Are you in the market for a V-mount battery to run your camera and peripherals? Do you need USB-C? Do you already have something that works for you? Let me know in the comments. This battery does the trick for me. Affiliate links in description.
I just got my VB50 battery, which I intend to use to power up my Fuji X-H2S + Atomos monitor setup (also a Smallrig rig). The Atomos seems to be only happy when powered via the D-TAP. My approach for the camera will be the "dummy battery - to - DC" cable/adapter plugged into the DC-8V on the VB50 ... I guess that will work ! Thanks for the nice and detailed description of your rig.
Hi Ray, thanks for another great video, i bought the Z9 for its video capabilities but i am mainly a still shooter wanting to get into video. Have purchased the small rig Z9 frame, and couple of handles and one day ill get to a good setup like yours.
You're welcome. As one online example, on this channel, see a short video including documentation of a critical issue in this area, with global implications. ruclips.net/video/S9q4gsG6h7I/видео.html
@@RaymondParkerPhoto ports and quick charging are the big differences. The small rig has 65w quick charge that I like. I didn’t get the fxlion. That was my secondary option.
Hi Ray. just a quick question as i have not explored my Z9 in depth at the moment. With all the recording modes for video on the Z9 do you feel a Atomos Ninja V is needed?
Sorry to waffle, but it depends. A monitor certainly helps. The original V doesn't record 8K and I haven't gotten a straight answer about Z9, Z8 support for the V+ or Ultra (only Z6, Z7, Z6II, Z7II are on their compatibility list). TBH, I haven't recorded to the Ninja V from either Z8 or Z9, because, yes, so far those cameras have everything I need built in. Hope that roundabout answer helps.
The Z9 internal battery is rated for 36Wh, nearly 1/3 of the 99Wh battery capacity. And I tend to think using a dummy battery plugged into the v-mount would provide a more consistent power source for the camera under a video recording load. Didn’t I read somewhere that the Z9 USB-C port is only sufficient to slow the exhaustion of the internal battery?
AFAIK, there is no existing "dummy battery" for the Z9 besides the EP 6a AC adapter -- cost with adapter cord, around $400. According to Nikon and demonstrated in the video, power delivery is available.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Yes, you can get power into the Z9 via the USB port. However, the manual reads like this, “USB power delivery allows the camera to be used while limiting the drain on the battery.” So you can get more time out of a Z9 battery, but it will still drain out if you shoot for long enough, especially for data intensive tasks such as high res and/or high frame rate video. Eventually someone will put out a dummy battery sufficient to fully power the camera from a v-mount. Until then, USB-C is a much-better-than-nothing stopgap.
Please read the Reference Guide carefully and completely and watch my video. Here's a typical use-case scenario for this rig as demonstrated in the video: The VB99 battery with plate is powering the Z9 (USB-C direct from battery), Atomos Ninja V, Tascam DR 60D MKII (a real power hog) and Røde NTG 2 mic (phantom power via recorder). Again, as demonstrated in the video. I neglected to add typical run time for this rig as configured -- 3 hours +/− when, for example, I'm recording 4K ProRes HQ to the Ninja V and camera simultaneously. All this with *absolutely no draw-down on the Z9's internal EN-EL 18D battery.* Power delivery *is* supported. I hope this clarifies things.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto I quoted from the manual. But whatever. Your solution will help people up to a point. I’m not arguing otherwise. But for those who are trying to shoot a full day schedule (10-12 hours) then the USB option will run out of steam.
I'm not sure what your intention is here but your misreading of the manual and consequent claim is incorrect. Now you've changed your reason. I'm not infallible but I try to pass on the first-hand experience I have with my gear. As I said in a recent video, I'm open to correction when offered without obvious one-upmanship as a motive. Now I've taken the time to correct your claim, lest it mislead my audience. Admittedly, I rarely need more juice than a couple of batteries will provide. Certainly, I'm not shooting 10-12 hours non-stop so I can't switch out a battery. I don't know anyone who does. Your as-yet-unavailable third-party dummy battery would still present the same (non?) problem: the rig runs only as long as the V-mount battery. As mentioned in the video, SmallRig is also planning to offer a 155 Mah battery.
Your rig looks extremely high-end and it sure gives you great-looking results. Your video and audio are as good as it gets. How long does it take to strip the camera down if you want to take it for a joyride outdoors?
That's really cool and interesting vidz my friend. Keep it up and more vidz to come. Stay Safe and healthy always my friend. Have a wonderful day ahead.
What a shame the cage doesn’t allow the wireless remote control. I use my z9 for stills and especially use the wireless remote wr11a to trigger the shutter and SN5000 flashguns, but I also wanted a video setup for the occasional video..
@@RaymondParkerPhoto So it's not the mAH that is important then ! I power my Sony A7S III with a USB bank, good for 10h strait, what's the advantage of a V-Mount batt.? Thanks
I'm a little late to the party here, but here's my quandary. When I use the Z9's USB-C port to power the camera (connected to my SmallRig VB99 battery), I cannot simultaneously use my side handle's Start/Stop (video mode) function because it uses the same USB-C port. The Z9 has only one USB-C port, so I have to choose one function over the other. I have not been able to find a EN-EL18 dummy battery that will allow me to power the camera with my VB99 battery. The only dummy battery I've found has a 12V female jack, which is for connecting to an AC adapter. None of them have male connectors for D-TAP nor USB-C nor 12v. I have seen dummys for the EN-EL15 batteries in D-TAP and USB-C, but not for the EN-EL18 (Z9) battery. Has anyone found a workaround for this?
Are you in the market for a V-mount battery to run your camera and peripherals? Do you need USB-C? Do you already have something that works for you? Let me know in the comments. This battery does the trick for me. Affiliate links in description.
Your video was amazing! To be honest, it felt like a fresh gust of air in this digital age! Loved it!
Wow, thank you, Pablo!
I just got my VB50 battery, which I intend to use to power up my Fuji X-H2S + Atomos monitor setup (also a Smallrig rig). The Atomos seems to be only happy when powered via the D-TAP. My approach for the camera will be the "dummy battery - to - DC" cable/adapter plugged into the DC-8V on the VB50 ... I guess that will work ! Thanks for the nice and detailed description of your rig.
Yes, that makes sense. Cheers! Enjoy your rig.
Hi Ray, thanks for another great video, i bought the Z9 for its video capabilities but i am mainly a still shooter wanting to get into video. Have purchased the small rig Z9 frame, and couple of handles and one day ill get to a good setup like yours.
My pleasure! Glad to hear you're building up your rig. Adding a bit of weight really helps hand-held shots.
thanks Raymond, great video explaining the setup again! Would love to see some of your documentary video work. Where could we see this online please?
You're welcome. As one online example, on this channel, see a short video including documentation of a critical issue in this area, with global implications.
ruclips.net/video/S9q4gsG6h7I/видео.html
I had mine for about a week. Great battery life for z9 and monitor.
Good to hear! Of course, I'm running the audio recorder too, but happy with results.
@Rodney Turner. I just recalled you commented on my last Z9 rig video that you had the FXLion battery. Any comparison notes?
@@RaymondParkerPhoto ports and quick charging are the big differences. The small rig has 65w quick charge that I like. I didn’t get the fxlion. That was my secondary option.
@@rodneyturnerphoto Ah, thanks for adding this. Yes, my other chargers are getting lonely.
Wish one? The 50, 99 or 155mh??? Bcuz my combination is the z6II with monitor
Fancy-looking rig now! When do we get to see some of the things you film with this set-up? 🙂
Plenty of content on this channel created with this and the Z6 rig.
Hi Ray. just a quick question as i have not explored my Z9 in depth at the moment. With all the recording modes for video on the Z9 do you feel a Atomos Ninja V is needed?
Sorry to waffle, but it depends. A monitor certainly helps. The original V doesn't record 8K and I haven't gotten a straight answer about Z9, Z8 support for the V+ or Ultra (only Z6, Z7, Z6II, Z7II are on their compatibility list). TBH, I haven't recorded to the Ninja V from either Z8 or Z9, because, yes, so far those cameras have everything I need built in. Hope that roundabout answer helps.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto thank you Ray helps a lot.
The Z9 internal battery is rated for 36Wh, nearly 1/3 of the 99Wh battery capacity. And I tend to think using a dummy battery plugged into the v-mount would provide a more consistent power source for the camera under a video recording load. Didn’t I read somewhere that the Z9 USB-C port is only sufficient to slow the exhaustion of the internal battery?
AFAIK, there is no existing "dummy battery" for the Z9 besides the EP 6a AC adapter -- cost with adapter cord, around $400.
According to Nikon and demonstrated in the video, power delivery is available.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Yes, you can get power into the Z9 via the USB port. However, the manual reads like this, “USB power delivery allows the camera to be used while limiting the drain on the battery.” So you can get more time out of a Z9 battery, but it will still drain out if you shoot for long enough, especially for data intensive tasks such as high res and/or high frame rate video. Eventually someone will put out a dummy battery sufficient to fully power the camera from a v-mount. Until then, USB-C is a much-better-than-nothing stopgap.
Please read the Reference Guide carefully and completely and watch my video.
Here's a typical use-case scenario for this rig as demonstrated in the video: The VB99 battery with plate is powering the Z9 (USB-C direct from battery), Atomos Ninja V, Tascam DR 60D MKII (a real power hog) and Røde NTG 2 mic (phantom power via recorder).
Again, as demonstrated in the video.
I neglected to add typical run time for this rig as configured -- 3 hours +/−
when, for example, I'm recording 4K ProRes HQ to the Ninja V and camera simultaneously.
All this with *absolutely no draw-down on the Z9's internal EN-EL 18D battery.* Power delivery *is* supported.
I hope this clarifies things.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto I quoted from the manual. But whatever. Your solution will help people up to a point. I’m not arguing otherwise. But for those who are trying to shoot a full day schedule (10-12 hours) then the USB option will run out of steam.
I'm not sure what your intention is here but your misreading of the manual and consequent claim is incorrect. Now you've changed your reason. I'm not infallible but I try to pass on the first-hand experience I have with my gear.
As I said in a recent video, I'm open to correction when offered without obvious one-upmanship as a motive. Now I've taken the time to correct your claim, lest it mislead my audience.
Admittedly, I rarely need more juice than a couple of batteries will provide. Certainly, I'm not shooting 10-12 hours non-stop so I can't switch out a battery. I don't know anyone who does. Your as-yet-unavailable third-party dummy battery would still present the same (non?) problem: the rig runs only as long as the V-mount battery.
As mentioned in the video, SmallRig is also planning to offer a 155 Mah battery.
Excellent video
Thank you very much!
Hi, for this set up rig, from battery size How long can it be used continuously?
in using the smallrig which there are two DC connection. 12v,5v which one is for the gh-6?
Hi, Enrique. I hesitate to offer advice on a camera I'm not familiar with.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto Thank you for getting back to me.
The content is great. Thanks for sharing. I recently saw a battery called Moman Power 99 v mount. I don't know if you know about it. I want to try it.
Thanks. From what I can see, that doesn't have USB-C port.
Your rig looks extremely high-end and it sure gives you great-looking results. Your video and audio are as good as it gets. How long does it take to strip the camera down if you want to take it for a joyride outdoors?
Thanks, Christian! Yes, very happy with results ... due in most part to the fab Z9! Takes 5 minutes max to undress.
That's really cool and interesting vidz my friend. Keep it up and more vidz to come. Stay Safe and healthy always my friend. Have a wonderful day ahead.
Thanks, RodKris! Much appreciated.
What a shame the cage doesn’t allow the wireless remote control. I use my z9 for stills and especially use the wireless remote wr11a to trigger the shutter and SN5000 flashguns, but I also wanted a video setup for the occasional video..
Is there a battery that will power it for video shooting for 3hrs?
Depends on the rig components.
👍🏾
How these 99w batteries compare with let's say a 25,000 mA USB power bank in terms of only power (not connectivity)
99Wh = 6.700 mAh
@@RaymondParkerPhoto So it's not the mAH that is important then ! I power my Sony A7S III with a USB bank, good for 10h strait, what's the advantage of a V-Mount batt.? Thanks
I'm a little late to the party here, but here's my quandary. When I use the Z9's USB-C port to power the camera (connected to my SmallRig VB99 battery), I cannot simultaneously use my side handle's Start/Stop (video mode) function because it uses the same USB-C port. The Z9 has only one USB-C port, so I have to choose one function over the other. I have not been able to find a EN-EL18 dummy battery that will allow me to power the camera with my VB99 battery. The only dummy battery I've found has a 12V female jack, which is for connecting to an AC adapter. None of them have male connectors for D-TAP nor USB-C nor 12v. I have seen dummys for the EN-EL15 batteries in D-TAP and USB-C, but not for the EN-EL18 (Z9) battery. Has anyone found a workaround for this?