As I mentioned in my earlier posts, I'm moving from consumer/prosumer gear to full pro. I have past experience with pro cameras (but >10 years ago).

I've obtained a quote on an HM700 package from a local dealer. I'm going into sticker shock over the battery package. I knew pro batteries would be pricey, but I wasn't fully prepared. (Further research shows that for the brand and battery model, the quote is reasonable, the dealer isn't trying to overcharge me, pardon the pun.)

So, given that I don't have any pro battery gear at this point, and I'm therefore not wedded to a particular battery system, does anyone have any recommendations on batteries for the budget-minded that will work well with the HM700?

My basic requirements:
* Charger / Power supply (should be able to power camera stand-alone for studio work.)
* Does not need to be a dual-charger, but that would be nice.
* Lithium-Ion Chemistry
* 5 hours total record run-time (this could be one or two batteries, depending on capacity/price)
* It would be nice to have an "intelligent" battery that communicates directly with the camera for things like minutes-remaining, but if I can save a bundle and the battery has it's own metering system, I can manage.

For reference, the dealer quoted me an Anton Bauer AB-DIONIC-T2 package, which has a dual charger and two "Dionic 90" batteries.

I can vouch for Swit AB Gold mount batteries. I've had 4 batteries and a dual charger since mid 2005 and they are still going strong.
They can't talk to the camera the way the Dionics do (minutes left) but you still get the percentage/voltage indicator plus the 4 charge level leds on the battery itself.

Thanks for the recommendation.

What do people think of "Batteries4Broadcast" - http://www.batteries4broadcast.com/

It looks like their C2-AM4060-90WH package (charger & two 90Wh batteries) would save me about $1K compared to the Anton Bauers. Or is this a case of "you get what you pay for"?

I've never seen that brand but no matter what you go with make sure you buy through a dealer to protect your investment. I only bought the Swits because my dealer recommended them and he brought them in from the manufacturer in China.

I am using stanrd IDX V-Mount Bundle (Charger/Power supply + 2 70 ampere batteries) plus a 190 ampere compatibile I got from Globalmediapro eShop (http://www.globalmediapro.com) . Actually I find that I use the latter all day and never chnge it through all the day.

I'm using IDX system on my HD110, and when I break down for the HM700 i'll spend the $80 for the adapter plate and use my IDX. Good batteries. But honestly AB are too, and they are all expensive. After 2 years (3?) I have yet to notice any memory change on my IDX batteries, but my usage is medium. 2/3 discharge both batteries per use, then recharge 2 to 3 times a week on average. So how does the memory and lifespan work with the AB users?