Battery Recommendation For GY-HD100U
 

Is there anyone who can recommend long lasting batteries for the HD100U (JVC) since it appears the standard JVC battery sucks! (like 40 min).

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

Brian

Just about all of the industry-standard professional battery solutions are adaptable to the HD100. There are a couple of different battery-mount brackets you can buy (for instance, one from IDX and one from Anton/Bauer so far) that will allow you to mount a pro battery on the HD100.

You'll want to look into Anton/Bauer, Aspen, IDX and even VariZoom (as they are now into the battery business too these days -- see http://www.varizoom.com/battery/li-ion_kit.html for an example). Expect to pay about $1000 for a couple of pro-grade batts and charger.

Thanks Chris. very help info. Will check them out.

=)

Brian

We were looking into this a few days ago. Working out the actual power consumption of the HD100 is a bit tricky in the first place. Two different JVC documents had different specs - one stated 14W the other 17W. Either way the standard (2.8Ahrs) battery only lasts between 40 and 60 minutes. Even the high cap optional accessory is only 3.8Ahrs. JVC must really want you to invest the pro battery options; and it does make sense.

JVC don't make batteries, in the same way that they don't make lenses. It's sensible therefore to let someone else do it. This keeps JVC's R&D costs down which in turn keeps the cost of the camera down. It also means you end up with a better product.

The other point is that good batteries are expensive, and JVC are selling the HD100 to people who probably already have pro batteries that they'll want to use with the HD100.

everyone's a winner!

Thanks Mark,

Which batteries did you find that were long lasting and workable for your HD100U? I would like soemthing that will last at least 4 hours each and then get 2 witha charger.

Gold Mount
 

I purchased a Gold mount for this camera(the adapter that allows you to use Anton Bauer batteries.) I just received word from EVS that it is now gonna be on back order for another month at least. I dont know if its just not actually been released yet, or if I'm just low on the waiting list.

4 hours might be pushing it a little, but a 90WH VMount might do it depending on your standby usage.

If you must have 4 hours you'll probably need one of the 160WH batteries but it might add too much weight to the back (might be fine though).

As a guide, a 90WH battery does about 3.5 hours of near continuous shooting on my 20W DV500 (with lots of zoom usage, shooting football)

I ordered two AB gold mounts, 4 88Whr batteries and chargers for our two HD100s about 4 weeks ago. Everything has shipped except for the gold mounts.
My dealer called me today and told me Anton Bauer told him October 20th. My dealer also told me I shouldn't hold my breath. (He's been an AB dealer for many years.)

I would have gone with the JVC/IDX V-mount, but the impression last month was that the AB mounts would be available faster. Now I'm not sure what to think.

My dealer, Abelcinetech, said they had received a shipment of AB mounts last month, problem is, none of them worked. Apparently the plastic mount was not quite right and would not fit. They even tried to fix them in their shop to no avail. So it appears AB did not have enough time with a prototype to get it right. No word on when the fix will be shipped. Has anyone received one yet?

Dave B

I actually was told by my dealer that they had 4 hour bateeries, but they could be blowing smoke up my ass. I still got tow, since they were only $99 each and he assured me they worked with the HD100U 4 hours each. Time will tell. I also got an adapter which will hopefully help. I probably gonna need a few more batteries once I get going.

Duke

$99 for a 4 hour battery? Stock mount battery?

It sounded too good to be true for me too, but he assured me those were 4 hour batteries, as he was aware of the short life of the standard batteries. I'm still learning so I hope he didn't take me for a ride, or he will have to deal with the wrath of me =) THey will go right back to him if they are not what he sold me. Should get them by next week so we will see.

I bought the GlobalMediaPro 95wH batts - still haven't had a chance to check them out on continuous shooting (just haven't shot that long yet). The actual AB Dionic's are heavier (extra electronics), but I actually find the 95wH GMPs are a little on the light side for perfect balance, so maybe the 160 wH would be just right.

I believe you'll get 4 hours continuous out of the 95WH's . Getting the charger and the batts from GMP is a lot cheaper, but be aware - the batteries don't have the fuel electronics built into them, therefore you will not get the battery fuel indicator on the viewfinder - just the straight voltage reading.

The GMP batteries do have a 4 LED array on the battery indicating remaining charge FWIW. They are a little over 1/3 the price of the Dionics (at least in Australia). Their charger is simultaeneous 2 channel and does have a 14.4 supply for broadcast cam's. The Titan charger in the AB kit (if you buy that) is a neat little single channel charger that will mount directly to your camera and allow you to run off mains (but the fitting is only IEC standard so I'd be worried about it falling out on location)

The IDX solution looks nice as well but the adapter was too expensive compared to the AB, but it does seem to be available where many in the US can't get hold of the AB. The overall kit is comparable to the AB (more expensive, but better dual channel sequential charger and 2 x 70WH batteries as opposed to 1 x Dionic 90WH).

Is it the same basic size and shape of the stock battery?

Be aware that the HD100 uses the same batteries as JVC's consumer cameras, but its power draw is much, much higher. So a battery like their 3500mah may last four hours when powering a little palmcorder, but it'll last 40 minutes in the HD100.

If they are the 428 or 438 battiers you won't get very far on them. Read the fine print on the battery packaging which defines the conditions they claim '4hours' under.

Basically they will be 4 hours on the tiny little consumer JVC cameras only. B&H sell the JVC 428 for about US$79+taxs

"but be aware - the batteries don't have the fuel electronics built into them, therefore you will not get the battery fuel indicator on the viewfinder"
I think this is standard for VMount. MY DV500 only shows the battery voltage in the VF as well and I use Sony and SWIT batteries. Get to know the battery though. My Sonys turn the camera off at 10.6v, my SWIT switch off at about 12v. Do a single test and remember the results. Also note, after 14.4v, the voltage drops much quicker than from the starting 16v down to 14.4v.

Cheap Batteries
 

Here is a simple solution, which we have worked out for the JVCHD100 camera. This camera has a DC input which needs
a 7.2 volts input ( today is my day off here in Dubai, so could be wrong but will check in the studio tommorow), One of our guys is a electronic techy, he has made a small electronic step down, and we connect one of our standard 12 volt batteries belt packs as well as bricks with 4pin connectors.
A 12 10amp hour battery last about 3 hours. Total cost less than US$50 to make the adapter/converter. This is a simple job, just insure that you have the rigth polarity on the input jacl. We have anton bauer for our DVCpro which we can also
use but have given up has no adapters seem to be available for sale anywhere. So go guys solve the battery
problem, its cheap,now and works.

I've already made one of those myself however the problem remains of being teathered to the body by the belt. I can power my converter either from my GEL cell belt or my VMount belt, but either way it is a pain to walk away from the camera on a tripod, I've neally pulled my camera over set up like that, very close call.

Yes I agree
 

But we must all find ways to work till there is a perfect solution, I generally mount the pack on myself when shooting hand held (which is very very rare Wildlife long lenses) But for all tripod work we put the pack on to the tripod itself just extend the belt and clip it on.

Well, but if you do it that way, you can't read out the battery-life that's still in the battery....

Why
 

You constantly frame, check,shoot etc while filming, so monitoring is very much there both in the viewfinder and LCD, and it shows all battery life though not as accurate.
This is a solution not the solution. Till we reach battery nirvana.

I'm not sure if it's correct but a tech told me gel cells were not great for cameras, they are designed for continuous recharging situations (like burglar alarms) not recharge/discharge situations like camera shooting. I can't recall whether he was saying they were actually not good for the camera.

They are pretty common for people to use to power on camera lights. They take a while to charge, but seem to handle discharge and recharge ok. They are pretty cheap too, but they are heavy.

Lead Acid and Nicads
 

We have used both 12 Volts Lead Acid and Nicads for over 7 years, on Beta SP cameras, and with a Step down for the one of the first DV cameras a 10 year old Panasonic AGEZ, 3 chip camera. Both these cameras still work though now days we hardly use them. The battries have been replaced a number of times in the last ten years, but the cameras still work. I hope this helps.

That's fine but lead acid and nicad are totally different technologies - good to know that both worked for you. I agree that the only real problem with lead acids is their excessive weight.

So you're saying you had no electronic problems with the BetaSP over 7 years of field use - well done!

Lead Acid and Nicad
 

Yes I do know they are different, If you asking was there any problems due to battery usage none I know till now, ever had
problems of electronic kind, yes due to one the roughest drives in the back of an army truck for 150 KM in the Khazak desert at night. The VTR section would not work. Used the Panasonic AGEZ for the next 15 days. The Beta was repaired and was is still used and works. This is a Ikegami 390 with a
Sony PVV1 back. Threw away six Sony NP1 batteries, about two years back and bought 4 Swift NP1 replacements. We still have a two five year old Lead Acid Batteries, which still work and are used regularly. On the pansonic I have only used the Lead Acid with a 7.2 step down, for the last five years. The camera has never gone down, its serviced regularly. The secret is simple we have a cardinal rule, when we shoot in the desert, or at sea especially wildlife. One has to clean all our cameras, the moment you finish shoot everyday, before you shower,eat or sleep.
Half the problems we have with gear is negligence, I have seen gear caked with dirt, but used day in and day out till it just stops working.

the fact is all batteries provide a DC power supply, so as long as the battery can output the voltage and current the camera needs the camera will be as happy as a pig in mud ;)

Anton Bauer plates now shipping?
 

Hey all,
I ordered a gold mount plate for the HD 100u from EVS several weeks ago, I received word from Fed EX that my order is in route...

3 hour battery for JVC GY HD 100 DSM7274
 

Hi

Just to let you know, with the help of JVC Pro, we are making a 52Wh Li-ion battery that will power a GY-HD100 camera for 3 hours.

The battery will sit off the back of the camera by about 25mm ( 1")
It can also be charged on the cameras supplied charger unit. It will also have a socket for a DC upper to power a Firestore. We are also making a rear mounting Firestore bracket for this camera.

Details are on our website, www.dsmpower.tv a photo will be there later this week.

Re SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) batteries. For todays cameras with tiny electronic components and micro thin copper circiuts the slightest amount of acid tracking along the cables and accross copper circuits can cause camera failure. Even the best SLA batteries have vents to stop them blowing up in an over charge or high discharge situation and it has been known on several occasions to track along the positive line...... If you do go the SLA way, use a cyclic type not a standby type and don't use a car or motorcycle charger, these will gas the battery, use a dedicated cyclic SLA charger.

From 30 years of making batteries for Film TV and Video equipment Ni-Cd is the only DIY option. Its probably the cheapest as you can use just 6 cells and use a cheap 7.2V model racing car charger unit !!

I've taken delivery on the Anton Bauer back and use it with a Dionic 90. It adds welcome weight to the back end and gives me several hours. It also has options to add a wireless receptacle on the side and a clip for a firestore pocket on the back according to the print info they sent with the adapter.

Got my gold mount today.
 

Looks like Warren has one too. I finally received mine today after being on backorder for a month. So I guess they do exist. Haven't got a chance to use it yet, but it looks like any gold mount. It has a power tap on it for all your accessories. I'm gonna have to charge up the old ProFormers. I'm thinking I should get at least 1.5 to 2 hrs outta each one of these babies. Im probably gonna need a dionic or two later.

I've been testing the AB back with a Dionic 90 tonight. So far it's been powered continuously for 5 hours and it looks like I still have 1/3rd battery charge left. Pretty sweet.

I know the IDX uses the Sony V-Mount/V-Lock system, what does the AB mount use? Anyone able to show me a photo of the AB adaptor without a battery attached?

Hey Martland,
So your battery will be basically the same size and shape of the stock one? When will it be available and how much?

Warren, in your viewfinder you see 14-16V of power, or 7.2 V with the AB adapter and Dionic battery?
I use a IDX, and I can see only 14-16V instead 7.2 V

7.2 Volts
 

I have posted pictures, with the AB adapter using Swit battries, the display shown is 7.2.
The link to the post
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=52880
Cheers

What's the price of a couple of Swit battries and a charger? I understand it mounts to an AB gold mount? How much doesn the mount sales for?

Funny, the IDX show 16V. I'll call IDX if this is normal

Laszlo

Mine shows 7.2 volts.

Swit
 

Swit battries 2 X 80 Watts with a dual charger I paid about
18 months back to the local dealer here in Dubai US 700/-
I hope that helps, no idea what is the cost now, called the dealer two days back, he did not have any in stock, but will get them in 10 days

I paid US $349 for the IDX adapter only.


Laszlo