If you've purchased a Field HDMI Monitor, on-camera LED light, or even Studio LED Paanel, chances are you've had to buy a set of Sony NP-F series: NP-F550/F570/F770/F960/F970
These Sony style batteries are becoming more and more popular, and with plenty of aftermarket versions available at every online retailer, i'd like to hear which ones you've purchased recently and what your feedback is on the batteries you're using. I'm sure many of us could use some good information, so please share your comments and links below, thanks guys!
A
Em
Do you have a recommendation or favored one for a Sony style aftermarket battery? Or which one do you use for your productions?
You had a post back in 2013 that you use the Watson Duo LCD Charger for those batteries.
https://www.amazon.com/Watson-Duo-Charger-Series-Batteries/dp/B00EHSLHEY/?tag=cheesycam-20
Is this still a current model you would recommend for a good battery charger or do you have a more updated recommendation for your charger of choice?
Thanks.
Andrew
I haven't used these myself, but I've been on several shoots with globalmediapro batteries both in sony and v-lock options. One of the slickest is the sony battery that also has a dc or even a d-tap directly on the battery. I don't know how price-competitive they'd be, but the life and reliability on set has been top shelf. I'm tempted to get a 65wh vlock and power breakout... httpss://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A26VH2/Globalmediapro-DC1170C-Battery-65WH-with-DC/
Archie
Why are V-Mount ones so expensive? I have not used any (as I don't have any equipment that use those)
Jtoha
F970s from eBay had been working well for me, mainly using them to power my LED lights.
Ronn
@nate Bummer. I bought 2 in February and have used continuously to power small LED lights with no noticeable problems. Are you using the Sony charger?
nate
@ronn i'm glad you had better luck because those same amazon batts dumped out on me after about a week...
Cfreak
I'd love to see a comparison on V-lock batteries too. Calumet has 2 types & a charger really cheap: https://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_bp_65h_lithium_ion_replacement_battery_with_lcd_display_for_sony_video_cameras/cj0881
Ronn
These from Calumet are great and half the Sony price:
https://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_np_970_replacement_battery_for_sony_camcorders/cj0839
And these are only 18 bucks - have not had any problems:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00352UZQO/
I use them on LED lights, Sony Z1U and HD1000.
Satva
I would like to see this same thread on V mount batteries!
I know this is for aftermarket, but I have always been able to find the Sony NPF770 for reasonable prices, this one is $40 below. I like this med size battery as the small ones run out a bit quicker but the bigger 970's are too bulky to put on accessories.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/221239222700
nate
stay away from these as well. they worked for a week and haven't held a charge since...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00352UZQO/
Barry
Curious to know what batteries people are using for the smallhd AC7. I have a few NP-550s for my light rig and I'd like to stick with them for the monitor. Thanks
Alex
Stay away from Zeikos (Lithium Energy). Their batteries don't have the advertised capacity.
Archie
NPF970
Ben Scott
In the UK, I bought this 2-pack of NP-970s with 2 x F&V RV300 ringlights which were used last week on a shoot, near enough every shot on a music promo all day from around 9.30am until finally dying at around 6pm. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007JLTRIY
Rob S.
That's my experience, too, with the Wasabi
and Maximal batteries
. About 2/3rds capacity and decently reliable so far. I use them for my evf and LED lights. I think when you buy any Chinese battery, even the more well known brands like the ones I mentioned, you have to be prepared to get a dud or two in the mix every once in a while.
Jay Windland
I just bought three of the 970-size Wasabi ones
. So far they seem to have about 2/3 the capacity of the Sony 970, at about 1/3 the price. This is a totally non-scientific estimate though. Side note - I bought them for monitor and LED panels, but the battery level displays seem to read fine in the FS700.
Fred Bo
https://www.patona.it/batteria-sony-np-f970.html
Really great for the price. I'm using it with Sony FS700 camera and will use it with new amaran led light next week.