The Sony A7CII is a popular full-frame mirrorless camera known for its portability and high performance. However, its internal battery (NP-FZ100) might not be sufficient for extended shooting sessions, particularly for fieldwork or video production. This is where the V mount battery for Sony A7CII comes in. They provide longer power and several outputs, making them perfect for powering the Sony A7CII during demanding assignments. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a V-mount battery with the Sony A7CII and talk about two effective ways to power the camera.
Why use a V-mount battery with the Sony A7CII?
Although the A7CII is an energy-efficient camera, its single internal battery—rated at around 16Wh—typically lasts only 2 to 3 hours under moderate use. This limitation becomes apparent during extended shoots such as live broadcasts, time-lapse photography, or professional video production. That’s where V-mount batteries come in as a reliable external power solution:
🟢High capacity: V-mount batteries generally range from 95Wh to 160Wh, offering significantly more runtime than the A7CII’s built-in battery.
🟢Versatile connectivity: They often include D-Tap, USB-C PD, USB-A, and BP ports, enabling simultaneous power to your camera and accessories like microphones, lights, and monitors.
🟢Stable performance: Designed for professional use, V-mounts deliver consistent voltage output and are less prone to issues like overheating or power spikes.
Flexible mounting: They can be easily attached to camera rigs, cages, or gimbals using a V-lock plate.
How to power your A7CII camera with a V-lock battery?
It can be powered with a V-mount battery via the USB-C port or a dummy battery.
Method 1: Power the A7CII with a V-mount battery via the USB-C port
Rather than carrying a full set of batteries to keep your camera powered throughout the day or trip, you can take advantage of the USB Power Delivery feature found in modern Sony cameras. With just one or two NP-FZ100 batteries and a V mount battery for Sony A7CII with USB-C compatibility, you can recharge as needed on the go.
👉If your V-mount battery has a built-in USB-C output, like Moman Power 99, you can directly power your Sony A7C II via USB-C, provided the battery meets the camera's power requirements.
The A7C II requires 9V/2A (18W) or 5V/3A (15W) via USB PD. If your V-mount battery's USB-C port supports USB Power Delivery (PD) at 9V, it will work best.
👉If your existing battery doesn’t have a USB-C port, you will need:
- V-mount battery (e.g., 14.4V or 14.8V standard)
- V-mount plate with USB PD output (must support 9V/3A or 9V/2A USB PD)
- USB-C to USB-C cable (supports USB PD, high-quality preferred)
And you can follow the steps below to power the camera:
- Connect the V-mount battery to the plate (via the standard V-lock connector).
- Enable USB PD output on the plate (if it has a switch).
- Plug the USB-C cable into the plate's USB-C PD port and the Sony A7C II's USB-C port.
- Turn on the camera—it should now be powered by the V-mount battery.
Method 2: Use a dummy battery and a V-lock battery to power the Sony camera
Using a dummy battery (DC coupler) with a V-mount camera battery is another reliable way to power your Sony A7C II, especially if your V-mount battery doesn’t have a strong enough USB-C PD output or if you want a more secure power connection.
👉What you’ll need:
- A V-lock battery
- D-Tap to NP-FZ100 dummy battery (with 7.6–8V regulated output) to replace the internal battery
- V Mount Plate to mount the battery on a camera rig, cage, tripod, or belt clip.
👉Follow the steps to ensure proper power supply:
- Insert the dummy battery: Open the A7CII battery compartment and insert the NP-FZ100 dummy battery. Make sure the cable routes cleanly out of the side of the compartment (through the rubber cable notch).
- Connect to the V mount battery: Plug the D-Tap end into the battery. Connect the other end to the dummy battery. Ensure the cable has built-in voltage regulation to 7.6–8V, as V-mount batteries typically output 14.4V directly.
- Power on the V-Mount battery: Turn on the battery (if required), and your Sony A7CII should power up as if it had a real battery inside.
