Thank you so much for being one of the only people on TH-cam to review other accessories we all need as working professionals and not just the "sexy" stuff like cameras and lenses. It's been so helpful to check out your channel and be able to know what monitor, preamp, light stand...etc to get when most other camera channels ignore these tools.
@@dutchgroundmedia there's always that guy that doesn't understand the context of a conversation and says something that goes against what everyone is talking (no they're not pretty)
Damn, I used to come to your channel about 6-7y ago , always saw the potential, and now that im back at looking gear reviews on youtube, this is easy one of the best, if not the best channels about that on youtube. No BS, straight to the point, informative info! Also love how the new ways to assemble gear gets done here. Creative! Cheers, keep up!
I didn’t have time to wait for these to release and ended up getting the CAME-TV ones in August, but I would’ve held out if I’d had a choice. V-mount battery chargers are expensive and bulky, so the fact that we can use tiny chargers that are likely already in our bags adds value on top of convenience. Also they look sexy.
how do you recharge the 99wh vmount? i am looking for a nice charging brick for it, i was about to order a 100 watt usb c gan charger (was thinking that obviously charging bricks are now intelligent & would not send more than 65 watts to it as per its maximum input capacity even if the charging brick is more than 65 watts in my case 100 watts) ,have been searching how people have been charging them but could not find any thing related. regards
I have to admit, I was skeptical about SmallRig taking a step outside of what I originally branded them to be when I started in professional video. Much like how DJI put out a camera and a wireless transmission system. Or how they made a wireless mic (SmallRig also). I had just never heard of brands doing what they're not known for. But I have to admit even further- I'm genuinely impressed. I'll have to consider these as new priorities for new batteries rather than others. All thanks to you, Caleb. I'm glad to see you staying committed to analyzing and testing new gear for the video community😊
Tbf if there's one company I'd trust to put out a wireless transmission system - it's gonna be DJI 😃 They're on such a different level from the rest of the industry they have to make their own silicon to handle their transmission tech
I'm glad that a lot of these companies are branching out and expanding the scope of their products, more competition is always better. Prices into the video production space are absolutely insane because there's only a couple companies that make everything in each category of gear.
I was literally only a few weeks ago wishing a product like this would come out. Small, convenient, multiple charging options and USB-C PD/high wattage charging in and out. Basically a really functional high capacity battery bank that also does V-Mount. All of my equipment now charges via USB-C so I can not only use one of these to power or recharge anything nice and quick, but I can also recharge IT nice and easily with the same charger I use for everything else. Instead of 4-6 different bulky inconvenient chargers (especially V-Mount chargers), it's one slim little pack that does it all with a really small charger AND it still mounts via V-Mount for my BMPCC4K - the only camera that doesn't run on USB-C (effectively). Crazy good. SmallRig really, really knows how to get camera accessories right and it's so satisfying.
I was literally placing order for V-Mount batteries while I got a notification for this video... Coming back later to mention the change of plans, I ordered 2x99W :DD
This video is still relevant - I have been looking for smaller V mount battery to power my iPhone rig. I have the Came-TV 99. But I have been ;using a regular USB power brick with my rig. I just scored a deal on Amazon for a used like new one for $106. I snatched it up. I wanted to go light with the handheld rig. I still can use the heavier ones for my other rigs. BTW love that you have the Mix Pre 3 - I have the Mix Pre 6 for mobile recording work and use the Came-TV with that in my recording bag. These are the way to go for the mobile or even studio content creator.
Power Delivery to charge the V Mount Battery is a massive game changer. Anker just released their new GaN prime chargers. With a 100W charger, you can charge a 99Wh battery in less than an hour. My $400 150W Core SWX battery takes 4-5 hours to charge via D-Tap.
I've been using IDX for years, and I don't think I'll be going away from them for my main camera rigs, but these SmallRig ones look amazing for powering everything else.
I noticed that they have also introduced lights seems they are diversifying their portfolio. I personally have a Baxxtar V50 compact which also has a USB A port and D-tap. But this one is even better as it can be charged via USB-C instead of a dedicated charger with D-tap though it is a lot more expensive.
Sheesh this stuff has come a long way since I was at Emerson... and I only graduated in 2017- it is like companies caught on that people would absolutely buy and use something like these batteries- even just how far the rail/clips have come
Hey Caleb, love your videos as always. That new camera rig briefly shown at the end really intrigues me. I hope you'll be making a video about the new and improved rig soon !
It's actually very interesting. Working at events sometimes I wish I was more prone to use a ninja V for better preview/control purposes. But the weight of the NP battery is just too heavy, specially for longer shoots where a small NP won't do. After that is the fact that I might want to power some LED panels and will also have to carry other kind of batteries. This maybe solves some of that, I'll get into more study but seems like the unification of systems which is very interesting.
Remote power for monitors, lights, cameras, microphones - covered. These will be perfect for building our own versions of your Pelican case / trolley mobile studios. I'm in.
Ive used the 99 for a little bit, but when I pulled the DTAP out it snapped the housing. I've had a good experience with SmallRigs customer support so I'm talking to them right now. Hoping to get it resolved soon.
I have no use or any optimal understanding to anything about this video but I finished it because it is interesting. It's like watching some home shopping network when you were a child.
Used one of these batteries over the weekend to power my BMPCC6k for an event shoot and gotta agree - they're great. Could get a days worth of interviews and B-Roll and off the one 50Wh battery and the rig was able to stay very minimal. They are not rugged though - I also ran into screen scratches almost instantly and I did manage to drop it (from about 1.5m), and the whole front section of the case just popped off. I can't get it to click back in at all, so will have to use rubber bands/glue to patch it up. Still, highly recommend, just take a little more care than you would with a traditional v-mount
When they said they were going to use rubber bands I thought that might be cool to have on there anyways it might help protect it maybe get some thick black rubber bands? @@makatron
Sweet. I was just checking prices on how much it would cost to buy a usb-pd plate and a v mount charger. With the 99 model I can probably do everything without charging so the extra time to swap is not a big loss
Nice video as always. Looks very versatile. I wonder about the technology involved with these tiny v-mount batteries. That would be an interesting topic in itself.
Good to see small batteries with the same capacity as regular ones.What confuses me a bit is a presence of additional display and controllers required to manage the information shown on them. If the battery life is one year or two it seems to be a waste for environment.I would opt on locating all those features on v-mount plate and reducing the cost of the batteries.
I saw these at Cinegear Atlanta this weekend. Anna at the Godox booth sold me on them, even though she was there with Godox. (LOL.) They were powering their new Knowled 300 with a 50 and a 99, which was pretty amazing. They are almost as small as two large Sony Npfs and incredible light. I will be buying a few of these soon myself. Just wish the price point were a little lower, but I guess that's what you pay for a new premium V-mount.
I have 1/2 dozen 99W Indi Pro mini-V mounts that have served me well until A74 and FX-3. They don't deliver enough power via the USB port (USB-A to USB C) to maintain the battery in the Camera. Sony doesn't like dummy batteries on these cameras (That why they don't have the notch) so you would have to leave the door open (or take it off). I tried 4 different brands and none would keep up with the FX3 draw. So I did a Google search and found ZGCINE ZG-V99 (a brand I have never heard of but I order two) they are working. I generally only order 99W (I do international flights) but to try it I order the 50 to check it out.
@@Superjeanmarc hey bro how long do you get on a 99wh battery powering in 4k? And what's the charge time like for the battery? And lastly if I can ask - do you need to leave a battery already in the camera when doing charge via USBC?
@@Addrian. I always connect both the camera and my field monitor to the V-lock and it last approx 4,5 to 5h. I assume that powering the camera only, you could reach 9h-10h maybe? Never tested. My monitor is a 2200 nits Portkeys BM5 III, so maybe if you use a less bright model, it could even last for longer.. ? Battery charge time depends on the power of your charger, it accepts chargers up to 65W. With my double 45W charger (meaning 20W and 25W on each battery) it charges in a few hours.. but I've never calculated precisely.
@@Superjeanmarc this is actually super helpful. Thank you so much bro. I'm surprised no ones talking about battery life in these reviews. Blows my mind. Appreciate the insight. I ordered two 99wh of these. So looking forward to using them. I have a Hollyland Mars M1 and it's 1000 nits so would imagine it'd lasting a lot longer which is awesome. I was considering the 155wh but I think it's overkill and it's about $200 more currently than the 99wh. So I got two 99wh.
Super helpful! I'm overhauling my camera set up and for the near future - lighter is better. Once you have everything hooked up to each 50 and 90, how many hours are you getting on camera, monitor for each battery? Thinking the 50 is going to be really versatile.
I use the Fx lion nano one tons of power and lasts ages very rugged but shares the same silicone flaps, I would say they are very close to the small rig as they are also small. The 50 watt hour is smaller then small rig.
They’re awesome! I have three (2x99WH and 1x50WH). They also pass the drop test onto a concrete parking lot. 😂 Pro tip: don’t use a phone clamp to hold a v mount battery just because you’re too lazy to go back inside and find your v mount clamp.
I use FX-Lion batteries. Also small with built in ports similar to this. In fact... the FX-Lion batteries work perfect with Sony Mirrorless as it butts up perfect with the viewfinder - like the curves wrap around the diopter. It's crazy...
dang I want one lol....I can see this working great with lights like the 60X so you don't have to use the V-Mount adaptor and just use the barrel. Great video.
looks fancy! but I do agree they could lose nose of that glass and make it more rugged.. quick question though, does those fit onto the dual v-mount hotswap plates you showed us some time back?
Looks like the batteries are on sale during during the prime early access sale! SmallRig VB 99: geni.us/ly3eP and the SmallRig VB 50: geni.us/kWUG9
Ok you convinced me to buy them!
what is the weight? i saw 55whr r5c charging capable battery for 273 gramms worth of weight
Yeah I hope they are on sale, nice idea but very pricey compared to the competition.
Well not available from Amazon anymore, too much retail. Otherwise what I've been looking for.
Out of stuck 😞
Thank you so much for being one of the only people on TH-cam to review other accessories we all need as working professionals and not just the "sexy" stuff like cameras and lenses. It's been so helpful to check out your channel and be able to know what monitor, preamp, light stand...etc to get when most other camera channels ignore these tools.
That means a lot to hear Eric! Trying to make that stuff sexy ha!
AGREED!
Others are just sponsored salesmen pushing any latest products they receive for free lol
Finally someone figured out that batteries should be nicely designed.
Rather have plastic case that can take a beating for life.
the connections are awesome too
Yep, and that they don't have to look like they belong as a prop in an Alien movie or something.
The FXlion Nano One and Nano Two still look very sexy, and have been out there for years already 👌🏼
@@dutchgroundmedia there's always that guy that doesn't understand the context of a conversation and says something that goes against what everyone is talking
(no they're not pretty)
Damn, I used to come to your channel about 6-7y ago , always saw the potential, and now that im back at looking gear reviews on youtube, this is easy one of the best, if not the best channels about that on youtube. No BS, straight to the point, informative info! Also love how the new ways to assemble gear gets done here. Creative! Cheers, keep up!
Literally have fallen in love with these batteries over the month. Couldn’t be happier with them
Good to hear bro!
I didn’t have time to wait for these to release and ended up getting the CAME-TV ones in August, but I would’ve held out if I’d had a choice.
V-mount battery chargers are expensive and bulky, so the fact that we can use tiny chargers that are likely already in our bags adds value on top of convenience.
Also they look sexy.
I just CAME
how do you recharge the 99wh vmount? i am looking for a nice charging brick for it, i was about to order a 100 watt usb c gan charger (was thinking that obviously charging bricks are now intelligent & would not send more than 65 watts to it as per its maximum input capacity even if the charging brick is more than 65 watts in my case 100 watts) ,have been searching how people have been charging them but could not find any thing related. regards
Finally one good review about these smallrig batteries! I'm definitely getting them
I just got my VB99 in recently and absolutely love it’s compact size and ability to power my rig all day long!
They made so many great camera accessories that non-camera people thought SmallRig is a camera brand.
Well, it almost is. But the word "rig" in the brand name helps to understand what they actually do. Great brand and its products.
Loved the last b roll shot over the textured mat, its the first time I’ve seen that and it adds a lot of dimension.
Your videos are so helpful, especially for someone like me who has to buy gear from the US to Zambia.
I have to admit, I was skeptical about SmallRig taking a step outside of what I originally branded them to be when I started in professional video. Much like how DJI put out a camera and a wireless transmission system. Or how they made a wireless mic (SmallRig also). I had just never heard of brands doing what they're not known for. But I have to admit even further- I'm genuinely impressed. I'll have to consider these as new priorities for new batteries rather than others.
All thanks to you, Caleb. I'm glad to see you staying committed to analyzing and testing new gear for the video community😊
Tbf if there's one company I'd trust to put out a wireless transmission system - it's gonna be DJI 😃
They're on such a different level from the rest of the industry they have to make their own silicon to handle their transmission tech
I'm glad that a lot of these companies are branching out and expanding the scope of their products, more competition is always better.
Prices into the video production space are absolutely insane because there's only a couple companies that make everything in each category of gear.
Damn! Great review, Caleb! The simple fact that you can see the battery percentage on them is enough to get me excited. I gotta pick me up some 🔥
I was literally only a few weeks ago wishing a product like this would come out. Small, convenient, multiple charging options and USB-C PD/high wattage charging in and out. Basically a really functional high capacity battery bank that also does V-Mount. All of my equipment now charges via USB-C so I can not only use one of these to power or recharge anything nice and quick, but I can also recharge IT nice and easily with the same charger I use for everything else.
Instead of 4-6 different bulky inconvenient chargers (especially V-Mount chargers), it's one slim little pack that does it all with a really small charger AND it still mounts via V-Mount for my BMPCC4K - the only camera that doesn't run on USB-C (effectively). Crazy good. SmallRig really, really knows how to get camera accessories right and it's so satisfying.
Just got the 99 as well and yeah, big big fan.
I want them both!! Been using vmount for a while now and it makes my rigs really bulky, this is a game changer!
Great video as always. Glad to see SmallRig expanding their gear production list with cool little features.
Wow, great review, left me with absolutely no further questions. Going to buy 4 VB 99s right now...
Great video and dam those nice top-down shots. Can't wait for that tutorial video!!!
Super thought out design. Really glad to see more companies adding flexibility with all these USB-PD capabilities.
I was literally placing order for V-Mount batteries while I got a notification for this video... Coming back later to mention the change of plans, I ordered 2x99W :DD
This is gonna help my “old school” set ups be a lot more sleeker ~ BMPCC OG and BM Cinema Camera 4K
These look cool! I don't have a use for them yet, but adding them to a list for future.
Another good option is the Andycine micro v mount battery. Is a 95W battery and gives me around 5.5h of recording on the BMCP6K filming in ProRes 422
Awesome! Thanks for sharing! Definitely plan on picking one up!
I'm putting the 50w one on my wishlist. thanks for making this video!
Thank you for bringing these to my attention
Super cool ,great explanation specifically use of different plate adapters like Sony ,very useful info ..
I absolutely love Small Rig anything. Might make the leap to V Mount now
This video is still relevant - I have been looking for smaller V mount battery to power my iPhone rig. I have the Came-TV 99. But I have been ;using a regular USB power brick with my rig. I just scored a deal on Amazon for a used like new one for $106. I snatched it up. I wanted to go light with the handheld rig. I still can use the heavier ones for my other rigs. BTW love that you have the Mix Pre 3 - I have the Mix Pre 6 for mobile recording work and use the Came-TV with that in my recording bag. These are the way to go for the mobile or even studio content creator.
Oooo these are great!! Love their product design as well 👍
Small rig are doing some great stuff right now
I was looking at these yesterday! So glad you made a video!!
I got one of these two weeks ago freakin love it
Fantastic review as always
Got the VB99 and love it so far. Might pick up a 50 as well. As far as cosmetics, I rather like the bling too.
Smallrig is just killing it!
Power Delivery to charge the V Mount Battery is a massive game changer. Anker just released their new GaN prime chargers.
With a 100W charger, you can charge a 99Wh battery in less than an hour. My $400 150W Core SWX battery takes 4-5 hours to charge via D-Tap.
Thanks so much for this Valuable Tip. Will look into buying Anker's Prime Charger. Peace
i absolutly love em i now need to get my hands on that 50! perfect to mount on my gimbal
As always amazing videos from DSLR Video Shooter.
I agree, These look amazing, cannot wait to pick a couple up.. Thanks for the awesome review.
Picked one up last week. Love it
I've been using IDX for years, and I don't think I'll be going away from them for my main camera rigs, but these SmallRig ones look amazing for powering everything else.
Great job on the video! Thanks for making it.
I noticed that they have also introduced lights seems they are diversifying their portfolio. I personally have a Baxxtar V50 compact which also has a USB A port and D-tap. But this one is even better as it can be charged via USB-C instead of a dedicated charger with D-tap though it is a lot more expensive.
same here they grate
AMAZING!!!! Can't wait to try these out!!
Sheesh this stuff has come a long way since I was at Emerson... and I only graduated in 2017- it is like companies caught on that people would absolutely buy and use something like these batteries- even just how far the rail/clips have come
Hey Caleb, love your videos as always. That new camera rig briefly shown at the end really intrigues me. I hope you'll be making a video about the new and improved rig soon !
You always make me want to buy things.
Thank you for this one! I’ve been so curious about these since they dropped
You always do such a great job explaining things.
Dope little batteries, wildly versatile. Thanks for the review!
It's actually very interesting. Working at events sometimes I wish I was more prone to use a ninja V for better preview/control purposes. But the weight of the NP battery is just too heavy, specially for longer shoots where a small NP won't do. After that is the fact that I might want to power some LED panels and will also have to carry other kind of batteries.
This maybe solves some of that, I'll get into more study but seems like the unification of systems which is very interesting.
I'm ordering these today, thank you
Remote power for monitors, lights, cameras, microphones - covered. These will be perfect for building our own versions of your Pelican case / trolley mobile studios. I'm in.
Big fan Caleb. Thanks for helping me build my new studio
This is the best channel on TH-cam
Ive used the 99 for a little bit, but when I pulled the DTAP out it snapped the housing. I've had a good experience with SmallRigs customer support so I'm talking to them right now. Hoping to get it resolved soon.
Sheesh.
I have no use or any optimal understanding to anything about this video but I finished it because it is interesting. It's like watching some home shopping network when you were a child.
Cool but for the price i prefer the came tv option or the andycine micro v mount battery.
i mihht get a few of these!i think they look perfect and small enough to carry in a bag
These look great. You didn't cover off noise... I assume because they are silent and no fans or anything inside?
Thanks
Approx how many little canon batteries for the m50 would this 50w replace?
You re the best dude!! as always !!
Fantastic review
Hi Caleb, how would you say they compare to the Fxlion batteries?
what lens do you use for top down shots?
Great video as always!
Used one of these batteries over the weekend to power my BMPCC6k for an event shoot and gotta agree - they're great. Could get a days worth of interviews and B-Roll and off the one 50Wh battery and the rig was able to stay very minimal. They are not rugged though - I also ran into screen scratches almost instantly and I did manage to drop it (from about 1.5m), and the whole front section of the case just popped off. I can't get it to click back in at all, so will have to use rubber bands/glue to patch it up. Still, highly recommend, just take a little more care than you would with a traditional v-mount
Yeah I guess they need some sort of silicone sleeve for corner bumpers like phone covers to provide some protection.
When they said they were going to use rubber bands I thought that might be cool to have on there anyways it might help protect it maybe get some thick black rubber bands? @@makatron
Looks like thick powerbanks! cool
The battery is actually cheaper now. I'm shopping around. Great video.
What cable do I use to connect the battery to my black magic 4k camera
Sweet. I was just checking prices on how much it would cost to buy a usb-pd plate and a v mount charger. With the 99 model I can probably do everything without charging so the extra time to swap is not a big loss
cool stuff
Very neat - I could stick one of these on the bottom of my Z30
Decently exciting to me, Caleb!
Nice video as always. Looks very versatile. I wonder about the technology involved with these tiny v-mount batteries. That would be an interesting topic in itself.
Looking for options on my first V Mount setup and I’m sold on this NO doubt 😅
Good to see small batteries with the same capacity as regular ones.What confuses me a bit is a presence of additional display and controllers required to manage the information shown on them. If the battery life is one year or two it seems to be a waste for environment.I would opt on locating all those features on v-mount plate and reducing the cost of the batteries.
6:22 :D show us this new camera cage, this full size handle looks great
Thanks Cale’s! Would these have enough voltage to power Stella Pro Reflex continuous lights?
curious if you can output both from the d-tap and either of the usb ports at the same time? (with the same output amps as if only 1 was plugged in)
Yes. I have the vb99.
Another great video! I wonder if they would work with lights, like the Amaran COB 60X - if so they would be perfect to me
I saw these at Cinegear Atlanta this weekend. Anna at the Godox booth sold me on them, even though she was there with Godox. (LOL.) They were powering their new Knowled 300 with a 50 and a 99, which was pretty amazing. They are almost as small as two large Sony Npfs and incredible light. I will be buying a few of these soon myself. Just wish the price point were a little lower, but I guess that's what you pay for a new premium V-mount.
These look great! Awesome review 👊🏽
Can I use all port together at the same time in this battery? Or current of each port will be lower in this case?
I have 1/2 dozen 99W Indi Pro mini-V mounts that have served me well until A74 and FX-3. They don't deliver enough power via the USB port (USB-A to USB C) to maintain the battery in the Camera. Sony doesn't like dummy batteries on these cameras (That why they don't have the notch) so you would have to leave the door open (or take it off). I tried 4 different brands and none would keep up with the FX3 draw. So I did a Google search and found ZGCINE ZG-V99 (a brand I have never heard of but I order two) they are working. I generally only order 99W (I do international flights) but to try it I order the 50 to check it out.
I have this Smallrig battery and perfectly powers my FX3 and A7IV via USB with no need of dummy battery and no internal battery drain.
@@Superjeanmarc thank you for the info!!! I will try it out :)
@@Superjeanmarc hey bro how long do you get on a 99wh battery powering in 4k? And what's the charge time like for the battery? And lastly if I can ask - do you need to leave a battery already in the camera when doing charge via USBC?
@@Addrian. I always connect both the camera and my field monitor to the V-lock and it last approx 4,5 to 5h. I assume that powering the camera only, you could reach 9h-10h maybe? Never tested. My monitor is a 2200 nits Portkeys BM5 III, so maybe if you use a less bright model, it could even last for longer.. ? Battery charge time depends on the power of your charger, it accepts chargers up to 65W. With my double 45W charger (meaning 20W and 25W on each battery) it charges in a few hours.. but I've never calculated precisely.
@@Superjeanmarc this is actually super helpful. Thank you so much bro. I'm surprised no ones talking about battery life in these reviews. Blows my mind. Appreciate the insight. I ordered two 99wh of these. So looking forward to using them. I have a Hollyland Mars M1 and it's 1000 nits so would imagine it'd lasting a lot longer which is awesome. I was considering the 155wh but I think it's overkill and it's about $200 more currently than the 99wh. So I got two 99wh.
Super helpful! I'm overhauling my camera set up and for the near future - lighter is better. Once you have everything hooked up to each 50 and 90, how many hours are you getting on camera, monitor for each battery? Thinking the 50 is going to be really versatile.
holy smoke - a must buy!
I use the Fx lion nano one tons of power and lasts ages very rugged but shares the same silicone flaps, I would say they are very close to the small rig as they are also small. The 50 watt hour is smaller then small rig.
They’re awesome! I have three (2x99WH and 1x50WH). They also pass the drop test onto a concrete parking lot. 😂
Pro tip: don’t use a phone clamp to hold a v mount battery just because you’re too lazy to go back inside and find your v mount clamp.
Actually these V mount batteries are exciting to those of us who don’t like caring a whole bunch of batteries for cameras etc.
Only gripe about it is the price. You can get a ZGCine V99 for $179 with most of the same features and size the SmallRig has
Own the 99 for the gh6 love it
First time I have seen another Caleb on YT.
I use FX-Lion batteries. Also small with built in ports similar to this. In fact... the FX-Lion batteries work perfect with Sony Mirrorless as it butts up perfect with the viewfinder - like the curves wrap around the diopter. It's crazy...
Which v mount plate do you use to rig it up with your sony cams?
dang I want one lol....I can see this working great with lights like the 60X so you don't have to use the V-Mount adaptor and just use the barrel. Great video.
Thanks for the cable Options (vmounts - Equipment) ! Which one Is the cable you use for your Monitor?😅
Great video. These batteries look interesting but they seem to be a bit scarce. I didn't find the VP 50 but B&H had the VP 99.
looks fancy! but I do agree they could lose nose of that glass and make it more rugged..
quick question though, does those fit onto the dual v-mount hotswap plates you showed us some time back?