Named after the V lock battery mount, V mount batteries are the gold standard for powering professional video equipment. But with all of the different brands and models on the market, it can be difficult to know which battery is right for you.
In this article, we’ll explore every aspect of V-mount batteries, including their charging time and try to help you make the best decision for your needs. So, what do you say?
Shall we start?
Contents
What Is It And Why Do You Need A V Mount Battery
Before we dig into the charging time of V mount batteries, let’s first understand why you might need one. In short, these are designed for professional video, audio and lighting equipment that requires a lot of power.
If you’re a videographer or cameraman, then you know that your equipment can be quite demanding. From 4K cameras to LED lights, everything seems to be getting more and more powerful. And that means your power source needs to be up to the task.
That’s where V mount batteries come in. These batteries are designed to provide a high amount of power for a longer period of time than other types.
In fact, they’re so popular that almost all professional video equipment now uses it.
Now that we know why you need this neat little thing, let’s take a look at other aspects you might be interested in.
Capacity And Power Of V Mount Batteries
As is usually the case with batteries, the two of the most important aspects are capacity and power.
The capacity of a is the amount of charge it can hold, while the power is the rate at which that charge is delivered.
In other words, the capacity is how long your battery will last while the power is how quickly the juice will flow.
As you can imagine, these two aspects are very important when trying to figure out which one to get.
For example, if you’re using a high-powered 8K camera, you’ll need a piece with a lot of juice. Like, A LOT, a lot.
On the other hand, if you’re using something a bit more modest like a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera, what you’ll want to get is the best v mount battery for BMPCC 4K camera you can get. So, probably a lightweight V mount battery that’s portable but still beefy enough to keep your gear running.
So, what’s the usual range for these things?
When it comes to capacity, V mount batteries usually range from 90-something-Wh all the way up to 160Wh.
As for power, they can usually deliver between 12V and 16.8V.
Of course, there are always outliers that go beyond these ranges but, for the most part, this is what you can expect.
Now that we know all about capacity and power, let’s move on to another vital aspect: charging time.
How Fast Can You Charge A V Mount Battery?
This is probably the most important aspect of any battery, especially if you’re a professional who needs to be up and running at all times.
After all, there’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a shoot and having your batteries die on you. Trust us, we’ve been there.
So, how long does it take to charge a V mount battery?
The answer, as always, depends on a few factors.
For example, a 90Wh battery will charge faster than a 160Wh one. Then, there’s the charger and the amperage etc. Basically, just fundamental physics. But, you already knew that, so, what’s the average time?
Well, for a middle-of-the-road Moman Power 140 small V mount battery, it will take about 3-3.5 hours to go from 0 to 100%.
And that’s pretty good, all things considered.
Of course, if you’re in a hurry, there are also faster chargers out there that can do the job in less time, but as we all know, fast charging isn’t your friend, whether it’s a small v mount battery pack we’re talking about or a regular smartphone.
Factors That Affect The Charging Time
We don’t want you to look at that number we’ve previously provided you with and think that’s the be-all-end-all when it comes to charging times.
It’s not.
You see, there are quite a few factors that will affect how long it takes for your battery to go from 0% to 100%.
These include:
• The capacity
• The type of charger you’re using
• The amperage of charger you’re using
• The voltage
All these things will play a role in how long it takes for your chunky or small V mount battery to charge, so keep that in mind.
How To Store A V Mount Battery
Storage is a big deal when it comes to batteries, especially if you don’t plan on using them for a while.
After all, leaving them out in the open or in a hot environment will shorten their lifespan considerably.
So, what’s the best way to store a V mount battery with DTAP?
Well, the general consensus is that you should keep them in a cool and dry place, away from any heat source.
But, what about the charge? Should you store them empty or juiced up?
The answer, once again, is that it depends.
You see, if you’re planning on not using your battery for a long time, say, 3-6 months, it’s best to store them with about 20-40% charge.
On the other hand, if you plan on using them in a few days – fill them up to the brim and leave them be.
In Conclusion
There you have it, everything you need to know about V mount batteries.
Now that you know all there is to know about these bad boys, it’s time to put that knowledge to good use and get yourself the best V mount battery money can buy.
And, if you’re still not sure which one is right for you – do your research. You’ll find out soon enough.