Battery alternatives- any way to save $$$ ( instead of RED VOLTS & travel charger)

[Roger Johansen]

Battery alternatives- any way to save $$$ ( instead of RED VOLTS & travel charger)

Any ideas on a battery mount / charger / multiple battery - set up that would save some money over the side handle/ RED VOLT and charger? I'm trying to put together a really minimal SCARLET package. This would eliminate the side handle from the equation thus saving some $$$. Thanks for any ideas!!!

 

[Jude Byard]

Lots of options out there and here.

 

[Mike P.]

Honestly, I'd say you can't have a minimalist rig without the Side Handle... using any other power options will add huge weight to the rig (except maybe battery belt, which puts the weight on your waist, rather than the actual camera.)... Or did you mean minimalist solely from a price perspective? The other thing is, without the side handle, you need a rig/handle/something to actually grab the camera (which is essentially a brick... a 5-10lbs brick with a lens out the front and very awkward to hold without a side handle.)

For the price of two "DSMC Power Kits" ($515 each = $1030, and gives you a mere 4xRVs and two travel chargers) you could get two 150wh v-mount batteries (2.5hr each) and a camera mounted v-mount backplate (or the aforementioned DSMC Battery Belt from RED.)

If you're looking to save money, the cheapest configuration would be REDmote for control ($550 instead of $950 for the SideHandle), 3rd party monitor/screen/evf ($250-500 instead of $1600 for the touch), and no-name v-mounts (~$300 each for 2.5hours instead of $175 per RVs that only last ~25mins). While that'd be an insanely cumbersome rig to work with, it'd get you up and running... barely.

 

[Steve Sherrick]

In general, power for any kind of professional camera is not cheap. But I would assume you can probably put together a V-mount battery system for reasonable money. Something like this http://www.abelcine.com/store/Switronix-GP-S-EPIC-V-mount-Plate-for-RED-Epic-Scarlet/ and a few chinese batteries from the more reputable companies and you are looking at under $1500 for power that should last you throughout the day. That's one way. There's many other ways to go as well. Just depends how much you are willing to spend.

 

[Steve Sherrick]

And Mike makes a good point. Minimal size or minimal expense?

 

[Roger Johansen]

Minimum price is number one - and small size is a bonus.
Thanks for the idea- RED MOTE & I can use my Small HD which I really like!
I want to buy some of the RED DSMC equipment used or alternate brand but I really want to buy the brain and side SSD new from RED
THANKS. ANY OTHER IDEAS ARE WELCOME!

 

[Roger Johansen]

If I use a v mount battery in back of the camera:
What plate etc do I need to connect the battery plate to the camera?
Also if I use the rear of the camera for the battery where can I mount the RED MOTE??
Any recommendations on v mount battery plates and chargers??
thanks the info is really helpful to me!!

 

[Steve Sherrick]

If I use a v mount battery in back of the camera:
What plate etc do I need to connect the battery plate to the camera?
Also if I use the rear of the camera for the battery where can I mount the RED MOTE??
Any recommendations on v mount battery plates and chargers??
thanks the info is really helpful to me!!

http://tinyurl.com/cm5386h
http://www.batteries4broadcast.com/vmb11.htm
http://www.globalmediapro.com/dc/C0...ies-and-Power/Mount-V-Lock/V-Mount-Batteries/

Basically you want a small form factor battery plate that attaches directly to back of camera.

 

[Harry Stanton]

http://x.corecommerce.com/RED/Power-RED/QB-Switronix-V-Mount.html

The first link won't work because of a dispute RED is involved with the company. Sorry I can't help much there. It is what it is. Basically you want a small form factor battery plate that attaches directly to back of camera.

What is the dispute?

 

[Steve Sherrick]

What is the dispute?

fixed the first link.

 

[Ted Parkes]

Also consider if you go entirely with RedVolts you will not have away to power any onboard accessories... no D-tap. But if you go with a rear plate and batteries you will have that option.