Small Video DP6 Batteries Question

[Tim Naylor]

I ordered the Small Video DP6 with three of Small Videos batteries. I went with them over the Canon batts figuring with the Canon dual batt mount with twice as many contacts doubles the risk of contact failure. Also, I was afraid under rough conditions (boat, vehicle, etc) they'd be more likely to come lose than Small Video's batts in their custom bracket.

But now I'm having 2nd thoughts. I own a 5D and figured with 3rd battery batts, I could have a bagful of batts that could share with my camera, standardizing the whole power operation.

Any pros/cons over the different power set ups from those who've used them would be most appreciated.

 

[Tim Naylor]

Whoops! this should go into the RED accessories forum. Could someone please move it?

Thanks

 

[Carson Garner]

Tim,

I use the SmallHD DP6 with the Canon Batteries and love it. I easily get 4 hours with the set, a friend has the SmallHD 26 Watt-Hour Battery and gets a little over the 4 hours. I don't think you will go wrong with either. I have never had a problem with the contacts on the Canon mount.

The SmallHD DP-6 is very power friendly in power ranges (5-18v input range), so just use a Anon Bauer or V-Mount to power the whole rig from a D-Tap using the DC 5D adaptor. You can also get the Contineo 5D MKII powered cage from View Factor Studios. I recommend this option if shooting with a 5D, SmallHD and audio rig more than a few hours because you can power the entire rig for a day off of an Anton or V mount. Also the extra power is a must if shooting in the cold.

Carson
http://www.F9photo.com
http://twitter.com/f9photo

 

[Seth H]

I use the small HD monitor batteries
They're good. Last a good amount of time and lite.
This is also a small thing, but the charger is a regular 2 pin charger. I find it always just a big power mess charging canon batteries.

Seth

 

[Andrew clemson]

I went with the canon mount partly because it gave me an excuse to buy a bunch more canon batteries for my 5D, and mainly because I know I can go to the local mall and buy a load more right away if need be, customs here is a bitch.

 

[John Saunders]

I have the DP1x and I don't know if it is the same battery and bracket or if they redesigned the battery bracket but I find that my SmallHD batteries are always falling out of the holder. It's not to big of a deal for me since I built a custom Anton Bauer mount with multiple voltages out so that I an power the camera and accessories off of the one battery and it works pretty well. Kind the same idea as the VF cage but it mounts to rails and provides the 7V out for the camera on a 5pin xlr and 12V on 4 4pin xlrs plus I have the dtap. It also acts as a counter weight which is nice.

 

[Tony Covell]

If you check out the Hawk Wood website from the UK you will find that they have a really nice battery adaptor and set up for Canons etc.
Hope this assists you and others.
Kindest Tony Covell London.

 

[Chris Adams]

I use the canon batteries with the DP6 and they fit very snuggly in there. I've done a lot of pretty intense handheld work and I never worry about the batteries popping out. Also you can hot swap batteries if you are worried about the 10 second start up time killing you.

I originally had quite a few battery issues with the DP-1 using small HD batteries which is why I opted for using the canon mount, but I have heard that their new batteries are much better. So theres my 2 cents.

 

[Tim Naylor]

Is there any 3rd party Canon Batt maker anyone would recommend. Preferably one that's readable by the 5d/7d as well.

 

[Tim Naylor]

I use the small HD monitor batteries
They're good. Last a good amount of time and lite.
This is also a small thing, but the charger is a regular 2 pin charger. I find it always just a big power mess charging canon batteries.

Seth

Mess how?

 

[Rob Ruffo]

I use small HD batteries and love them - small light, each comes with its own charger, so you can just pack them all into outlets at the hotel at the end of the day.