Alec Ortega
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a powerful tool for filmmakers, but its battery life is a common pain point for users. While the camera is marketed as pocket-sized, the addition of a battery grip can significantly extend its battery life, albeit at the cost of added weight and bulk. The standard battery that comes with the camera provides around 45-60 minutes of power, but there are several ways to improve this.
What You'll Learn
Use a battery grip to extend shooting time
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera Battery Grip is a great way to extend shooting time. This accessory allows you to replace the standard LP-E6 battery with two L-series batteries, which can power the camera for over two hours on a single charge. This is a perfect solution for anyone who needs to shoot for extended periods, as it not only extends battery life but also makes the camera easier to hold during longer shoots.
The Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip features a unique carbon fibre design, non-slip hand grips, and a slide-out tray that holds the two L-series batteries. It is easy to attach—simply remove the detachable LP-E6 battery door cover from the camera, slide the pocket grip in, and lock it into place. The grip also has a storage slot for the battery door cover.
The L-series batteries used in the grip are standard batteries for professional lighting equipment and are readily available. They can be charged via the camera's 12V DC connection, even in between takes.
The Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip is an excellent choice for those who need to shoot for extended periods without having to worry about battery life. It provides a more comfortable and secure grip, making it easier to shoot vertically for longer periods.
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Use a high-capacity external power supply
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has been criticised for how quickly it consumes power. One way to extend the battery life of the camera is to use a high-capacity external power supply.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses standard LP-E6 batteries. On a full charge, you can expect around 45-60 minutes of power. However, this time will decrease depending on how long you are recording for and whether the batteries are from legitimate producers. For example, a $60 Canon-branded battery will last longer than two unbranded batteries for $30.
One solution to this issue is to use a high-capacity external power supply. There are several options available, including:
- V-Mount batteries: These are large-capacity batteries that can be attached to the camera via a DIY connector or a third-party V-Mount plate. While they provide a significant amount of power, they also add bulk to the camera setup.
- Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip: This accessory replaces the standard LP-E6 battery with two L-series batteries, providing over two hours of shooting on a single charge. The grip also features a unique carbon fibre design, non-slip hand grips, and a slide-out tray for the batteries. It is integrated into the camera's design, so it doesn't add a lot of extra weight.
- Moman Power 99, Power 99 Touch, and Power 50 Touch: These are v-mount batteries designed specifically for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. They feature multiple output ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and D-Tap, allowing you to power various camera devices simultaneously. The Power 99 Touch also features an LED screen that displays the remaining power and charging time.
When choosing an external power supply, it is important to consider the battery needs of your camera, the recommended battery type and size, power consumption, voltage compatibility, and the size and weight of the battery.
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Use a V-mount plate
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a reputation for burning through power quickly, so you may want to consider using a V-mount plate to extend the battery life of your device.
The majority of larger camera systems and filmmaking accessories use the V-mount battery. If you have a collection of V-mount batteries from another camera, such as the URSA Mini, you can attach them to the Pocket 4K using a V-mount plate.
There are two ways to do this. The first is to make your own DIY V-mount connection. Tom Antos has a video tutorial on how to do this. The second is to buy a third-party V-mount plate. There are several options on the market, including:
- Wooden Camera Pocket 4K V-Mount plate (around $200)
- IndiPRO Tools V-Mount plate with 15mm Rod Mount for BMPCC 4K/6K (includes a one-year warranty)
- Blackmagic Design V-Mount plate for URSA
- V-Mount V-Lock Battery Mount Plate for Blackmagic BMPCC 4K Cinema Camera (includes 1/4'' screw hole and M5 screws)
While these plates can be a great solution, they do have some drawbacks. They can be expensive, and you'll also need to add additional camera rigging to support the V-mount battery and plate, which can increase the overall size of your camera setup.
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Use a battery with a built-in protection system
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses LP-E6 batteries, which are also used in Canon cameras. The battery life of the LP-E6 is around 45-60 minutes, depending on usage and whether they are from legitimate producers. Canon-branded LP-E6 batteries are more expensive but will last longer than third-party options.
To extend the battery life of your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, you can use a battery with a built-in protection system, such as the Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip. This accessory allows you to replace the standard LP-E6 battery with two L-series batteries, which can provide over 2 hours of shooting on a single charge. The battery grip is integrated into the camera's design and features a carbon fibre body, non-slip hand grips, and a slide-out tray for the batteries. It is an excellent solution for anyone who needs to shoot for extended periods and wants a more comfortable grip for longer shoots.
The L-Series batteries used in the Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip are standard batteries for professional lighting equipment and are readily available. They can be charged via the camera's 12V DC connection, and the grip includes a storage slot for the battery door cover.
The Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip is an attractive option for handheld shooting and extended recording times, retailing at $245 from Blackmagic Design resellers.
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Use a battery with a stable core
When purchasing a new battery, you may notice an additional fee, known as a core charge or core deposit, on your order. This fee, typically ranging from $10 to $75, is required by law in most states and serves as an incentive for the proper disposal and recycling of old batteries. The core refers to your old battery, which needs to be returned to the store for recycling to receive a refund of the core charge. This practice is crucial for environmental protection, as it prevents heavy metals from breaking down in landfills and seeping into the ground, causing toxic contamination.
To obtain a refund for your core charge, ensure you return the old battery to the same store where you purchased the new one. It is important to bring the original receipt and return a battery equivalent to the one you bought. Some stores may have specific requirements for the condition of the returned battery, such as minimal dirt and no acid leakage. Check with your local store to understand their specific guidelines and time frame for returning the old battery to receive your refund.
By opting for batteries with stable cores, you can contribute to sustainable practices and extend the life of your Blackmagic camera. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, for instance, uses LP-E6 batteries, which offer 45 to 60 minutes of power on a full charge. However, recording time and the legitimacy of the battery producer can impact this duration. Canon-branded LP-E6 batteries tend to provide longer-lasting power compared to third-party options, which may offer only 75% of the overall power and a shorter life expectancy.
If you're seeking even longer battery life for your Blackmagic camera, consider investing in the Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip. This accessory allows you to replace the standard LP-E6 battery with two L-series batteries, providing over two hours of continuous shooting on a single charge. The battery grip not only extends battery life but also improves ergonomics during handheld shooting, thanks to its carbon fiber design, non-slip hand grips, and a slide-out tray.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to extend the battery life of your Black Magic Camera, including:
- Using a battery grip that allows you to attach additional batteries to your camera.
- Investing in high-quality, branded batteries such as the Canon-branded LP-E6 battery.
- Keeping your camera firmware up to date to take advantage of improved power efficiency.
- Using an external power supply or battery pack.
A battery grip is a good option if you need to shoot for extended periods without interruptions to change batteries. It's also a good choice if you want a more comfortable grip for handheld shooting, as it makes the camera easier to hold for long periods.
Branded LP-E6 batteries, such as the Canon-branded option, tend to provide longer battery life and are more reliable than cheaper third-party alternatives. While they may be more expensive, they offer better performance and a longer lifespan, making them a good long-term investment.
To care for your Black Magic Camera batteries, follow these tips:
- Use a qualified charger designed specifically for your battery type to ensure ideal charging results and protect your battery from damage.
- Charge your batteries at the recommended temperature range provided by the manufacturer to ensure optimal charging performance.
- Store your batteries in a cool, dry place, preferably at room temperature, to avoid shortening their lifespan and affecting their performance.
- Before long-term storage, charge your batteries to 50-70% to avoid capacity loss and extend their lifespan.
- Regularly check your battery's voltage, capacity, and physical condition to spot any issues and ensure peak performance.
