Switronix announces new hdv power solution for panasonic ag-af 100

bgundu

bgundu

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http://www.switronix.com/news/155-switronix-releases-new-hdv-powerbase70-for-panasonic-ag-af-100

SWITRONIX ANNOUNCES NEW HDV
POWER SOLUTION FOR PANASONIC AG-AF 100

(Westbury, NY) - Switronix Inc. announces the PowerBase70-VBG, the newest addition to their line of HDV power solutions (available January 1st, 2011). The new PB70-VBG is a 70wh 14.8v lithium ion battery pack providing up to 5 hours of runtime of OEM batteries for the Panasonic AG-AF 100. The PB70-VBG mounts under the camera or may attach to a HDV support via its 1/4-20 release plate or V-mount.

Wired as a 14.8v battery pack, it can provide extended power to up to two additional 12vdc devices, as well as other devices requiring lower voltage through an additional XP power regulation cable. The pack is also furnished with a 1/4-20 on either side to mount accessories.

For those that already own the PowerBase 70 with a Canon 5D/7D converter block (model GP-DV-CH), a converter block for the Panasonic AG-AF 100 (model GP-DV-VBG) may be purchased individually.

Note: PB70-VBG will also be compatible with Panasonic HMC camcorders.

For additional specs and details on the PB70-VBG, please visit www.switronix.com/products/batteries

pb70-vbg1(1).jpg
 
Okay, first of all -- who named it HDV? Blech.
Second -- what's with it mounting under the camera? Boo. That takes away our lovely 3/8" tripod socket, and changes the height when using rails. I'd rather bolt the battery on the side or on the rails somehow.
Third -- 5 hours? That's ... hopefully, that's very conservative. The onboard stock battery delivers 4 hours, I'd expect much more from something that is 3x or 4x as big.*

I really wanted to be jazzed about this, as I want something that'll power my monitor and Nano all in one. But this is kinda ... meh. I was hoping for a battery more like they make for the EX3, but instead this looks too much like the Elipz. Bah.

But, hey, congrats to them for making something different and I hope it leads to more products.


*okay, digging into it, it sounds like it's 4.8 amp-hours, but that's at 14.4v. When used for the AF100 at its power draw of, I think, 12 watts, should make it last a little longer. At the stated 70wh, it should last for almost 6 hours...
 
Barry_Green said:
Second -- what's with it mounting under the camera? Boo. That takes away our lovely 3/8" tripod socket, and changes the height when using rails. I'd rather bolt the battery on the side or on the rails somehow.

I really wanted to be jazzed about this, as I want something that'll power my monitor and Nano all in one. But this is kinda ... meh. I was hoping for a battery more like they make for the EX3, but instead this looks too much like the Elipz. Bah.
Click to expand...


Exactly, that's what I've been looking for but so far it's been hard to find, switronics are actually the ones that make the 7-series battery I run with my nano and ex1 with now, and gives me about 5 or more hours powering both. Hopefully they make a version similar for the af-100, I emailed them about it but never got a response.
 
It certainly needs something in the styling dept - but it doesn't have to be mounted to the bottom of the camera. The back of a shoulder mount would work better. The interesting thing is that it can power other stuff like the Nano.
 
I plan on using these. I've seen them used on 5D/7Ds mounted on the back of the rails, also powering monitors. Same batts on DSLR rig: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF_fWKKjc2k

Switronix just made them compatible with the AF100

As far as I can tell, they are the cheapest way to get single battery system that can power multiple devices along with the camera. For around $650 you can get 2 batteries, the necessary AF cable, and charger

These are also V mount batteries and obviously can be on bigger cameras/monitors. What makes the switronix unique is the cheap charger and quick release. I am a little concerned with the battery life, I was hoping to run all day with one battery. If someone can put together a more cost efficient system, I'd love to hear about it. I like the idea of putting more weight on the back of the rail system to balance the rig out
 
Buh?? They are just v mounts with a cable to the AF100. They are more "out of place" on a dslr rig and more "at home" on your typical Sony shoulder mount
 
Ok, so I have to admit this. I took this picture after attaching it under the camera at our Chicago AF100 show. I don't think anyone would actually use it this way, just proof of it working. Speaking with our Switronix rep, we both thought it would be something you mount on rig. You would attach the quick release to some sort of shoulder pad or rod system. Swtronix has a simple rig of their own and they plan to have it attach to that. It comes with two cable lengths 12" or 24", which you can see as options on our product page (PowerBase70 for AF100). So please forgive the silly picture, that was my fault. :)

They also have a simple cable that goes from a powertap to the dummy battery plate, which is called the XP-DV-VBG. I've tested both of these and they work well.
 
They also have a simple cable that goes from a powertap to the dummy battery plate, which is called the XP-DV-VBG. I've tested both of these and they work well.[/QUOTE]

How does ik work?
 
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