Best battery for epic (in an effort to keep Epic small for hand held)?

[Michael Totten]

I'll have 4 redvolts and will certainly use these when weight is absolutely critical ,but I'd like to find an alternative solution where the battery powers the camera longer than 20-25 minutes while remaining relatively small/light-weight.

I've ordered the x back plate but can't decide if I should go with Anton Bauer or V-Mount.
I'm a bit gun-shy of V-mounts as I've found they're much more apt to lose connection (often at critical moments). That said I know all V-mounts and V-mount plates are different and am open to try them out again if I can find a rock solid solution.

Anton Bauers on the other hand have never lost connection and seem to mount to AB plates very securely. I'm considering the AB Dionic HC's (relatively small) but have heard they only power the Epic for approximately 30-40 minutes (which isn't to bad but not great either).

It'd be great to know what other options there are ... Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated.
My goal is to get the smallest/lightest battery with the longest life while powering Epic (standard config). I will most likely be using x mount ...

[Bob Gundu]

AB batteries are certainly smaller. I'm using switronix 90's and get about 90mins out of them. I bought the AB plate which has a 26" cable. Long enough to also have the battery clip to your belt allowing for a much lighter rig.

[Mark Andersen]

Agree, a belt clip works great to keep the weight out of your hands but still have lots of power life.

[Peter Matthes]

The x Quickback is very well designed and the Anton Bauer Dionic HCs have been great to me.

[Peter Majtan]

+1 for belt clip

It also is the cheapest solution out there right now and, as a plus, in stock...

One advantage of the belt clip is that you can protect the battery from the elements - we have recently shot in -13˚C and kept the batteries warm in a insulated bag, which greatly improves the running time...

Peter

[Nathaniel Kramer]

AB is my choice

[Jim McKinney]

I've had a belt clip for over 3 years and really never used it - until I got my Epic. It makes a HUGE difference. Really nice to have.

If you want hot swap, just add the bebob: http://16x9inc.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_list&c=234

[Michael Totten]

The x Quickback is very well designed and the Anton Bauer Dionic HCs have been great to me.

How long do your AB Dionic HC's power your Epic?

[Russ Fill]

Here is a choice I went with was to use the Red Batt plate which is basically a V mount and then got a AB adapter that clips on the Vmount and lets me use the AB's when I need to.
I think the plate was around $200 or so from AB.

[Carlos Gonzalez]

Does the Epic give you a battery read out with the AB plate?