EX3 and Anton Bauer Batteries

bmxbud4130

bmxbud4130

Active member
The company I work for is exploring the possibility of purchasing a couple of EX3's, and we're excited about the Anton Bauer gold mount kit that is available for it.
However, I noticed the listing on B&H only mentions the use of Dionic 90 and HyTron 50 batteries... We already have a few Dionic 160's from our PDW530 XDCam laying around.

I'm assuming since the mount is the same we should be able to use the Dionic 160's on the EX3, but does anyone know for sure? Are there any reasons why you wouldn't want to? Other than the obvious issue of weight distribution that might occur when you place a big 'ol brick on the back of that camera...
 
I am glad you mentioned this. I had no idea that there was such an adapter. I will have to get one so we can share batteries between our HPX500 and the EX3 during shoots.
 
Should not be a problem.

Let me also suggest before you buy the AB mount that you take a look at the BeBob CoCo EX-3.

I'll say up front that it is more expensive than the AB mount but I am most impressed with its features and security. I've been using a prototype since early Sept (prior to its release at IBC) and would offer the following-- It has Hirose plus AB power taps. It has a side bracket with two screw holes to mount other accessory plates such as a wireless mike holder.

But most significant about the BeBob is its secure mounting scheme. The bottom of the mount attaches with thumbscrews to the two mounting holes for the cheek plate. The screws are long enough to allow use of the cheek plate as well, should you desire. The top of the mount slides into the rear hot shoe and the CoCo adds a hot shoe to the top of the mount. I have the V mount version but they also produce an AB version and I cannot imagine that the Dionic 160's would create a problem.

I am actually using BeBob's prototype of a 105w battery with integrated charger. It weighs over 1 kg and the added weight actually balances the camera much better. The EX3 is very front-heavy and the presence of a heavy brick on the back helps considerably.

Ned Soltz
 
I emailed Anton Bauer and got a surprisingly quick response, this is what they said...

"The QR-EX3 bracket will only support the Dionic 90 or Hytron 50 batteries. However, we do offer a pouch pack for this camera that can be used with any of our batteries. It is the same pouch pack that is used with the EX1 (QRP-EX1). Check with your dealer, they should have these in stock."

I'm guessing the Dionic 160's may just be too heavy to support. You probably don't need more than a Dionic 90 to power the EX3 anyhow.

I will look into the BeBob that you mentioned, Ned. Thanks.
 
YEs, we've had quite a lot of discussion on "the other board" about Ted's proposed rig.

My concern about the AB mount was the fact that it seemed just to hang off the existing battery compartment. One thing about BeBob products is that they are over-engineered. You pay a premium price but they are sturdy.

We've been discussing not just battery options but tripod mounting VCT-14 options and shoulder mounts.

That 105w battery I'm using powers the camera forever.

Ned Soltz
 
Thanks for starting this thread. I had been eyeing a new camera and the EX3 with AB plate was at the top of my list. However, I already have an investment in AB Hytron 120 batteries (yes, they're heavy, but pack a good supply of juice). Not being able to use them with the EX3 annoys me, because I don't want to buy new Dionics.

Anyway, it was quite informative.
 
How do the batteries compare to the standard batteries in record times?
It seems that you are adding a lot of weight to the camera with the AB batteries.

I want to make my rig as light as possible and the AB batteries seem like going backwards.
You are adding weight plus the cost of that stuff is half as much as the camera.

What am I missing?
 
I would say that adding the AB battery makes the rig heavier but at the same time more balanced. The camera is front heavy and by adding a pound or two on the back you achieve much greater stability.

Ned Soltz
 
Green Hornet said:
How do the batteries compare to the standard batteries in record times?
It seems that you are adding a lot of weight to the camera with the AB batteries.

I want to make my rig as light as possible and the AB batteries seem like going backwards.
You are adding weight plus the cost of that stuff is half as much as the camera.

What am I missing?
Click to expand...

I agree, It's over kill. The larger Sony EX batteries are just fine, doing full day on just 2 is no problem. Plus to really get a EX 3 camera to balance, needs 3 pounds or more "behind your shoulder" And the dionics are only 1.7 pound not near enough to balence. And not near enough back. All your weight is still near front. Whatever shoulder support you use, just has to be more under camera, and compensate with hand grips of somekind.
 
I use the BeBob CoCo EX-3 + the Omega 105w battery which adds-- guess what-- close to 3 pounds to the camera.
 
nsoltz said:
I use the BeBob CoCo EX-3 + the Omega 105w battery which adds-- guess what-- close to 3 pounds to the camera.
Click to expand...

My point is that the weight is still in the front of your shoulder, near top, not behind. How long could your hold on a shot, like say an hour, not walking just standing or siting (no resting elbows on leg) holding the same 2 shot live no pans just holding. Your arms can only take so much. I've had to do that on reality shows, with full size gear.

That's the "goal". Being able to configure this camera, to be able to do that, just like the bigger balanced cameras. Otherwise it's just another midsized camera that is good for "this" but not "that". "great images but you wouldn't want to handhold it all day" comments like that, bleed into clients ears.
 
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