Using a V mount battery for Nikon Z8 gives you long-lasting power, allowing your camera, monitor, and accessories to run all day without constant battery changes. This lets you stay focused on shooting rather than swapping batteries. When mounted properly, it also helps balance your rig, improving overall stability and handling.
So, how do you actually power the Z8 with a V-mount battery? In this guide, we’ll cover two main powering options to suit different shooting setups.
- Option 1: via USB-C port with V-mount battery
- Option 2: via dummy battery and V-mount battery
Option 1: Power the Nikon Z8 via USB-C port with V-mount battery
The Nikon Z8 supports PD power supply, so you can run it off a V-mount battery through USB-C and still have the internal battery in place for safety.
How to
Follow the step-by-step guide to power the Nikon Z8 via USB-C.
Step 1. Gather your gear
- V mount battery with PD USB-C port
- A high-quality USB-C to USB-C cable that supports the PD (Power Delivery) protocol
- EN-EL15c Battery to be inserted in the camera body
- V mount plate (optional) to mount the battery on the camera
99Wh V-lock battery with dual D-tap and PD3.0 USB-C
Step 2. Figure out the right connection port
There are two USB-C ports on the left side of the Nikon Z8 body, and they serve different purposes:
- Upper Port (USB Data): Used exclusively for data transfer; it does not support power delivery.
- Lower Port (USB Power Delivery): Marked with “PD”. You must use this port to provide external power or charge the camera.
Step 3. Connect the V-mount battery to the Z8 camera
Place a fully charged EN-EL15-series battery inside the Nikon Z8. This acts as a fail-safe backup in case the external power is interrupted.
Power off the Z8 before connecting external power to ensure a clean power handshake.
Plug the USB-C PD cable into the USB-C PD output on the V-mount battery and the USB-C power (PD) port on the Nikon Z8. Make sure you are using the power-capable USB-C port.
Turn on the V-mount battery (if it has a power switch). The Z8 should recognize external power automatically.
Step 4. Adjust camera settings
Once the battery is connected, ensure the camera settings are configured correctly:
- Go to Setup Menu > USB Power Delivery.
- Set it to [ON].
When power is successfully being supplied, a USB plug icon or "PD" symbol will appear on the monitor or top control panel. This indicates the camera is drawing power from the V-mount battery instead of the internal EN-EL15c battery.
Pros
🟢 Keeps a battery inside the camera as a backup: Using USB-C power lets you keep the Z8’s internal battery installed. If the V-mount battery runs out or a cable comes loose, the camera can switch to the internal battery without shutting off, protecting your footage.
🟢 Stable and regulated power delivery: USB-C Power Delivery follows a standard protocol to control voltage and current. This makes the power supply more predictable and consistent than relying on many third-party dummy batteries.
🟢 Less heat inside the camera: Because the internal battery isn’t actively discharging, the camera generates less heat during long recordings, helping maintain optimal operating conditions.
Cons
🔴 Power output is limited by USB-C PD standards: USB-C PD has wattage limits. High-demand setups—like shooting 8K, high frame rates, or powering multiple accessories—may come close to these limits.
🔴 Power stability depends on cable and battery quality: Low-quality cables or batteries with unreliable PD output can cause dropouts or unstable power delivery. Always use certified, high-quality components.
🔴 PD output may drop when battery charge is low: Some V-mount batteries reduce PD output as they near empty, which can make power less stable toward the end of a charge.
Option 2: Power the Nikon Z8 via dummy battery and V-mount battery
If you’re shooting long takes or high-demand video and want the camera to run reliably without worrying about USB-C PD limits, using a V-mount battery with a dummy battery is a solid choice.
How to
Follow these steps to properly use a V-mount battery for Nikon Z8:
Step 1. Gather the gear
Make sure you have everything ready before setting up:
- Fully-charged V-mount battery
- D-Tap to Nikon dummy battery adapter compatible with the Z8, matches EN-EL15 series
- D-Tap cable included with your adapter
- Optional rigging gear like cable clamps, Velcro ties, camera cage to secure the cable
Step 2. Connect the V-lock battery to Z8
Follow these steps to safely connect the battery:
- Open the battery door and carefully place the dummy battery in the compartment. Make sure it fits snugly without forcing.
- Feed the cable through the battery door. Ensure there is no sharp bending, pinching, or tension on the cable.
- Plug the D-Tap cable from the V-mount battery into the dummy battery’s input.
- Turn on the V-mount battery (if it has a power switch).
- Confirm the dummy battery is seated correctly in the camera. Ensure all connectors are firmly plugged in, and the cable is secured with clamps or ties if necessary.
Step 3. Adjust camera settings if needed
Once the power connection is established:
- Turn on the Nikon Z8. The camera should automatically recognize the external power source.
- Check the battery indicator. It should show “external power” or a steady charge icon.
- Enable auto power-off disabled if you plan continuous recording.
- Adjust temperature warning/heat management settings if needed.
- Record a short clip or take some photos to verify power stability. Observe for any flickering or warning icons.
Pros
🟢 Stable, direct power to the camera: A dummy battery sends power straight into the camera’s battery compartment, acting like a regular internal battery. This gives very stable power, even during demanding shoots like high-frame-rate video or long recordings.
🟢 Not limited by USB-C PD wattage or protocol: Dummy batteries don’t rely on USB-C Power Delivery, so they avoid PD wattage limits or handshake issues. As long as the voltage is properly regulated, the camera gets consistent power regardless of load.
🟢 Easy to integrate with existing V-mount gear: Most V-mount batteries have D-Tap outputs, making dummy battery setups simple to add to your current rig without extra modifications.
🟢 Less internal heat in the camera: Without an internal battery discharging, the camera body stays cooler during long shooting sessions.
Cons
🔴 No backup internal battery: If the V-mount battery dies or a cable gets disconnected, there’s no internal battery to take over—power cuts off instantly, risking lost or corrupted footage.
🔴 Quality depends on third-party dummy batteries: Nikon doesn’t make an official dummy battery for the Z8, so reliability depends on the brand you choose. Voltage regulation and build quality can vary.
🔴 More complex setup: Installing the dummy battery, routing the cable through the battery door, and securing connections adds setup time and increases the chance of accidental disconnections or strain on the cable.
Related articles
Looking for more tips on using V-mount batteries with Nikon cameras? Check out these guides for the Z5 and Z6.
