FS7: A quick question to XDCA users

moldcad

moldcad

Veteran
Just wanted to ask whether this unit (or more generally, the FS7 with XDCA adapter) draws V-lock batteries when turned off? Is it recommended to always remove the battery? Thanks

Piotr

PS. Of course for longer storage I'll always remove all batteries; now I'm talking about not using the cam for 1-2 days with it on sticks, not in a bag :)
 
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Always remove the battery from any camera (that doesn't automatically turn itself off) when not on a job. (Unless you are a news type that wants to be ready for anything at a moments notice.) The reason is you'll prevent yourself from accidentally leaving the camera on accidentally. That is especially a bad thing to do when you put the camera in a case! It is just a good habit because you don't want to accidentally "cook" your camera!
 
Yeah, thanks - I usually follow this rule (always when packing the camera). But w/o the XDCA, my BP batteries are never drawn at all when left in-camera; just wanted to know whether it's similar with V-locks in the XDCA...

Piotr
 
I always leave a battery on all of my cameras and I have not noticed any draining on the FS7 with or without the XDCA attached.
 
Interesting, I have noticed that a battery draw occurs when left on the camera. Perhaps it was something plugged into the v mounts D tap though (smallHD ac7 oLED powered off, but connected via D tap).

Since noticing that, I always unplug the cable and remove the v mount battery (switronix xpl-90s)
 
Never used the XDCA, but my SWIT BP-compatible batteries slowly drain when left in the FS7.

I've had another camera system "cooked" when an AC left a battery attached when putting it into a roller case. Camera got very hot, but luckily survived.
 
My impression is that my V-mount Akkus do not show a significant battery drawn, sitting in the XDCA and the FS7 for a while. However, I agree that this is not the best idea to let that last for month. But for a shorter period I would not care.
 
Doug Jensen said:
I always leave a battery on all of my cameras and I have not noticed any draining on the FS7 with or without the XDCA attached.
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Doug .. purely out of interest ..why do you keep a battery on your cameras all the time.. so if you didnt have shoot or went on holiday for 2 weeks/1 week you would leave the camera with the battery on..?.. to reiterate not a criticism or to hold your feet to the fire.. I really just wonder if there is any advantage or why to do so.. thanks.. even news guy I know dont do this.. but they have batts constantly on charge..

As a side note I did have the internal batt on my F5 go down without any prior warnings.. just switch on one day and big message in the VF.. change internal battery now !... managed to sort it end of the day.. luckily Audio had a TC generator I put on the camera.. but had to take the side panel off on the road.. not ideal.. and only 2 years after purchase .. the ENG cam,s I had they would last about 5 years..
 
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I like to have my cameras in their cases ready to roll within a minute's notice. All cameras are always fully-built, with empty cards, and a full battery. This applies to my videos cameras, still cameras, etc. There have been many instances over the years where it made all the difference between getting some footage or not. Plus the cameras fit better in their cases and the cases are better balanced when the cameras have a battery on them. I don't see any downside to leaving batteries on the cameras. Even with a camera that does put a drain on the battery, I stil leave a battery on it.

BTW, with all the cameras I have owned over the years I have never once had to change the internal battery on any of them. Is that because I leave a battery on the camera? I have no idea. :-)
 
Bingo. The only device where internal battery failed here has been nanoFlash, which collected dust w/o any power connected...

Piotr
 
But I also only ever had the internal batt go down on one of my ENG camera,s.. which was my digibeta I had for 15 years ! .. and I also used to take the battery off them too.. but yes with the F camera,s it might make a difference thats true !.. bought the camera about 2 and ahalf years ago.. from a very respected dealer.. I did have a shot in the Arctic with it.. got pretty cold but had Polar bear cover and it never got super cold .. -10 C maybe at worst.. just was surprised it didnt last longer and also that there wasn't some sort of advanced warning from the camera.. nothing in the status menu either.. wish they had the battery in a little pull out draw rather than taking the side off.. always a bit scary..

Thanks for your reply
 
Bern Caughey said:
Never used the XDCA, but my SWIT BP-compatible batteries slowly drain when left in the FS7.

I've had another camera system "cooked" when an AC left a battery attached when putting it into a roller case. Camera got very hot, but luckily survived.
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I happily have my FS7 mounted with the XDCA for a number of reasons. !st...being able to use grownup batteries--same ones I use with my f800 and yes, even my DVX900 when paired with either a Nano or Odyssey. 2nd...the ability to send/receive TC. Necessary in my workflow scheme when shooting multi-camera interviews. 3rd...allowing me to power ancillary devices via the Horoshi DC output, such. 4th...being able to record all flavors of ProRes.
I too leave batteries on the camera. While I'm no longer a network fireman, I do like to have the battery mounted while the camera sits tripoded in my office and I always keep it mounted and rigged for transit, other than flying, although that's the preferred way to fly a lithium battery...mounted to a camera.
I have noticed the battery does indeed trickle down to empty when kept on the camera. May take a few days but it will deplete the battery. Whether it depletes a Lithium below the tolerance level of harming the battery? Can't say for sure but I haven't noticed any issues.
 
I agree with Allen, I noticed it drains the battery but very slowly. I use Kayo Maxtar V mounts and those things are monsters so it takes a while.
 
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