Tag Archives: BlackMagic battery

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Some might see this as overkill, others may see it as an incredibly versatile solution. Especially for those opting to move into the new Sony Camera systems (A7sII / A7RII) that have poor battery life, you'll definitely be looking into some type of external power solution.

The Switronix PB-70 is a unique battery system as it can work as a normal V-Mount battery to power up your LED Lights, but can also double as an external battery solution for many camera systems (including BlackMagic, Canon, etc). Sure you can use other V-Mount batteries to power your camera, but the mounting solution incorporated into this particular V-Mount from Switronix is what makes it clean, simple, and minimal.


Switronix PB-70 Review Video by SatoStudioGear.com

A small quick release adapter first mounts under your camera (or cage) similar to a battery grip. This allows the Switronix PB-70 battery to attach under the camera. And under the PB-70 battery itself is another tripod mount, so you can attach another Tripod QR plate directly to the PB-70 battery. It works very similar to standard camera body battery grip.

cheesycam-switronix-pb-70-battery

Of course the Switronix Powerbase does not really have to mount under a camera body, as it only needs a 1/4-20 threaded mount. This can be mounted to the top of a Blackmagic 4K camera, or on a cheese plate off a shoulder rig. By incorporating these creative mounting options into a V-Mount battery is what makes the PB-70 a versatile battery system.

There are smaller, lighter, and cheaper power solutions for the Sony A7 cameras, but the capacity of the Switronix PB-70 means you can run all day (if not several days). And when mounted to your camera, it still has Two P-Tap out for you to power two other accessories at the same time (on camera LED light, external monitor, etc). And when not used with your camera, your investment means you can still use the PB-70 to power your Large 1x1 Studio LED Light Panels - incredibly versatile.

switronix pb-70 external battery sony a7s a7sii a7rii v-mount led light
VIEW-ITEM Switronix PB-70 Battery Kit for Sony A7s, A7RII, and A7sII

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If you've been following me, you'll see that i've been putting a lot of time and energy into my BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Cameras over the past months. I've been able to mock up a few different setups using several different parts, but honestly I would love to just simplify things and shrink down my battery solution.

balckmagic pocket cinema cameras cheesycam

So in order to standardize my equipment, shrink down and clean up the rigs, I have been looking towards the Varavon BMPCC Kit. The full kit includes an armor cage with HDMI and Power cable locks, Top Handle, and 15mm Rods. They also offer one of the smallest and cleanest BMPCC Battery Solutions with a 15mm clamp.

blackmagic pocket cineme camera varavon armor cage battery

Once I attach my mini shoulder pad and two small front handles, i'd be one happy camper. My goal is to have both my BMPCCs in the same exact setup, but that gets to be expensive. I have already discussed with Varavon the possibility of a significant discount on this bundle if I can organize a 'Group Buy'. So i'm reaching out to see who wants to partake in such an event.

Now the total package $319 [Armor Cage:Top Handle:Rods] + $180 [Battery Package:15mm Clamp] + Shipping = Over $500 Dollars.

If I can get 20 orders together (limit only 20 will be sold at this discount), they have offered to sell each bundle for JUST $320 + FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. And for kicks they'll also throw in one of their Sling Follow Focus tools too.

Once again, i'm trying to drum up at least 20 people who are interested in getting in on this bundle for $320. The have agreed to ONLY OFFER 20 bundles at this price. Start leaving some comments, and if I think we can pull it off i'll start to organize the logistics for everyone to place their order. I have until the end of next week [12.19.2014] to put this deal through - Leave Comments!

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P.S. - I'm hoping to make this 'First Cheesycam Group Buy' a success, and i'll be sure to organize more of these with other companies as well. #GroupBuy

[UPDATE 12.15.2014]: Register NOW For this Deal http://cheesycam.com/register-for-group-buy-deals-and-exclusive-discounts/

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Now that more people have received the BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of comments and questions about solutions for poor battery performance.

At the time, I had just a few days to work with the camera and needed to come up with a quick solution, so I ran over to the electronics store and fashioned up a DIY adapter cable to work with my Tekkeon MP3450i batteries (love these things).

[Note] Tekkeon may already sell an adapter tip to fit the BMPCC directly. I had no time to test.
Tekkeon-Battery-Tips-Adapter-Cable

I wasn't quite sure how long each battery would last, but during a full day of shooting I only needed one battery (and it wasn't even drained at the end of the day). I'm not saying this is a perfect solution, but it's one that I had to work with and can guarantee it does work quite well while we're still waiting for other affordable solutions from companies.

Tekkeon-1 Tekkeon-2 Tekkeon-3 Tekkeon-4

Tekkeon-5 Tekkeon-6 Tekkeon-7 Tekkeon-8
Click Images for Larger View

Here are a few images on how I created a cable with a female connector to one side, and the correct male barrel on the other. This charges the battery inside of the BMPCC as well as powers it. The next time I have a chance, i'll actually do a full test on actual run time.

tekkeon-mp3450i
find-price-button Tekkeon MP3450i 5-12V Battery Pack

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