2014Steadi-Newbies forum
Recommended quantity and types of AB batteries for steadicam work
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- A working setup requires at least three sets of batteries: one powering the rig, one charging, and one fully charged and ready, since discharge happens faster than recharging
- Carrying six batteries representing three sets is a practical minimum, though more capacity reduces production delays when high-power camera setups and accessories drain batteries quickly
- The Dionic HC and Dionic 90 models can be used on aircraft with fewer restrictions than other AB battery types
- Lithium-ion batteries require storage on a charger to maintain capacity; units left uncharged for years may lose functionality
- Eight to nine Dionic 90 batteries represents a comfortable working inventory for typical production scenarios
- Fast simultaneous chargers with multiple charging positions prevent production standstill caused by depleted batteries
Depends on
- Recommendations based on HD camera setups that were current around 2014
- The claim about long-term storage requiring continuous charging on a charger was not universally agreed upon and may be specific to certain battery chemistries
- Optimal battery quantity depends on job frequency, camera power requirements, and available charger infrastructure
- One participant reported positive experience with V-mount batteries but acknowledged industry preference for AB standard