The Sony A7IV can be powered by more than just the standard battery it ships with. While the NP-FZ100 performs better than older Sony batteries, some functions still consume power rapidly. For those needing reliable portable power, a V-Mount battery stands out as the top choice. Using a V mount battery for Sony A7IV provides extended runtime, the ability to power multiple devices at once, and hot-swapping convenience. Read on to discover why it's recommended and what gear you’ll need to make it work with your A7IV.
What are the benefits of using V mount battery with Sony A7 IV?
It offers the following advantages over NP-FZ100 batteries.
⭐Extended runtime: The standard Sony NP-FZ100 battery typically lasts between 60 to 90 minutes of continuous shooting, depending on your chosen frame rate. If you're not filming continuously, this duration can be extended. For instance, 4K at 24p offers around 90 minutes, whereas 4K at 60 or 120fps lasts about an hour. On the other hand, a 98Wh V-Mount battery can supply over 8 hours of continuous 4K video recording on the A7IV.
⭐Power multiple devices simultaneously: Many V-Mount batteries come equipped with D-Tap and USB ports, making them ideal for powering gear like monitors, lights, and audio recorders—or even charging devices via USB-C PD. These batteries allow you to power multiple devices simultaneously, so you don’t need to carry different batteries for each device, like NPFs for monitors, NP-FZ100s for cameras, and AAs for an audio recorder. As long as your battery and mounting plate offer enough outputs, a single V-Mount can handle it all.
⭐Hot-swap capability: You can replace batteries during a shoot without powering down your camera—crucial for uninterrupted long takes. When one battery depletes, you can seamlessly switch to another V-Mount, keeping all your connected gear running without interruption.
What devices to use for powering Sony A7IV with V mount battery?
Typically, you will need the following gear
- V mount battery
- V mount plate
- Charger
- Dummy battery cable
V-mount battery: The main power supply to your Sony A7IV camera
This is the high-capacity power source (typically 95–200 Wh), offering extended runtime and multiple outputs (often D-Tap and/or USB).
The Moman Power 99 is a good V mount battery for Sony A7IV. It is FAA-friendly, at just under 100Wh (99Wh), lightweight (560 g), and palm-sized—perfect for travel and shoulder rigs.
It features dual D-Tap, USB-C (65W PD), USB-A, and BP ports. This allows you to power your A7 IV via USB-C while simultaneously running monitors, lights, or wireless gear.
The 9V, 3A USB-C PD port can keep the A7 IV powered as long as the battery has charge. A major benefit is that you can leave a battery inside the camera, so if external power is interrupted, the camera keeps recording without issue.
The Power 99 also supports fast charging via its USB-C port, so you don’t need to carry the heavy V mount battery charger if you want to simplify the setup.
Review
🗨️Solid, reliable battery. Have been using it for a month with a Sony Alpha video rig AND a BMPCC 4k with no issues. I plan on purchasing more. -- Ian K., US
✨Note: The Moman Power 99 is on sale from July 1st to 10th—20% off, now priced at $119.20.
V mount battery plate: Mount the battery to your camera rig, stand, or other setups and offer more output ports
This serves two purposes: it physically attaches the V-Mount battery to your camera rig and provides power outputs like D-Tap, USB, and sometimes barrel plugs.
A V-mount battery plate is a mounting adapter that allows you to connect a V-mount battery to your camera or other gear. It acts as an interface between the battery and your device, providing power through various outputs like D-Tap, USB-C, or DC ports.
These plates often feature mounting options (such as 1/4"-20 threads, NATO rails, or rods) and can be attached to camera cages, rigs, or stands. Some also include voltage regulation, allowing you to safely power cameras, monitors, lights, and audio equipment—all from a single V-mount battery.
V mount charger: To recharge the V mount battery efficiently and safely
A V-mount battery charger is essential for keeping your professional video gear powered and ready. Designed to recharge high-capacity V-mount batteries efficiently, these chargers often come in single or multi-slot models and feature LED indicators and fast charging capabilities.
💡 Pro tip: If your V-lock battery supports charging via its USB-C port, you can consider not buying a charger to simplify the setup.
Dummy battery cable (NP-FZ100 type): Power A7IV via NP-FZ100 slot
A cable that emulates your camera’s battery. One end plugs into the camera’s NP-FZ100 battery slot; the other connects to a D-Tap port on the plate or battery, providing regulated power. The Moman DFZ100 is a good choice.
💡 Pro tip: Always choose a regulated dummy cable to ensure safe voltage delivery and avoid camera errors.
