BP-U30 don't work with F3?!
 

In a new product presentation PDF that I got from Sony they stress in two different places that the F3 only uses BP-U60 batteries and not BP-U30. I've got four BP-U30 batteries that I was hoping to be able to use with my F3. Can anyone with access to an F3 confirm that BP-U30 batteries don't work?

The F3 current draw is almost 2x that of an EX1, 25W vs 13W.

I know that Sony cams are able to identify the specific battery type, so Sony could make the camera refuse to operate with a BP-U30 attached. They may be concerned that the high current draw will shorten the lifespan of the battery or overload it causing it to trip the over current protection. TBH I think a U30 is underpowered for the F3 anyway, but it would be nice to be able to use them as a stand-by.

These batteries have a usable lifespan of 2 to 3 years. As you approach the end of their life the battery life decreases as well so those BP-U30s will become less and less useful as time goes on, particularly under the increased draw the F3 has in relation to the Sony EX1 and EX3 cams.

Small consolation but that is the reality with rechargeable batteries. Given the likelihood of using your F3 with an external monitor and accessories, you may wish to consider purchasing some third party batteries that have a D-Tap connector on them. Once you have these you will find your Sony batteries go largely unused.

At the moment if your not using a BP-U60 then that means an external adapter and battery or using a Swit (or similar) EX type battery with an adapter to go from the EX type connector to a 4 pin XLR.

There will be times when an internal battery will be useful, but there's going to be a big market for V-Lock and Anton Bauer adapters and mounts etc.

swit batteries ...
 

It's a no brainer to get swit batteries with D-Taps (there are 95s on ebay as well) ... I have several and they run the camera and NanoFlash. I've had no problem with these ... get 3-4 and you can cover a day.