Mounting A Battery Plate: A Guide For Cameramen

Mounting a battery plate to your camera is a straightforward process that usually involves two steps. Firstly, you need to choose a battery with the right capacity, interface, and size that matches your camera equipment. This step is crucial as selecting a battery with insufficient power storage capacity or an incompatible charge output port can hinder the performance of your camera setup. The second step is to simply connect the battery to the adapter plate and then mount the plate onto your camera setup. The order of these two steps can be reversed, and modern designs often feature a release button for easy power supply changes.

V-mount to v-mount adapter plate or clamp

V-mount to V-mount adapter plates or clamps are used to attach an external power supply to a camera, camcorder, studio light, monitor, or other photography devices. They are especially useful when direct installation is not possible. Here are some examples of V-mount to V-mount adapter plates or clamps:

SmallRig V-Mount Battery Plate

The SmallRig V-Mount Battery Plate comes with a dual 15mm rod clamp to help mount the plate to your 15mm LWS rod system. It utilizes a standard V mount and fits most V-mount batteries, providing greater battery life for your camera rig. It also features an adjustable arm for quick adjustment of the V-mount battery position.

NEEWER Mini V Mount Battery Plate

The NEEWER Mini V Mount Battery Plate comes with a wide super crab clamp and a quick-release lock for tripod light stand C stand gimbal column and 15mm rod. It is compatible with FXLION Sony NEEWER V Mount Batteries.

Fomito V-Mount V-Lock Base Station Quick Release Plate

The Fomito V-Mount V-Lock Base Station Quick Release Plate is a V-mount to V-mount adapter that can be used to attach an external power supply to your camera or camcorder. It features a super clamp for mounting to a lighting stand, tripod, or support rod.

Moman VBC Crab-Shaped Clamp

The Moman VBC is a small clamp mount with a V-shape lock that fastens to a tripod leg or video light stand to retain a V-mount battery. It is a mini clamp that works well in confined areas, such as a lever or a crank-like ring grip.

Rolux RL- G1P001 V-Mount Clamp

The Rolux RL- G1P001 V-Mount Clamp can be mounted to a light stand or tripod via the clamp. It is perfect for powering devices such as cameras, lights, or monitors when you need a way to mount a V-mount battery.

NP-F battery to v-mount battery converter adapter

The NP-F to V-Mount Battery Converter Adapter allows you to power your camera setup by adapting inexpensive Sony NP-F batteries to gear that runs on V-mount batteries. This is a handy solution when your gear needs an extra power boost, and you can have multiple, inexpensive NP-F batteries on standby.

The converter adapter has a simple installation process. First, connect the NP-F battery to the adapter plate. Then, fix the V-mount battery plate onto your camera setup. The order of these steps can be reversed, as it is now easy to replace the power supply.

There are several NP-F to V-Mount Battery Converter Adapters available on the market. The Neewer NP-F Battery to V-Mount Converter Adapter is a popular option, with customers praising its performance, value, quality, and lightweight design. It fits the Sony NP-F970, NP-F770, and NP-F570 batteries. Another option is the Fotodiox NP-F Battery to V-Mount Converter Adapter, which is compatible with Fotodiox LED Panel lights, Flapjack Edgelight, and Factor Light. This adapter also receives positive reviews for its performance, although there are mixed opinions on its construction.

When choosing a converter adapter, it is important to consider the capacity, interface, and size of the battery to ensure it matches your equipment. Additionally, some adapter plates offer various output interfaces, such as USB ports and DC barrel output ports, to power multiple devices simultaneously.

V-mount to gold mount adapter

When it comes to mounting a battery plate to your camera, there are a few options to consider. One option is to use a V-mount battery, which has a v-lock on the battery case for locating and typically offers features such as compact size, high capacity, and various output interfaces for charging. Another option is to use a Gold Mount battery, which is commonly used with professional video cameras and provides a secure and reliable power source.

If you have a V-mount battery and a camera with a Gold Mount plate, or vice versa, you will need an adapter to connect the two. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a V-mount to Gold Mount adapter:

• Select the Appropriate Adapter: Choose an adapter that is compatible with your specific battery and camera setup. Options like the SHAPE Gold Mount to V-Mount Regulated Battery Converter or the Dracast V-Mount to Gold Mount Adapter are designed for this purpose.
• Connect the Adapter: Attach the adapter to your camera's battery plate, ensuring a secure connection. The adapter will typically have a locking mechanism or a release button to secure it in place.
• Mount the Battery: Once the adapter is in place, you can now mount your V-mount battery onto the adapter. Make sure the battery is locked securely onto the adapter to prevent accidental disconnection.
• Power Your Camera: With the adapter and battery in place, you can now power on your camera and ensure that it is receiving power from the mounted battery. Refer to your camera's manual for specific instructions on powering the camera with an external battery.
• Accessory Power: Some V-mount to Gold Mount adapters, like the Wooden Camera Pro Gold Mount Camera Side to V-Mount Battery Side Adapter, feature additional D-tap ports for powering camera accessories. This can be useful for devices such as monitors, lights, or microphones.
• Charging: In some cases, you may be able to use the adapter to charge your Gold mount battery on a V-mount charger. This feature is specific to certain adapters, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions to see if this is possible with your setup.

By following these steps and using the appropriate V-mount to Gold Mount adapter, you can successfully mount and power your camera with the desired battery configuration. Remember to consider the specific requirements of your camera and choose an adapter that is compatible with both your battery and camera plate.

Choosing the right battery

When choosing the right battery for your camera, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, it is crucial to select a battery that is compatible with your specific camera model. Using an incompatible battery can damage your equipment. Check the voltage and connector type of your camera, and ensure the battery matches these specifications.

The battery's capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), determines how long it will last on a single charge. Consider your typical camera usage and select a battery with sufficient capacity to meet your needs.

Lithium-ion batteries are a popular choice for modern cameras due to their high energy-to-weight ratio, compact size, and eco-friendliness. They can be recharged at any discharge level without affecting their capacity, making them ideal for on-the-go filming. However, they are more expensive than other options.

Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries were once common in older camera models, but their usage has decreased due to environmental concerns and weight. They deliver high current levels and perform well under heavy use, but they are less practical for erratic shooting schedules as they require complete discharge before recharging.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries offer higher capacity and improved environmental performance compared to NiCd batteries. They are suitable for devices with moderate to high power requirements, but they have a higher self-discharge rate than lithium-based batteries, losing charge faster when not in use.

Alkaline batteries are the most inexpensive option and are suitable for short-term use or if you don't mind frequent replacements. However, they have the shortest lifespan and will need to be changed often.

When purchasing a battery, consider the manufacturer's reputation and warranty. Original camera batteries from well-known brands can be expensive but will meet your expectations. Replacements are available at lower prices, but be cautious of fakes that may pose a safety risk. Choose reputable manufacturers who offer warranties and have a track record of producing quality products.

Finally, consider your budget when making your decision. While it's important to choose a battery that meets your compatibility and capacity needs, also take into account the cost. Cheaper options may not last as long or perform as well as more expensive batteries.

Mounting the plate

The first step is to choose a battery with the right capacity, interface, and size to match your equipment. If a battery doesn't have enough power storage capacity or a matching charge output port, it won't be a good fit. You also want to avoid batteries that are too bulky, as this can make it difficult to maintain balance and manoeuvre your camera.

The next step is to connect the battery to the adapter plate. This is usually done by sliding a pin connector on the back of the battery into a connector on the plate. There is no cable involved in this step.

Now, you need to mount the plate to your rig. This can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the type of plate and the equipment you are using. One common method is to use a clamp to attach the plate to a light stand, tripod leg, camera rod, or rail. Some plates also come with adhesive, allowing you to stick them directly to your camera setup.

It's important to consider the output interfaces of the plate to ensure they are compatible with your devices. Some plates have multiple D-tap slots, USB Type-C fast-charging ports, or other output variations.

Finally, you will want to ensure that your setup is stable and secure. A camera cheese plate can be a useful addition, providing a stable platform to affix extra equipment to the camera body.

Frequently asked questions