- Introduction of v-mount battery’s definition and features
- How long do v mount batteries last?
- How to tell if the v-mount power source is lasting?
Introduction of v-mount battery’s definition and features
The v-mount battery is a lightweight and mini third-party power source for your devices. V mount power supply belongs to the rechargeable lithium-ion video camera battery category, being the powerful backup as an external power backup for photographers.
Pros:
- They are often more portable than their regular battery equivalents thanks to their smaller size and less weight.
- They are a fantastic option for photographers on a tight budget because they also tend to be more economical.
- High-capacity v-lock batteries are ideal for low-light photography and action images because they provide shorter shooting times and quicker shutter speeds than normal batteries.
Cons:
- They are a little heavier than regular batteries and even bigger than third-party batteries.
- They are significantly more expensive. Additionally, all of the additional accessories, such as chargers, are more expensive.
- They require more time to charge. Additionally, taking them on trips can be difficult. Batteries under 100 watts can typically be brought on board with you by the majority of airlines, but only as carry-on baggage.
How long do v mount batteries last?
There are different answers to the question of battery life from different perspectives. And how is it measured and how do we maintain a healthy operating time? Let's start with the following three questions.
1. Narrow and broad sense speaking of the “lasting time”
Specifically, many people ask this question are wondering how long a v-mount can support the work of a fully discharged piece of shooting, get the answer and decide whether to buy. But it is difficult to give a definite it, can only predict a few hours, like 2h to 4h, as a less-precise answer. Because the type and capacity are different, their discharge time is not the same as well. Not to mention the fact that each output port also has its v mount battery voltage, power, and output speed in the following format.
Input and Output ports Table: Moman v mount lithium ion battery Power 99, 99S, 140
|
Power 99 |
Power 140 |
||
BP |
Input |
16.8V 6A |
16.8V 6A |
16.8V 3A |
output |
14.4V 15A(max) |
14.4V 15A(max) |
150W/12A |
|
D-TAP |
Count |
2 |
2 |
1 |
Input |
16.8V 6A |
16.8V 6A |
16.8V 3A |
|
output |
14.4V 15A(max) |
14.4V 15A(max) |
120W/10A |
|
USB-A |
Count |
2 |
1 |
1 |
output |
5V 2.1A |
5V 2.1A |
10W,5V 2A |
|
USB-C |
Input |
/ |
65W(Max) |
45W(Max) |
output |
65W(Max) |
65W(Max) |
In broad themes, it means the duration of a battery from the time it is produced until it becomes unusable. This refers to the v mount battery life, which is its total life cycle, that is, how many times it can be fully recharged and discharged. Generally speaking, standard ones have 300-500 running cycles, but professional v-mount batteries can be fully recharged 3000-5000 times. Like Moman Power 99, it has a recharge cycle of over 3000 times, which surpasses a great part of products on the market. These are related to the way it is discharged, the internal design and the technology of the accessories, etc. According to this calculation, a quality battery will last several years.
However, some improper operations may cause issues like V mount battery dies suddenly. Click the link here to learn about the causes and how to maintain it properly.
2. What defines and affects the v mount battery runtime?
The v-lock itself is shipped from the factory to determine the length of the v mount battery runtime, but the way you treat it will also affect it, which is why we need to learn to take care of our batteries. You need to keep it in a dry, warm place and use a proper v mount battery charger and cord to charge it. Keep it away from water and fire sources. Also, remember not to completely drain your battery to 0% at once, as this will damage its life. If you do not use it for a long time, you should also maintain it at a proper electric level, in case to reduce self-discharge. But it's still best to take it out and give it a charge from time to time.
3. How many v-mount camera batteries do you need?
If your needs are not large, such as shooting one or two hours a day, then a 100wh-150wh v mount battery for led lights, diverse d-tap cameras, and even mini phone microphones with USB-C port, is enough to charge your camera rig. But if you take pictures or shoot videos a day without stopping, or you need to shoot several days of time-lapse works, then one is certainly not enough, you can buy two for alternate use, or buy more than two. Of course, you can choose to buy high-capacity batteries to maintain a long time of work. Let quality over quantity, so you do not have to carry so many out each time. After all, the reason for choosing one is how long do v mount batteries last, and if they are compact and strong enough, aren't they?
How to tell if the v-mount power source is lasting?
When selecting a d-tap battery with v-mount, what should we look for on the product page? Here are two essential spec points for your reference: Capacity and density.
Capacity is the most basic information you need to know
Battery capacity is measured in ampere-hours and is defined as the total amount of electricity produced by electrochemical reactions inside it. This is the most basic parameter of a battery product and its biggest selling point, the briefest definition of its performance, and most importantly, how long can v-lock batteries last. It is often found in the most obvious place on the spec table, and this decides whether it is the v mount battery to fly with during your journey. It is a measurement of the charge that it can hold, and it is based on the mass of active material that it contains. The capacity is an indicator of how much energy, at its maximum, can be drawn from the video camera battery under a certain set of circumstances. Its actual energy storage capacity, however, can differ significantly from its "nominal" rated capacity because it is greatly influenced by the battery's age, its prior history, how it is charged or discharged, and the ambient temperature.
High density enables a compact body to contain great energy
Density measures how much energy a v-mount has concerning its size or weight. When comparing to weight, we refer to this as specific energy density, and when compared to size, we refer to it as volumetric energy density. It is important because, it not only affects how long one v mount battery last but also a battery can emit a charge for a longer period if it is higher. With a thin body and powerful capacity, they can be installed on a stabilizer, charging for the shooting device, and the fill light and 4k camera monitor mounted on it. It's helpful in situations when there is little space for them but a high need for energy output. Let's put the advantages of energy density as a hypothetical question: Which would you prefer, a v mount li ion battery that is light and compact that emits power for a long time, or a hefty one that occupies a lot of space and only emits a little energy?