The PowerBase 70 Battery Pack from Switronix contains a 70 Wh, 14.8V Lithium-ion battery designed to extend HD movie recording time for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 7D digital cameras. The PowerBase 70 delivers six times more power than the original battery supplied with the camera.
It is also intended to streamline your High Definition (HD) movie recording: the PowerBase 70 mounts under the camera and doubles as a grip or can be attached to an HDSLR support via its 1/4"-20 release plate or V-Mt mount. Wired as a 14.8v battery pack, it can provide extended power for up to two additional 12VDC devices such as lights, monitors or HD converters as well as other devices requiring lower voltage (an optional XP power regulation cable is needed). The pack is also furnished with 1/4"-20 threads on either side to mount accessories.
| Chemistry | Lithium-ion |
| Capacity | 70 Wh, 4.8Ah |
| Output Voltage | 14.8v |
| Dimensions | 6.25 x 1.8 x 3.3" (15.9 x 4.6 x 8.4 cm) |
| Weight | 1.4 lb (635 g) |
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Comments about Switronix 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.
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Comments about Switronix 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)
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Comments about Switronix 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.
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Comments about Switronix 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.
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Comments about Switronix 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...
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Comments about Switronix 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.
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