2005Steadi-Newbies forum
Power requirements and battery solutions for film camera power systems
21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Film cameras like the Movicam and Arriflex models require approximately 20 amps at startup, not 1 amp, making simple low-amperage inverters insufficient
- Operating at high frame rates such as 150 fps requires voltage in the 28-32 volt range rather than standard 24 volts to maintain proper camera performance
- Most commercial DC-DC converters struggle to deliver the required current and voltage stability without voltage sag below camera minimums
- Connecting two 14.4 volt battery packs in series is a reliable method to achieve the necessary 28-32 volt supply for film camera rigs
- NP-1 style battery mounts with additional batteries provide a simpler, lighter, and more cost-effective solution than dedicated power converters for this application
- DeWalt power tool batteries offer compatible voltage and capacity ratings to professional film batteries at significantly lower cost for both batteries and charging equipment
- Building custom battery systems from high-capacity NiCd cells intended for model aircraft use can reduce expenses compared to branded professional battery solutions
Depends on
- The 20 amp figure is specific to the Arriflex 435 startup scenario and may vary with other camera models
- The 150 fps operation example applies specifically to the Arriflex 435 and different cameras may have different speed-related power requirements
- DeWalt battery compatibility and long-term reliability for film camera use represents reported operator experience rather than manufacturer specification
- No testing parameters or duration data provided for the alternative battery solutions discussed