Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera: Powering Your Creative Vision

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a powerful camera, but its battery life is notoriously poor. The camera uses a standard LP-E6 battery, which is also used by Canon. These batteries are small and easy to carry, but they don't provide a long recording time. You can expect to get around 20-40 minutes of filming time at higher resolutions before you need to switch batteries.

There are a few alternatives to extend the battery life of the camera. One option is to use a battery grip, which can hold two batteries and provides over two hours of non-stop shooting. Another option is to use an external power supply, such as a high-capacity power bank or a V-mount battery. These options will increase the weight and bulk of the camera setup, but they will provide longer recording times.

When choosing a battery for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, it's important to consider the performance, inbuilt protection system, installation, and construction. Heavy-duty batteries with high-impact current and voltage output are ideal for high-definition video recording. It's also important to choose a battery with a stable core and protective circuitry to prevent accidents. Simple and safe installation is another key factor, as well as sturdy construction to ensure long-term use.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera uses standard LP-E6 batteries

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K uses standard LP-E6 batteries. These are the same batteries used by Canon. The LP-E6 batteries are small, lightweight, and easy to carry. They are the official recommended battery to use with the camera and come with a quality guarantee.

However, one downside of the LP-E6 batteries is that they offer very little filming time, especially when shooting in Full HD. You will only get around 20-40 minutes of filming time with this type of battery. Therefore, you may need to constantly swap them out while recording, which can be a nuisance.

Blackmagic also offers its own brand of LP-E6 batteries for the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, which you can buy directly from their website. These batteries have received positive reviews from customers, who praise their performance and quality.

If you want a longer-lasting battery solution for your Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, you may want to consider an external power supply or a battery grip. These options will increase the amount of time you can shoot but will also add bulk to your camera setup.

The camera's battery life is around 50 minutes

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a powerful tool for filmmakers, but it's important to understand its battery limitations to ensure your shoot isn't interrupted. The camera's battery life is around 50 minutes of continuous recording time, and here are some details and tips to help you maximize your shooting experience:

Understanding the Battery Life

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera uses a standard LP-E6 battery, which is the same type used by Canon cameras. This battery provides approximately 50 minutes of continuous recording time. It's important to note that the battery life may vary slightly depending on usage conditions, such as temperature and power settings.

Extending Battery Life

To extend your shooting time, consider investing in additional batteries so you can quickly swap them out. Having 4-6 backup batteries can significantly increase your filming time. Additionally, an external battery solution can be used to charge the batteries internally, ensuring you don't run out of power during a shoot.

Official vs. Third-Party Batteries

While official Blackmagic batteries are recommended for the best performance and quality, third-party options are available. Some users have reported success with cheaper alternatives, but be cautious as some knock-off batteries may not fit properly or provide accurate charge levels. Always buy from reputable dealers to ensure the safety and compatibility of your equipment.

Battery Charging and Storage

Proper battery charging and storage are crucial for maintaining their lifespan. Use a qualified charger designed specifically for your battery type, and ensure the charging environment is within the recommended temperature range. Before long-term storage, charge your batteries to 50-70% to avoid capacity loss.

Battery Grip Accessories

Blackmagic offers battery grip accessories that can extend your shooting time. The Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip lets you use two L-series batteries, providing over 2 hours of non-stop shooting. The Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Pro Grip adds two extra NP-F570 batteries, offering over 3 hours of shooting on a single charge. These grips also provide a more comfortable grip and a larger battery life in a compact design.

In conclusion, while the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera has a limited battery life of around 50 minutes, you can overcome this challenge by understanding your battery options, investing in extras, and utilizing accessories like battery grips. By following these tips, you can ensure your filming sessions are uninterrupted and focus on capturing incredible footage.

The camera can be charged via USB-C

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera can be charged via USB-C, which is great news for anyone looking for a convenient and portable way to keep their camera powered up. This means you can use portable battery packs, mobile phone chargers, or even your laptop to charge your camera on the go. This is especially useful if you're out on a location shoot or travelling and don't have access to a power outlet.

The USB-C expansion port on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera also allows you to record directly to external SSD or fast hard disks, giving you even more flexibility and convenience. You can also use the USB-C port to trickle charge the camera's battery, so you don't have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a shoot. This trickle charging feature ensures that you can keep shooting for extended periods of time without having to constantly swap out batteries.

In addition to the USB-C charging option, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera also comes with an AC plug pack that can simultaneously power the camera and charge the battery. This gives you multiple options for keeping your camera charged and ready to go whenever and wherever you need it.

The camera uses standard LP-E6 batteries, which are widely available and can be purchased from various retailers. These batteries are also used by Canon cameras, so you may already have some on hand if you own a Canon camera. The LP-E6 batteries are small and easy to carry, making them convenient for travel or location shoots. However, one downside is that they don't provide a long recording time, especially at higher resolutions. You can expect to get around 20-40 minutes of filming time at Full HD resolution before needing to swap out the battery.

To get the most out of your LP-E6 batteries, proper charging and storage are important. It's recommended to use a qualified charger designed specifically for this type of battery. Charging your batteries at extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold) can impact their performance, so it's best to charge them within the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer.

When storing your batteries, keep them in a cool, dry place, preferably at room temperature. It's also a good idea to store them at a charge level of between 50% and 70% to avoid capacity loss and extend their lifespan.

Overall, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera offers a range of power options, including USB-C charging, to ensure that you can keep shooting no matter where your creativity takes you.

The Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip can extend the camera's battery life

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a powerful tool for filmmakers and video producers, offering Hollywood-quality images at a relatively affordable price. However, its battery life is a common pain point for users, with the original battery often only providing around 50 minutes of continuous recording time. This can be a significant hindrance, especially during long shoots or when filming on location without access to a power source.

The Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip is an optional accessory that can help extend the battery life of the camera, providing over 2 hours of non-stop shooting on a single charge. It does so by allowing you to attach additional batteries to the camera, essentially doubling the amount of power available. The Battery Grip is designed to seamlessly integrate with the camera, featuring a carbon fibre design, non-slip hand grips, and a slide-out tray that makes it easier to hold during long shoots.

The specific batteries compatible with the Blackmagic Pocket Camera Battery Grip depend on the model of your camera. For the 4K model, the Battery Grip lets you replace the standard LP-E6 battery with two L-series batteries. On the other hand, the Battery Pro Grip for the 6K G2 and 6K Pro models adds two extra NP-F570 batteries, providing over 3 hours of shooting on a single charge.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera also offers other power options besides the Battery Grip. The camera can be powered via the USB-C expansion port using portable battery packs, mobile phone chargers, or laptops. Additionally, the camera comes with an AC plug pack that can simultaneously power the camera and charge the battery. Furthermore, third-party accessories, such as external power banks or battery plates, can be used to extend battery life, although these options may require additional adapters or mounting equipment.

External batteries are another option for extending the camera's battery life

One option for an external battery is the Moman Power 99, which has a capacity of 99Wh and can charge various devices simultaneously through its dual D-tap ports, BP interface, and USB-A slot. It is also travel-friendly and can be carried on planes. Another option is the Moman Power 99 Pro, a more advanced model with an OLED screen that displays the real-time charging status. It has a 200W output and 15A constant current, making it suitable for charging Blackmagic video cameras.

Additionally, you can use third-party batteries with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera. For example, some users have reported success with Nikon 1000mAH batteries, which can provide up to 45 minutes of recording time on a full charge. However, it is important to note that using cheap knock-off batteries may result in reduced battery life.

When choosing an external battery, consider factors such as performance, protection systems, installation, and construction. Look for batteries with high-impact current and voltage output to meet the power demands of modern cameras. Additionally, opt for batteries with built-in protection circuitry to prevent accidents and ensure safe operation. Simple and safe installation is also crucial, so consider batteries with sliding mechanisms for easy connection and disconnection. Finally, choose batteries with sturdy and durable construction, like the Gold Mount and V-Mount types, which are ideal for professional use.

Frequently asked questions