.)

What separates the Bluetti AC70 from other units I've tested is its high value, being priced less than similarly featured 1,000-watt power stations - plus its bright, informative LCD screen; truly useful mobile app; and excellent design.

And for photographers, campers, and road trippers, the Bluetti AC70 provides that much-needed muscle in a unit compact enough to take anywhere.

Other Articles in This Series

Jackery 40W Mini Solar Panel for Your Cameras and Devices.

The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Review - Power Your Roadtrips.

Roadtripping with the BODEGAcooler Mini 12V Portable Fridge/Freezer - A Review.

Hot Coffee, Soup, on the Road with this Portable Electric Kettle.

Note: The affiliate links in this article help support my research and writing. There is no additional charge to you the customer. Thank you for using those links.

This is The Digital Story Podcast #954, July 2, 2024. Today's theme is "How Megatank Printers Change Everything - Canon G620 Review." I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue

When my aging All-In-One Canon printer rattled out its final 5x7, I began shopping for a replacement. There are many options in this category, but I wanted to take advantage of the latest innovations. That's when I discovered that mega-tank printers were becoming viable for cost-consciousness photographers. I opted for a 6-ink Canon Pixma G620. And Oh My how things have changed. Find out how on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

Tune-In Via Your Favorite Podcast App!

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How Megatank Printers Change Everything - Canon G620 Review

My dedicated photo printer is the venerable Canon Pro-100. It has 8 ink cartridges, each with 13 ML of fluid. A full replacement set costs $120. Based on the reporting of other photographers, ink costs per 4"x6" print is about 50 cents per. The Pro-100 produces lovely prints and has served my well for years.

My new Canon PIXMA G620 Printer ($249) is a 6-ink printer with user-replaceable print heads and is refueled with 57 ML ink bottles that cost $15 each - $90 for a complete set which can output approximately 3,800 4"x6" prints at about 2.5 cents each.

One Canon GI-23 bottle of ink contains more fluid than 4 Canon CLI-42 cartridges for the Canon Pro-100 that sell for $17 each.

This is quite a difference! Are we giving up print quality or longevity? Not at all. Both printers are dye-based. The Chromalife 100 System 3 ink in the G620 protects your photos from fading up to 100 Years in a photo album, 30 Years behind glass (Light Fastness), or 20 Years without the glass (Gas Fastness), approximately the same as prints from the Canon Pro-100.

The Canon G620 is developing an interesting reputation among reviewers. Across the board they agree that the photo output is amazing, worthy of serious enthusiast photographers.

But as a multi-functional device is has shortcomings compared to the competition - slower page output, no duplex printing, no automatic document feeder, and a very basic LCD panel. I agree with all of these nits.

But I'm a photographer who sometimes prints documents. And the photo output is more important to me than document speed. The Canon PRINT app allows me to set up jobs directly from my iPhone. And the scanner and copier work great.

Maximum print size is 8.5"x14". So, for the bulk of my daily work, the G620 works fine. And if I need bigger, my Pro-100 is still firing on all cylinders.

But there is one important drawback for Mac users. Canon leans on the AirPrint driver for the Mac, so you can't use ICC profiles. Red River paper has published a set of ICC profiles for the G620, but they can only be used via Windows machines.

I was more worried about this until I actually started printing. Setting up the jobs with the proper parameters such as paper surface and quality, the output was fantastic. I know I should be missing the ICC profiles. But to be honest, I can't say that I would get anything better out of the printer using them.

Bottom Line

The Canon PIXMA G620 Printer has changed my everyday printing. It's affordable to run, had great image quality, and I feel much better about tossing less stuff in the landfill.

Japan's Olympic athletes will wear outfits designed to block infrared cameras

You can read the entire story on TheVerge.com.

Nikon announces $600 Z 35mm F1.4 - its first F1.4 for Z mount

You can read the entire story on DPReview.com.

Virtual Camera Club News

The Nimble Photographer Newsletter is now publishing every Thursday. Readers will enjoy a variety of content spanning from short photo essays, to commentary on weekly events, to reviews of the latest and coolest photo gear.

Inner Circle Members: A big thanks to those who support our podcast and our efforts! We are having a blast at our new Inner Circle hangout, the private group I've set up at DerrickStoryOnline. We'd love it if you join us. You can become an Inner Circle Member by signing up at our Patreon site. You will automatically be added to the new hangout.

Great Photography Articles on Live View - If you check out our publication and appreciate what you see, be sure to follow us and clap for those authors. You can find us at medium.com/live-view.

If you're interested in writing for Live View, drop me a line at dstory@gmail.com.

The New Donation Kit for Carefree Shipping of Found Film Cameras - If you've discovered a film camera that's no longer being used, our new Donation Kit makes it easy to pack and ship. Just visit the Contact Form on thenimblephotographer.com, click the box next to Donating a Film Camera, and let me know what you have. In your note, be sure to include your shipping address.

Affiliate Links - The links to some products in this podcast contain an affiliate code that credits The Digital Story for any purchases made from B&H Photo and Amazon via that click-through. Depending on the purchase, we may receive some financial compensation.

Red River Paper - And finally, be sure to visit our friends at Red River Paper for all of your inkjet supply needs.

See you next week!

You can share your thoughts at the TDS Facebook page, where I'll post this story for discussion.