Why Power Your Sony FX3/A7Siii From USB-C! | ZGCine 50 V-Lock Battery Review

[@MezcalBuzz]

I was about to buy a Dummy battery, but I think I'll go with this option. Great share, thanks!

[@wilcurran3377]

They DON'T have charging issues. There are so many unnecessary negative reviews on these batteries which is understandable because you'll almost definitely encounter charging problems if you use a standard USB-C charger. I assume the majority of people using fast chargers, are using mobile phone fast chargers, which in most cases won't cut it (it didn't for me). I had the "charging issues" everyone talks about.. at best I could only charge a V99 at around 1% per hour!!! Swap to a high quality 60w, or 100w USB-C charger and boom, zero issues. I've got three ZGCine batteries (2x V99 and 1x V50) and they all charge and work flawlessly with my FX3 and A7IV. ZGCine shouldn't recommend a fast charger, they should state it as a requirement.

[@gentlegnt]

I am very much in need of a constant PORTABLE source of power for my A7IV. (Photography, not videography). I know the USB-C port in camera is fragile as well as the cable that would connect to that port; Two questions, please: 1-Have you/do you use a dummy battery for your camera and this battery; if so, any concerns you'd like to share? #2-If you use a dummy battery, which one are you safe with in your/our very expensive Sony A7IV please? Thanks again. (Oh...last one...does your viewfinder go off when you have it connected via usb or dummy battery? I use my viewfinder very frequently.

[@therealvontetv3117]

I’ve been using my iPad 25w charger and it works

[@ruff1draft]

Stay blessed Jonathan keep up the great work I enjoy your work so far you are in my top 10 of creative content via KZbin

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Ah thanks, much appreciated.

[@braydenjones4505]

Hi Jonathan. Just wondering what Smallrig parts you used to get the cage - arca quick release and rod baseplate to work together so well!

[@gilinnovativetranslations4367]

I power the monitor with a V mount but use regular batteries... Much better workflow. I feel that there aren't many FX3 usb C locking options. So you'll have a lot of people jamming their in camera USB C ports by using this method.

[@sambowks]

I actually use a powerbank on my R5C. I like it because it mounts flat below the camera and not sticking out the back like a vmount, and you don't need the block and rails and mount which add weight. It's also a quarter of the price of a vmount, and half of a Canon battery, for 10x the capacity. Smallrig sells a couple of power bank holders. My powerbank, a MI 20000mah 50w, is enough for a camera (the R5C requires 27w) and it also powers a transmitter. I want to power my monitor with it, just haven't ordered the cable yet. Also, it charges at 45w so fills up quickly, and you can take it to your local coffee shop and power your laptop or phone without it being weird. So.. pretty happy with the powerbank solution for now. Actually, why vlocks are priced the way they are?

[@frankfeng2701]

usb-c power bank is quite versatile. I still use it when to rig up mirrorless cameras. One downside is the connector being fragile but then cheap to replace for regular type c to c ones. Another downside is the limited shape or mounting option as you can only use the power bank holder which only takes the thinner ones (which gets long for large capacity and will block the back screen). If they can add 1/4" mounting points onto the power bank enclosure, it'd be even more versatile.

[@JonathanPalfrey]

I’d love to know how you’ve mounted it below. Something id love to test as an affordable option.

[@birdnerdqc4028]

The D tap is not on a battery bank, personnly, this is why I like v mount battery, powering both camera and monitor, suppose the power from d tap is higher in Voltage, usb is I think 5V and D tap is around 14V, maybe the why it's more expansive

[@shankarparsramani]

Im also stucked in this scenario I have bought fx 30 last month and was confused...I have also shortlisted MI 30 000 mah power bank. Pls guide me will it help without any problem ?

[@howevisual7099]

Sorry if I missed this but you specified you filmed continuously using this to supplement the internal battery and it went for 4.5 hours before the v-lock gave out and the internal battery had to take on the power duties. What settings were you using? This definitely impacts the power draw--namely resolution, framerate, and possibly bitrate but mostly the first 2.

[@ganganthefatman1382]

Right! I wanna use it for 1080p 30 video. I hate how these youtubers don't ever do extensive tests with these. Terrible waste of time, honestly.

[@HarrisonBender]

Great video mate! Just wanted to ask what cable you are using to charge? Looks like a good length and nice and neat 😊

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Thanks. It’s the one that came with the DJI RS2, I’m sure you could find an alternative, it’s right angle at one end and about 20cm

[@HarrisonBender]

@@JonathanPalfrey legend. Thanks for getting back to me 🔥

[@ruff1draft]

And can I use it on the Nikon Z5 and Nikon D780. Yes I know alot of questions for alot of camera's. As this month I am buying third party batteries for the Sony A74 and Panasonic S5 and Panasonic S1H to help prepare for my four year plan. Lots of overtime this month and next month at work.

[@thelonghorncow5084]

Thanks for sharing; how about Battery Base/Handle/Grip especially for Sony A7Siii to extend battery life??

[@bdifbwjbdsicnsidndm]

I just bought a Sony a7 IV in July. I'm looking for a better battery solution. I have some friends recommended me Moman power 99 v mount battery, what do you think?

[@CHTFilms]

Can i power up my a7s3 for an all day event through the type-c. What charger do you recommend to stay on 100% the whole day? My Xiaomi charger is 9V 3A

[@quiztasiarocks]

Hey Jonathan, there is a lot of negative reviews on these v mount batteries, poor D-Tap ports, wouldn’t charge etc. how did you find it?

[@ruff1draft]

Could I use this battery on the Panasonic S5, Panasonic Gh5s and Panasonic S1H and Canon R7

[@MarioCastillion]

I wonder if this will work on my old a6300

[@BmcmediaRo]

Do you know if I can power a FX3 from a monitor that have a 8V DC jack out? Thanks

[@LivingLife972]

great video man. question, i'm reading the FX3 manual. it says that it recommend 9V/3A USB Power Delivery. That V-mount battery output is 14.8. looks like it's too high

[@JonathanPalfrey]

14.8 is the d-tap and pins output not the USB C PD which is regulated.

[@LivingLife972]

@@JonathanPalfrey thanks buddy

[@indieflicks1565]

Hi Jonathan, Do you experience any overheating issues with the camera if you were to shoot continuously using this battery to power it?

[@JonathanPalfrey]

No issues with overheating for the FX3 regardless of the power source. In theory it should be better as the battery inside would heat it up more.

[@JackThompson-q4r]

Love this idea, but the USB-C connection is so flimsy, worried it would break off when used. Can't find clamps for any camera cages to fix this. Anyone know if they exist? Maybe just use cables with right angles to minimize the profile?

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Honestly they are better than D-tap which just fall apart after awhile. That’s a connector type that should be killed off

[@EvanDluxJordan]

Big help thanks bro

[@TonyRush21]

Hey hey Jonathon, this is actually the first time Im seeing your videos but I was instantly impressed with your presentation. Question: Will the 14.8V D-tap out of a V Mount battery fry my GH5?

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Thanks. With the GH5 I believe you would be using a dummy battery? You'd just need to ensure that the dummy battery has a power regulator which down converts the voltage. Something probably worth spending a bit more money on getting from a reputable dealer rather than a cheap one off amazon.

[@1izia]

does a7III internal battery overheat while power delivery?

[@ShaneMontrealCanadiens]

Is there any reason that you went with Vmount instead of Gold mount?

[@JonathanPalfrey]

We don't really use gold mount here in the UK, its pretty much entirely V-Mount everywhere. Its also more universal for lighting and other cameras as well.

[@steve_arcenio]

Does it have have USBC PD so it can power the Fx30?

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Yep it has USB PD

[@frankfeng2701]

I got the Neewer 98Wh version for the same price.

[@ruff1draft]

This could work for the Sony A74

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Yeah would work great although you wouldn’t be able to use the viewfinder

[@gentlegnt]

@@JonathanPalfrey Oh really? This is, first of all, an great review video...thank you so much. I have been trying for over 1.5 years to find a MOBILE power source for my Sony A7IV that will actually charge the camera while on the go. Power Banks, regardless of how massive, DO charge my camera when it is OFF, but the internal battery drains while using it. I had watched lots of videos stressing the pluses and cons of using "Dummy Batteries". But, with all the reviews I had watched the MAJOR caution was that I HAD to be sure that however I charged the camera with within it's voltage and amp parameters (7.4-8 volts) and about 3amps. Anything above the 8 volts, I 've seen was an extreme threat to my camera's internal electronics being fried by too much "juice" going to it. But, I think that was if using a Dummy Battery which has no internal safeguard circuitry to prevent overload concerns. Your thoughts? I just want to be able to shoot (no video...just still photography) for many hours without being concerned about battery dying. I had not heard about NOT having viewfinder use. Why is that? Thanks.

[@NanaKofiAcquah]

Don't waste your money on these ZGCine batteries. Mine worked once and refused to charge afterwards. I threw it in the bin today.

[@jarrodbarker]

Pretty sure that’s illegal lol

[@zacki5663]

I know this is a paid ad because i purchased this battery and it does NOT charge the fx3 battery while drawing. And the reviewer would know this because ALL ZGZINE batteries output max 13v 2a, and the fx3 requires 13v 3a. This guy never used the battery besides probably a 5m test with his free zgcine battery they sponsored. Not only will it not charge, but it's just plain NOT safe to power your fx3 with this battery over usb c PD. Can only be used with a vmount adapter plate to convert the power

[@JonathanPalfrey]

I’m sorry but this is completely false. The Sony FX3 requires 9v/3a via USB C which this battery does. I’ve used this battery all the time to power my FX3 and A7iv. This is the quote from the Sony manual “We recommend using a USB-PD device that is compatible with an output of 9V/3A or 9V/2A.” Please don’t spread fake information like this.

[@JoseTorralbaM]

@@JonathanPalfrey On the ZGCINE site they say "USB-C PD IN/OUT：5V/2A;9V/1.8A;12V/2A;15V/2.2A;20V/2.25A"

[@zgcine]

[@bdifbwjbdsicnsidndm]

I just bought a Sony a7 IV in July. I'm looking for a better battery solution. I have some friends recommended me Moman power 99 v mount battery, what do you think?