Professional photographers and filmmakers have unique power needs: cameras, drones, laptops for editing, LED panels, monitors, and audio equipment. A portable power station replaces the pile of batteries and chargers with a single, reliable source.
What Photographers and Filmmakers Need
Typical Power Draws
- Mirrorless camera battery charger: 15-25W
- Drone battery charger (DJI): 60-100W
- Laptop for tethered shooting/editing: 60-100W
- LED panel light (Aputure, Godox): 60-300W
- External monitor: 15-30W
- Audio recorder/mixer: 10-20W
- Gimbal charger: 20-30W
Daily Power Budget (Typical Shoot)
A full day of shooting with a mirrorless camera, two drone batteries, a laptop, and a small LED panel uses roughly 500-800Wh. Add more lights or a longer editing session and you approach 1,000Wh.
Why Power Stations Beat Extra Batteries
- Fewer items to manage. One station replaces 5-10 individual batteries and chargers.
- Charge multiple devices simultaneously. Charge a drone, laptop, and camera battery at the same time.
- Run AC-powered gear. LED panels, monitors, and studio lights that require AC outlets work directly.
- Edit on location. Run a laptop for hours without worrying about its internal battery.
Gear Recommendations by Shoot Type
Solo Photographer (Day Trip)
Power need: 200-400Wh Recommendation: EcoFlow River 3 (245Wh, 7.8 lbs)
Charge camera batteries, a drone, and a phone. Fits in a camera bag. At 7.8 lbs, it adds minimal weight to your kit.
Photo/Video Team (Full Day)
Power need: 800-1,200Wh Recommendation: EcoFlow Delta 3 Plus (1,024Wh, 25.4 lbs)
Run LED panels, charge multiple drones, power a tethered laptop, and charge batteries simultaneously. Fast charging means you can top up during lunch breaks.
Multi-Day Production
Power need: 1,500Wh+ Recommendation: Bluetti AC180 (1,152Wh, $699) paired with a solar panel
For multi-day shoots in remote locations, pair a high-capacity station with a 200-400W solar panel. The AC180 offers the best capacity per dollar.
Tips for Field Use
- Charge drones first. Drone batteries take the longest and are often needed early in the shoot.
- Keep the station in shade. Direct sunlight heats up the unit and reduces efficiency.
- Use USB when possible. USB output is more efficient than AC. If your device charges via USB-C, use that port instead of AC.
- Bring a solar panel for multi-day shoots. A 200W panel adds 800-1,000Wh of charge per sunny day.
Related reading: Find the right size in our power station size calculator. See budget options in best power stations under $500.