2004Batteries/Power forum
Selecting battery voltage and chemistry for film camera power systems
22 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- NiMH batteries at 13.2 volts have proven reliable for extended use in high-temperature environments like Thailand with good performance over multiple years
- Lithium-ion batteries at 14.4 volts offer superior power density compared to NiMH, enabling higher frame rates and longer runtime with less weight
- Fresh 14.4-volt lithium batteries can produce voltages around 16.6 volts immediately after charging, which may exceed the 32-volt maximum input specification of some camera models like the SR3 and 435
- Moviecam cameras with 3-pin XLR connectors are vulnerable to damage from 14.4-volt batteries when freshly charged due to inadequate protection circuits, while cameras with ARRI circuit boards and 2-pin Fischer connectors handle higher voltages without issue
- Aspekt/Aspen NiMH batteries at 60 watt-hours and 14.4 volts are compatible with chargers from other manufacturers when using appropriate adapter plates
- A two-battery 14.4-volt system with a 24-to-12-volt converter can reliably power high-drain equipment like HD cameras at 150 frames per second while remaining compact
- Higher-capacity NiMH packs above 50 watt-hours tend to have shorter operational lifespans regardless of chemistry
Depends on
- The discussion occurred in 2004 when battery technology and camera specifications were different from modern standards
- Some battery voltage specifications rely on participant memory rather than documented specifications
- Specific charger and converter models mentioned may no longer be available or supported
- Experience reported was primarily with film cameras and not necessarily applicable to modern digital equipment
- Regional availability and import considerations for Thailand may not apply to other locations