Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

Perfect buy for shooting videos on DSLR. have shot for a event of 9 hrs continuously without a break and still 2 dots on battery indicator remains, which i believe is enough to shoot 12hours in a row.. A must have for Video or long time-lapse.

one should be a bit careful with the connector wire as it might broke off if handled roughly, its not really too long lasting..

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

I use this in my canon 7d video setup. The battery is a bit heavy to hand hold but on my video rig its amazing. It lasted for a 4 hour event and has all 4 led lights still showing. Great product and a good price.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

I use it with 5D Mk II and 7D Canon DSLRs when shooting video. The battery also powers my SmallHD DP6 monitor connected to the included D-Tap port. The battery lasts the better part of a day running the cameras in Live View mode (a power drain) and the monitor. Turning off Live View and/or the monitor helps conserve power while moving gear, of course.

The cameras present an error message that they cannot communicate with the battery when first turned on which you must give an "OKAY" response to before continuing. That might cause some to miss a quick shot if used for stills, but this battery is likely of more interest to DSLR video shooters. There is a known issue with the battery causing an "ERR" message on the 7D if the SmallHD monitor is in place, turned on, and connected to the HDMI port when the camera is powered up. It is quickly remedied by removing the battery connector from the battery well of the camera, and retrying with the monitor off. This can be a bit of a pain if your DSLR is locked into a complex tripod head or rails set-up and the battery well door is not accessible. Once you get used to the proper start-up procedure, it's rarely an issue. Camera power first, then monitor.

Mounted on a shoulder rig behind a DSLR, the battery weight can help counter-balance a typically front-heavy rig. The battery also has convenient 1/4-20 thread accessory mounts on front and back. I attach a quick-release plate to the battery for rapid mount/dismount from tripod or shoulder rigs.

The battery can only be charged with its own charger connected through a D-Tap style port. On my battery, this port is very tight and was a bit difficult to force the plastic connector into, as though the hard plastic plug was a hair too large. The charger plug doesn't sit very deep or lock into the battery, so care will be warranted to be sure it's fully seated. A red light comes on the charger when the battery is charging. It will not overcharge if left charging overnight. The battery takes a while to charge, so don't plan of running it down in the morning and having it ready to go after lunch, but with caution, a single battery can last all day. The battery charge indicator has always seemed relatively accurate, as much as can be expected from a 4-LED light series.

The D-Tap power connection power for accessories such as a monitor or video light is great, but mine is a little loose, so a piece of gaffer tape might be in order if you're shooting run-and-gun style. As others have stated, the plastic mount to a DSLR is a tad wobbly but only a little. It's never been a problem when locked down on tripod or jib, and if you're whirling a DSLR around enough to make it move significantly, you probably have more issues with jello-cam rolling shutter affecting your image than camera movement on the mount. If it gets bad enough that I'm concerned, I'll try shimming the mount plate in the well to see if that snugs the fit.

I would buy another in a minute, and am considering getting the cable for my Sony EX1 so I can use the battery on it as well for event coverage. It's very adaptable to power D-Tap port accessories even if not being used for a camera.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

Powers camera, monitor and audio recorder and acts as counterbalance on shoulder rig.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

This thing lasts forever, charges quickly, is well built, what more can you ask for?

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

I bought this product for my 5D shoulder rig. I have yet to shoot the battery dry in one day of shooting, but I'm currently only running the camera with plans to add a monitor. I modified the power cable, lengthening it by 12 inches so I could mount the battery on the tail of the shoulder harness. I'm not saying this is a con, per se, but it's something to note if you plan on locating your battery farther than the 6 inch cable that comes with this.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

sure it's kind of heavy, but my tripod isn't complaining. i shoot wedding videos and i need my camera on for most of the day, and the regular battery made for photographers is a joke.
i'm finally entering the canon 5d world, and that world needs a lot of power.. for hours on end.
THIS PROVIDES THAT.
I shot an entire wedding day with one pack (i bought another one for back up but did not need it)

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

I use my 5dmii for wedding videos and commercial video. When shooting events you need a long lasting reliable power source because you can't stop in the middle of something to change batteries. This eliminates at least one worry for your day's work. I shot for 8 hours with a total of 37 GB's of data and only used about 30% of the battery!

It attaches securely to the bottom of the camera with a great little quick release plate design and doesn't cause any noticeable wobble. It is however a bit bulky since it's wider than the camera and it adds quite a bit of weight as well. Add a heavy lens like a 24-70 and it gets quite front heavy. I usually use two support methods that I switch between when shooting. I use a manfrotto monopod and a shoulder support for more freedom. I switched from the plastic stedi-stock to the opteka metal rig when I got this battery because the stedi-stock's plastic build couldn't support all the weight. However, the Opteka doesn't strap to the shoulder and I realized that all the weight was now on my bicep to hold the camera steady. This is a problem for long takes and I definitely struggled.

I ended up just using the monopod for the rest of the shoot. If you have a similar style or idea you'll either need a shoulder unit that straps to your back for long takes or just stay on a tripod or monopod.

Also, I felt that the charger should be included for the price.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

This thing is pretty sweet! It came charged. I bought two. One for each camera. I don't have an accurate battery time to share with you. I'm satisfied that it is a better deal than buying several batteries, (which is what I was concidering). This does add onto the weight of your camera, but I'd rather have the extra weight and not miss a shot I need. It can mount to tripods or steady rigs. That's what I mainly use it with, and the 7D's of course. Helpful hint for you that I didn't know.. you have to work the cable wire into the groove of the battery pack and camera so the battery door of the camera CLOSES or your camera won't come on. May be a "no doy!" for some of you, but I'm new to the DSLR game.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

It's good powerwise.. but if your planning to keep it under the battery using the quick release.. dont.. it's too loose that your camera wobbles a little... so it's another connection that becomes loose after a while.. the quick release plate is plastic...

i prefer something with screws.. holds tight and doesn't shake... plastic just wobbles and u dont have a stable shot.. unless your not touching the tripod at all...

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

Mustget one when recording HD video. The Canon batteries are gone quickly. It helps to stabilize the image.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

Perfect buy for shooting videos on DSLR. have shot for a event of 9 hrs continuously without a break and still 2 dots on battery indicator remains, which i believe is enough to shoot 12hours in a row.. A must have for Video or long time-lapse.

one should be a bit careful with the connector wire as it might broke off if handled roughly, its not really too long lasting..

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

I use this in my canon 7d video setup. The battery is a bit heavy to hand hold but on my video rig its amazing. It lasted for a 4 hour event and has all 4 led lights still showing. Great product and a good price.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

I use it with 5D Mk II and 7D Canon DSLRs when shooting video. The battery also powers my SmallHD DP6 monitor connected to the included D-Tap port. The battery lasts the better part of a day running the cameras in Live View mode (a power drain) and the monitor. Turning off Live View and/or the monitor helps conserve power while moving gear, of course.

The cameras present an error message that they cannot communicate with the battery when first turned on which you must give an "OKAY" response to before continuing. That might cause some to miss a quick shot if used for stills, but this battery is likely of more interest to DSLR video shooters. There is a known issue with the battery causing an "ERR" message on the 7D if the SmallHD monitor is in place, turned on, and connected to the HDMI port when the camera is powered up. It is quickly remedied by removing the battery connector from the battery well of the camera, and retrying with the monitor off. This can be a bit of a pain if your DSLR is locked into a complex tripod head or rails set-up and the battery well door is not accessible. Once you get used to the proper start-up procedure, it's rarely an issue. Camera power first, then monitor.

Mounted on a shoulder rig behind a DSLR, the battery weight can help counter-balance a typically front-heavy rig. The battery also has convenient 1/4-20 thread accessory mounts on front and back. I attach a quick-release plate to the battery for rapid mount/dismount from tripod or shoulder rigs.

The battery can only be charged with its own charger connected through a D-Tap style port. On my battery, this port is very tight and was a bit difficult to force the plastic connector into, as though the hard plastic plug was a hair too large. The charger plug doesn't sit very deep or lock into the battery, so care will be warranted to be sure it's fully seated. A red light comes on the charger when the battery is charging. It will not overcharge if left charging overnight. The battery takes a while to charge, so don't plan of running it down in the morning and having it ready to go after lunch, but with caution, a single battery can last all day. The battery charge indicator has always seemed relatively accurate, as much as can be expected from a 4-LED light series.

The D-Tap power connection power for accessories such as a monitor or video light is great, but mine is a little loose, so a piece of gaffer tape might be in order if you're shooting run-and-gun style. As others have stated, the plastic mount to a DSLR is a tad wobbly but only a little. It's never been a problem when locked down on tripod or jib, and if you're whirling a DSLR around enough to make it move significantly, you probably have more issues with jello-cam rolling shutter affecting your image than camera movement on the mount. If it gets bad enough that I'm concerned, I'll try shimming the mount plate in the well to see if that snugs the fit.

I would buy another in a minute, and am considering getting the cable for my Sony EX1 so I can use the battery on it as well for event coverage. It's very adaptable to power D-Tap port accessories even if not being used for a camera.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

Powers camera, monitor and audio recorder and acts as counterbalance on shoulder rig.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

This thing lasts forever, charges quickly, is well built, what more can you ask for?

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

I bought this product for my 5D shoulder rig. I have yet to shoot the battery dry in one day of shooting, but I'm currently only running the camera with plans to add a monitor. I modified the power cable, lengthening it by 12 inches so I could mount the battery on the tail of the shoulder harness. I'm not saying this is a con, per se, but it's something to note if you plan on locating your battery farther than the 6 inch cable that comes with this.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

sure it's kind of heavy, but my tripod isn't complaining. i shoot wedding videos and i need my camera on for most of the day, and the regular battery made for photographers is a joke.
i'm finally entering the canon 5d world, and that world needs a lot of power.. for hours on end.
THIS PROVIDES THAT.
I shot an entire wedding day with one pack (i bought another one for back up but did not need it)

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

I use my 5dmii for wedding videos and commercial video. When shooting events you need a long lasting reliable power source because you can't stop in the middle of something to change batteries. This eliminates at least one worry for your day's work. I shot for 8 hours with a total of 37 GB's of data and only used about 30% of the battery!

It attaches securely to the bottom of the camera with a great little quick release plate design and doesn't cause any noticeable wobble. It is however a bit bulky since it's wider than the camera and it adds quite a bit of weight as well. Add a heavy lens like a 24-70 and it gets quite front heavy. I usually use two support methods that I switch between when shooting. I use a manfrotto monopod and a shoulder support for more freedom. I switched from the plastic stedi-stock to the opteka metal rig when I got this battery because the stedi-stock's plastic build couldn't support all the weight. However, the Opteka doesn't strap to the shoulder and I realized that all the weight was now on my bicep to hold the camera steady. This is a problem for long takes and I definitely struggled.

I ended up just using the monopod for the rest of the shoot. If you have a similar style or idea you'll either need a shoulder unit that straps to your back for long takes or just stay on a tripod or monopod.

Also, I felt that the charger should be included for the price.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

This thing is pretty sweet! It came charged. I bought two. One for each camera. I don't have an accurate battery time to share with you. I'm satisfied that it is a better deal than buying several batteries, (which is what I was concidering). This does add onto the weight of your camera, but I'd rather have the extra weight and not miss a shot I need. It can mount to tripods or steady rigs. That's what I mainly use it with, and the 7D's of course. Helpful hint for you that I didn't know.. you have to work the cable wire into the groove of the battery pack and camera so the battery door of the camera CLOSES or your camera won't come on. May be a "no doy!" for some of you, but I'm new to the DSLR game.

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

It's good powerwise.. but if your planning to keep it under the battery using the quick release.. dont.. it's too loose that your camera wobbles a little... so it's another connection that becomes loose after a while.. the quick release plate is plastic...

i prefer something with screws.. holds tight and doesn't shake... plastic just wobbles and u dont have a stable shot.. unless your not touching the tripod at all...

Comments about Switronix PB70 PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Canon EOS 5D Mk II / 7D DSLRs:

Mustget one when recording HD video. The Canon batteries are gone quickly. It helps to stabilize the image.