2017Batteries/Power forum
Comparison of V-mount and AB Gold-mount battery systems for camera work
What the thread found
- AB Gold-mount batteries are more secure because they require deliberate sideways removal rather than front-to-back release, reducing accidental disconnection
- V-mount batteries can slide out and disconnect power during low-mode operation when the camera is positioned close to the ground
- V-mount batteries have been reported to fall off cameras during operation, creating risk of equipment damage
- AB Gold-mount has been the standard offering at major rental houses for professional cameras
- Gold-mount is more prevalent in North America while V-mount has stronger adoption in Europe and Asia
- Many operators choose V-mount due to existing battery investments in their Sony and other camera systems rather than technical preference
- Both mounting systems function adequately, with selection often driven by prior equipment purchases and regional availability rather than clear technical superiority
Depends on
- No systematic testing data provided comparing failure rates between the two systems
- Anecdotal reports of V-mount failures are cited but frequency is not quantified
- Regional availability differences may have changed since 2017
- Discussion does not address newer battery models or design improvements to either system
- Adapter plates exist to convert between systems, potentially reducing the practical significance of the choice
Gear in this thread
Parts
Same gear or parts
- 2026Steadicam® A-30 lower arm segment stiffness and squeaking after warranty service; bearing ring contact hypothesis.FacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026Reducing voltage drop in standard Steadicam® Zephyr cabling for high-power broadcast cameras.DisputedFacebookSteadicam operators group
- 2026First stabilizer purchase: Steadicam® Elite (14 kg payload, integrated Volt 3) versus Rever Evo (higher payload) and used-market strategy.DisputedFacebookThe Steadicam Group
- 2026Removing a stuck aircraft pin from a used Steadicam® Zephyr arm connection block and reconfiguring to goofy modeFacebookSteadicam operators group