2007Batteries/Power forum
Voltage reading discrepancies when powering Sony XD Cam through external 4-pin connector versus battery plate
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Sony XD Cam cameras apply internal voltage regulation to the 4-pin connector input, resulting in lower voltage readings in the viewfinder compared to direct battery plate connection.
- The camera's 4-pin connector voltage regulation is separate from the battery mount regulation, and the camera then variably inverts this voltage for different internal components.
- Voltage drop through sled cabling can be significant and depends on wire gauge used in the rig; rigs with 14-gauge wire experience less drop than those with 18 or 20-gauge wire.
- Higher amperage draw from cameras increases voltage drop through the power chain, with some HD cameras drawing up to 15 amps.
- Measuring voltage under no-load conditions does not reveal actual voltage drop; load testing is necessary to see real-world voltage behavior.
- Camera menu settings for battery type and external power input should be configured correctly to avoid false low-battery warnings.
- Load testing showed one XD Cam battery remained usable for an additional 40 minutes after the viewfinder indicated it had dropped to 13 volts.
Depends on
- The exact technical mechanism of the camera's internal voltage regulation was not fully understood by forum participants and required manufacturer clarification.
- Information specific to Tiffen Archer sled and Sony XD Cam combination.
- Some participants reported similar issues with other camera models but resolution methods varied.
- The discussion did not establish definitive standards for acceptable voltage drop across different rig configurations.