Charging The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K: A Guide

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is a powerful camera that produces beautiful imagery. However, it has been criticised for its short battery life. The camera uses removable LP-E6 type batteries, which typically last for 45-60 minutes of power. To extend the battery life, you can use a battery grip, which adds two extra batteries and provides up to 3 hours of shooting time. Another option is to use a V-Lock battery, which can provide over 5 hours of on-and-off shooting. You can also power the camera via AC power or USB-C input, although the charging function will be slower when connected to a power source like a power bank or laptop.

Charging via USB-C

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can be charged via USB-C. The USB-C port is an innovative, high-speed expansion port that operates at up to 5 Gb/s. It can be used to connect to a power source such as a power bank or laptop to charge the camera's battery. However, it's important to note that charging via USB-C will be slower than charging via mains power.

When using USB-C to charge the camera, it is crucial to ensure that the power source is compatible with the camera's voltage requirements. It is possible to damage the camera by connecting it to an incompatible power source. If you are unsure about the compatibility of a power source, it is recommended to contact Blackmagic for guidance.

The USB-C port also enables recording directly to external media disks, providing significantly longer recording times. This feature allows you to shoot in 6K using the highest constant quality 12-bit Blackmagic RAW or at high frame rates.

Additionally, the USB-C port can be used to connect to accessories such as SSDs or hard disks for Blackmagic RAW and ProRes recording. This provides a convenient way to extend recording times and simplifies the workflow by eliminating the need for file copying after shooting.

In summary, the USB-C port on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K offers a versatile range of functions, including charging the camera's battery, powering accessories, and extending recording times by recording directly to external media disks. However, when using USB-C for charging, it is important to ensure compatibility with the camera's voltage requirements to avoid potential damage.

Using a branded LP-E6 battery

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses a branded LP-E6 type battery. This is a 2000mAh lithium-ion battery that can be used as a replacement for a lost battery or as a spare. The battery weighs 2 oz and has dimensions of 2.2 x 1.5 x 0.8" / 5.6 x 3.8 x 2.0 cm.

To charge the LP-E6 battery, you can use a USB Type-C specific power adapter, such as the BoxWave Charger, which is designed to charge your Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. This charger delivers 15W of power, allowing for rapid charging. It is also economical and works with both North American and international voltage standards, making it perfect for travelling.

Another option for charging the LP-E6 battery is to use the USB-C port on the camera. This method will only work when the camera is turned off and when the power source provides enough power.

Additionally, you can charge the LP-E6 battery by connecting the camera to mains power via the power adapter or a V-lock, AB, or PÁG battery that runs over 14VDC. This will charge the battery while the camera is running or turned off, as long as there is ample power.

It is important to note that the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 and 6K Pro models use larger NP-F570 batteries, so be sure to use the correct battery type for your camera model.

Using a third-party LP-E6 battery

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses removable LP-E6 type batteries. You can use third-party LP-E6 batteries to power the camera, but there have been mixed experiences with this. Some users have reported that third-party batteries do not seem to work with the camera at all, while others have found that they work just fine, albeit with reduced performance compared to branded LP-E6 batteries.

When using third-party LP-E6 batteries, you can expect around 75% of the power of a Canon-branded battery, and the life expectancy of the battery is shorter. This means that on a full charge, you're likely to get around 35-45 minutes of power. However, this will depend on how long you're recording and the quality of the third-party battery.

If you're looking for a longer-term solution, it might be worth investing in official LP-E6 batteries or alternative power options, such as the Blackmagic Pocket 4K Battery Grip, which uses Sony L series batteries and can power the camera for up to two hours on a single charge.

Another option is to use V-mount batteries, which are commonly used with larger camera systems. You can either create your own DIY V-mount connection or purchase a third-party V-mount plate to attach the battery to the camera.

It's important to note that using alternative power options may increase the overall size of the camera and require additional camera rigging, so it's essential to consider your setup and budget before making a decision.

Using a V-Lock battery

The V-Lock battery is not one of the powering options that Blackmagic promotes on their website, but it is a popular choice for users of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.

To use a V-Lock battery with the camera, you will need to purchase a V-Mount Battery Plate, which connects to the camera using a dedicated 2-pin connector at the end of a 16" cable. The plate attaches to your camera rig via an integrated 15mm LWS rod bracket. This can be positioned on the back of your rig, allowing the plate and battery to function as a counterweight.

The V-Lock battery offers longer-lasting power than the standard LP-E6 battery pack, with some photographers claiming to be able to shoot continuously for over five hours using this method.

When setting up your V-Lock battery, it is recommended to install it beneath the camera, which can aid in balancing your setup. However, this may obstruct the screen, so it is worth investing in an external monitor.

It is also worth noting that the V-Lock battery setup requires rewiring the power terminals inside the camera to connect to the V-Mount battery plate. This means that the 12-volt power plug on the side of the camera will no longer work, so you will not be able to power your camera using this connection.

Overall, the V-Lock battery is a compact, easy-to-mount, and powerful option for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, offering a cost-effective solution for users who require longer-lasting power.

Charging via AC power

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can be charged via AC power using the included AC plug pack, which can simultaneously power the camera and charge the battery. The camera can also be charged via the USB-C expansion port, which can be connected to a power bank or laptop. However, charging via the USB-C port will be slower than charging via the AC plug pack.

It is important to ensure that any power source connected to the camera has a compatible voltage to avoid damaging the camera. If you are unsure about the compatibility of a power source, it is recommended to contact Blackmagic for guidance.

In addition to AC power charging, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can also be powered by removable LP-E6 batteries or by using a battery grip accessory that holds additional batteries.

Frequently asked questions