Reddit mentions: The best camera battery chargers

Okay! With those parameters, assets, and budget, you have two good options.

The first, and probably easiest, will be doing exactly what /u/MacintoshEddie has suggested and throwing $400 at a local filmmaker and seeing what they can do with your well developed idea.

The second is, in my opinion, more fun, but it'll also require you to learn a little about filmmaking yourself.

The good news is, you already have most of the tools you need to create a "my first documentary" video and do it well. The camera on the iPhone 7 is better than any camera you're going to purchase below $200, and if you drop a couple bucks on a tripod and iphone adapter you're going to be set.

The biggest downside for you will be audio. Audio is the thing most fresh-faced filmmakers overlook, but it's just as-- if not more-- important as video quality. The onboard microphone in the iPhone is oooookay, but if you're more than 3 feet away from your subject, it'll get dicey. And unfortunately, this is the only place the iPhone falls short of a $250 Canon t2i.

Traditionally, there are two ways to do audio: in-camera and synced. In camera is when the audio and video are recorded together inside whatever camera you're using. This is a little tricky for the iPhone, because it's harder to attach a decent microphone. There are ways, but I'm not fluent in them. If this were a DSLR like the t2i mentioned above, I'd suggest you drop $150 for a Rode Videomic and call it a day. Since that's not an option (that I know of-- there might be a 3.5mm microphone jack adapter for the iPhone 7!), we need to look at the second audio solution: synced.

Synced audio is when you record the audio and video separately, and then synchronize them in post production. First off, post production is a fancy way of saying "editing the video." For professionals, there's a whole lot more than just editing, but for you, this'll be when you're bringing the footage onto your macbook and likely editing in iMovie.

For synced audio, the best option will be purchasing an $85 Tascam DR-05, a cheap microphone boom stand, and this adapter. Attach the DR-05 to the boom, throw something heavy on the base of the stand, and you'll have a good setup to capture audio for interviews and stationary events. However, you will need to "slate" each shot.

A slate is that black and white clapper board you see whenever film is depicted in media. It's purpose to to create a spike in the sound, as well as a visual indicator, so whoever is editing the footage can synchronize the audio and video. You can get away without a slate by simply clapping your hands in front of the camera.

If you go this route, I would suggest ONLY trying to do audio for interviews, and maybe stationary events where your camera won't move around. The audio captured on your iphone for "action" shots or "in the wild" shots will be okay as long as you have decent quality audio for the interviews. This will also save you time while editing, because syncing audio is a pain in the butt.

Now, if you haven't been scared away yet, and still want to spend a little money to make those interviews look extra-sexy, imma talk about some of my favorite lights on the market right now.

I've thrown together a $180 light kit for you that'll help you light your subjects in most lighting conditions. I use the YN600 Air for a key light (main light), and the YN300 for a fill light (remove unwanted shadows, dark background, etc). They're not as bright as some other LED options, but you won't need to worry about modifying the light at all. The YN Air series does a wonderful job of creating a nice, soft lightsource that won't screw with skintones or create harsh shadows. I've also thrown in two good stands that include a bag, and two power adapters to run the lights. If you want, you can spend an extra $60 on NPF batteries and chargers (I'd suggest these and then these ) to make the lights completely mobile). In addition to being excellent video lights, I've found I also keep my 300 set up in my room as a evening reading lamp!

Obviously, the lighting isn't necessary, but I promise you it'd be worth the investment when it comes to the final quality of your video. Both have an extremely easy learning curve, produce excellent results without needing to set up screens of diffuse, and their size makes them an afterthought when traveling.

So now that you're overwhelmed with all that info, let me recap!

Option 1) Have someone else do it!
Pros: You need to learn less, less stressful, less time spent on your end
Cons: Limited scheduling flexibility, $400 won't secure someone for months-on-end

Option 2) Do it yourself!
Pros: Complete control over the final product, working on your own time without worrying about other people, and new toys!
Cons: way more work, way more learning

Overall, you have two solid options to make this work. You could even combine the two: get the tripod and grab "on site" shots while paying someone else to produce your interviews. You'd still be up for editing, but you wouldn't have to worry about the nicer quality audio/syncing. With either option, you're going to end up being the producer/director of this video, which means you'll be doing the scheduling and coordinating, as well as creating the idea and communicating it exactly to everyone else you're working with.

Even though this may all seem really overwhelming right now, the best way to get the documentary done is to simply start working on it. Write up a summary of your vision, start asking around, and trust yourself to create something good. This subreddit is an excellent resource, as well as plenty of youtube channels and other forums out there. Additionally, if you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me a message. :)

Absolutely! I'm gonna leave it here so anyone scrolling by can see it, but I'll also DM you and the other person who asked for it so you don't have to check back in the thread.

NEEWER 2-Pack 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel Digital Camera / Camcorder Video Light, LED Light for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic,SONY, Samsung and Olympus Digital SLR Cameras https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07438JXM7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_cIS2Ab7JHAYCT

(Despite some reviews claiming the battery life is poor or the output is low, I've had nothing but great experiences with these panels. With the batteries I use, I can do a surprising amount of shooting before the batteries die out. Not only that, I only have two batteries. So the fact that it is often enough for what I do is astonishing. Also, the output is just fine. In fact, bright enough at max output that it hurts your eyes without a softbox. With the softbox it is perfectly bright for most occasions. If you need brighter, look into the Neewer CN-216 or CN-304. Just be ready to warn people about their brightness.)

Neewer 5.9x6.7 inches/15x17 centimeters Camera Collapsible Diffuser Mini Softbox for CN-160, CN-126 and CN-216 LED Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXCGA28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CQS2AbBYSF5KE

(It has gone up a bit in price since I bought the two that I own, but it still offers excellent performance for the price. These are specifically made for the CN-160 panels. They diffuse light excellently, but at a minor cost. They are a bit of a pain in the ass to place onto the panel. At that price, though, you can't complain too much. You should be careful with them, as some have said that they don't take kindly to being handled roughly. My advise: take your time and do it carefully.)

Neewer 2 Pieces 2600mAh Li-ion Replacement Battery with Charger for Sony NPF550/570/530, Fit for Sony HandyCams, Neewer CN-160 CN-216 LED Light, Neewer 759 74K 760 Feelworld 759 74K 760 Field Monitor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDC47YM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_gVS2Ab3RDJ319

(Outside of another tiny price increase, there's not much to say about these. They do the job incredibly well for what I put them through. However, NP F550 type batteries aren't meant to last incredibly long shoots. If you do long shoots, invest in a few more batteries and consoder using the larger capacity NP F750 type batteries.)

Fovitec StudioPRO - 2x 7'6" Classic Light Stand Kit - [Classic][For Photo and Video][Includes Carrying Bag] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HNZJLG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_j0S2AbBBPVA2J

(These light stands have served me well. But, as with all cheaper gear, they won't withstand care that is too rough. They've handled plenty with me, but I recommend you try to take care of them. Other than that, they're just light stands.)

Bonus:

Neewer 12 x 12-Inches Pack of 8 Transparent Color Correction Lighting Gel Filter in 8 Different Colors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CCIKB5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_f3S2Ab6ZCYTAD

(Some cheap color gels. Get the job done.)

Of course I must include: This is all cheaper starter gear. It is not meant to replace the more expensive light kits that are much more durable, do much more and produce much better results. But restriction breeds creativity. And a passionate, new content creator with a creative eye will make the best of what they have. If you are a starting filmmaker, videographer or photographer, by all means, use this setup. Once you're ready to move onto better, more costly equipment, though, don't hesitate.

You can, I dunno what Rain_Coast is on about. I bought two things as soon as I bought my E-M5 II, first one is this duck plug (similar to what comes with some Apple chargers) so I wouldn't have to carry the cable and could plug the Oly AC charger right into the wall (it's not that big, hangs fine).

Second, I bought this USB charger so I could charge two batteries simultaneously without tying up additional outlets, as a bonus it's also smaller. I typically charge my Watson battery on this one and the OEM battery on the OEM charger, but they'll charge the other way around as well.

I have not verified if they'll charge to exactly 100% (which is a common occurrence when mixing OEM batteries and third party chargers) but I'm not too bothered if it's left at 90% or whatever since that's healthier for the battery anyway and I always carry multiple ones.

I've heard the Watsons are by far the best third party ones as far as yielding close to the same capacity as the OEM stuff. YMMV with newer battery models like the E-M1 II's, though I'm pretty sure there's single and dual USB chargers for those too. I have two Wasabis I rarely use (got them as part of a third car charger I bought for camping and using off solar).

I'm actually kind glad Oly ships a cabled charger, left the cable plugged into an outlet under my desk so I can just reach for it when I wanna charge at home rather than hunting for a free outlet. Got a cabled Pana charger too (from an imported GM1) that I've left alongside it and USB Pana charger for travel too.

Edit: There's third party AC chargers as well of course, the Watson ones seem neat in that they have these swappable plates for different batteries. I bought one and a fresh battery to hopefully sell w/my GM1...

I love this v-mount battery plate:

HEDBOX | Unix-BM | V Mount/Lock Battery Adapter Plate, with 1x USB 5V/2.1A and 3X D-Tap 14.8V/148W Power Out, Regulated 12V/50W Power via 20in/50cm Breakaway Cable with 2-Pin Connector for BMPCC 4K https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K1M23QN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_C5tADbDQHV0EM

It has 3 D-Taps and one USB port (powering a small monitor) and it comes with the 2-Pin connector cable that plugs right into the BMPCC4K!

You will need to mount it onto a plate on your rig. I got this camvate and it mounts perfectly but there are others.

CAMVATE Multi-Purpose Mounting Cheese Plate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071YTFZ88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_99tADbVK192QQ

Finally if you want to save a little money on vmount batteries you can use this alternative until you save up for a good v-mount:

This $20 v-mount adapter attaches the Hedbox to give you the option to use NPF batteries.

Neewer NP-F Battery to V-Mount Battery Converter Adapter for LED Light, Field Monitor, 5D2 Rigs, Alternative Battery Option for Sony V-Mount Gear, Fits for 2-Pack Sony NP-F970, NP-F770,NP-F570 Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075R8DMKF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_m6tADbQCDAHW2

And you can buy 2 NPF 970s for $35

NP F975, NP F970, NP F960, NP F950 2X Replacement Li-ion for Sony DCM-M1 MVC-CD1000 HDR-FX1 DCR-VX2100E DSR-PD190P NEX-FS700RH HXR-NX3 (Dual Battery) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J7S0VNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_F.tADbW4H2N5V

Cheap $16 NPF dual charger:

Powerextra Dual Battery Charger with USB LCD Display for Sony NP-F970 NP-F930 NP-F950 NP-F960 Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G7MJKRP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yguADbDG636AC

$27 dual charger with LED:

SR SUN ROOM NEW Dual Channel LCD Display Charger For Sony NP-F550 NP-F570 NP-F750 NP-F770 NP-F930 NP-F950 NP-F960 NP-F970 NP-FM55H NP-FM500H NP-QM71 NP-QM91 NP-QM71D NP-QM91D Camcorder Batteries https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CG7P4YQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EfuADbN81BWDN

I run this setup and it works GREAT!

/u/RB-Dungc - I own the BMPCC, and love it. It is a great camera for music videos.

It does not take a lot of money to get this camera up and running. I added an [inexpensive pistol grip] (https://www.amazon.com/JJC-HR-DV-Stabilizer-Camcorder-Blackmagic/dp/B00MRNP2LA//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20), an [$89 LCD viewfinder] (http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60286/51926/1036?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorama.com%2Flcdvfbm.html), a [$19 Sony battery plate] (https://www.amazon.com/CAMVATE-Power-Supply-Camera-Battery/dp/B019LGQNMW//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) with a [$4 1/4" male-to-male screw] (https://www.amazon.com/niceeshop-Threaded-Double-Screw-Adapter/dp/B00QQJFNLA//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) to connect the plate to the pistol grip - plus a couple of [$10 Sony NP-F550 batteries] (https://www.amazon.com/Masione-Replacement-NP-F550-NP-F330-Digital/dp/B0007Q9PWQ//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) and a [$29 dual charger] (https://www.amazon.com/OAproda-NP-FM55H-NP-FM500H-Camcorder-Batteries/dp/B01N4ELPW3//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) to make my BMPCC much more usable (as seen [here, with the pistol grip alone] (https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNw-E-ND154GXS3v0XPx-Di30Cb6pBaIbyBUv7x7-sqbVi94WmrwgnqJ-yV0RInJA/photo/AF1QipM3zjzokdq6vwGlwSjsqTtlVsxjy7SV96rVeOwq?key=c2dxbFNFTUp0NFBDNGlnNjE2RHdQY2xWWjZFd2NB) and [here, on rails with a shoulder pad and ring light] (https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP4YA7ZHLReyAwsTi1JV8rFFGNwfars5UaXl_QxJW_Le52JQ0rbv4MytfD4OGm0_A/photo/AF1QipORGz2lchmlOlbOguWxgaxViWe6t4lloCvI8FDn?key=TWlIUzg0UUtveVkzX2wtakQxSGtfN2VkcjBHa2F3)).

You can put the battery plate on top of the camera if you need to put it on a tripod, as seen in [this video] (https://youtu.be/dYKjvnfwyvU?t=1m22s) I shot a while back.

That said, if I were buying an entry level Black Magic camera today, I would get the [$995 (w a free Olympus 40-150 lens and an Atomos micro-HDMI cable) Black Magic Micro Cinema Camera] (https://www.amazon.com/Blackmagic-Design-Micro-Cinema-Camera/dp/B01D7ZOYUG//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) for its 1080/60p RAW slow motion (the BMPCC is limited to 1080/30p). RAW has a wider color palette and is more flexible in post than anything shot on 8 or 10-bit codecs with a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Black Magic cameras can also record to 10-bit ProRes when you don't have time to deal with RAW.

You can add the same pistol grip to the BMMCC to make it easier to handle - but the camera doesn't have an LCD, so you'd need a monitor or electronic viewfinder that uses the same battery as the camera (like [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/Ikan-EVF35-KIT-Monitor-Canon-Battery/dp/B01N0H2EYU//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20)) instead of the LCDVF.

A BMMCC setup similar to mine would look something like [this] (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/72/e6/ba/72e6ba6191e57bb82a157b799a6e395d.jpg).

If clients want 4K, you can always upscale, as seen in these examples shot with the BMPCC or BMMCC and rendered at 4K:

BMPCC

Narrative

• ['tuesdays' (short film shot w/ bmpcc) by visualrogue] (https://youtu.be/S95NswzRa7w) (2160p)
  
  Musical Performance
  
  
• [Palermo | Noelia Veira | 2017 | BMPCC by DiET productions] (https://youtu.be/BxO1SswyPXk) (2160p)
  
  Landscape
  
  
• [Joshua Tree National Park in California - BMPCC - Lumix 12-32mm & Olympus 9mm f8- Resolve 14 by Fred channel] (https://youtu.be/6M14ID2kY9c) (2160p)
  
  BMMCC
  
  Narrative
  
  
• [Metaphores of Life - short film by J&J Films] (https://youtu.be/BtIqbe5b7M0) (2160p)
  
  Musical Performance
  
  
• [Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera performance video by Hugo Brand] (https://youtu.be/tVgo1BkRyBs) (2160p)
  
  Landscape
  
  
• [Micro Cinema Camera (BMMCC) Landscape 4k by Alexander Halbwirth] (https://youtu.be/ucsUBZ2WYgY) (2160p)
  
  Here is a 1080p music video shot with the BMMCC:
  
  
• [Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera Footage - Silver Darter - 'Amnesia' Music Video by Tiddly Films] (https://youtu.be/61hGtIyUvFE) (1080p -table scene shot with the BMMCC, bathroom scene shot with the 2.5K BMCC)
  
  If you are on a limited budget, don't need a still camera and are serious about cinematography, the BMMCC might be the right camera for you.
  
  For more info on Black Magic cameras, you might want to check out the /r/bmpcc sub.
  
  Hope this is helpful and good luck!

if you're in a controlled environment and starting off but want some flexibility instead of like throw away lights, I'd recommend these. I picked these up before I started working with lighting to start upping the quality of my sets for a reasonable price.

Hopefully this fulfills your needs.

The panels come by themselves so you'd need light stands and batteries/ac adapters.

15W LED panel with controllable WB, brightness, ok diffuser, with excellent build quality and light quality.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0VDOGX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WMBACbR8EQH95

These are the stands i use with it

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Photography-Relfectors-Softboxes-Backgrounds/dp/B00K69A0QY/ref=pd_aw_sim_421_of_20?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00K69A0QY&pd_rd_r=4d2f8b3c-32ed-11e9-9916-7fe6d01b346e&pd_rd_w=RqPSv&pd_rd_wg=khx5z&pf_rd_p=469620d9-3e90-496d-9dc8-b19f900ba5fe&pf_rd_r=HAKTWDZ21BWGF51HWG43&psc=1&refRID=WC3EXZSZCRPV77880CEX

This a charger/batteries for it
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMFZ9CW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EWBACbG88NJT0

This very well may have been my friends, as we usually extend our sessions after the sun goes down.

We have a couple of these headlamps. Cheap, and super bright. They have a zoom function so you can concentrate the light as needed:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QAAZY00?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

Then we use these as floodlights. Not super durable, but very bright and cheap, and the brightness is adjustable via dial.

http://www.amazon.com/NEEWER%C2%AE-Dimmable-Digital-Camcorder-Panasonic/dp/B004TJ6JH6/ref=pd_bxgy_421_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0BFHGB0K90J2N6SASFDM

http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Replacement-NP-F550-Digital-Battery/dp/B0007Q9PWQ/ref=pd_sim_421_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51DW8ndgtKL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1QD2ST71K4MTG47GN6J7

http://www.amazon.com/niceEshop-NP-FM50-Np-f330-Np-f550-Np-f570/dp/B000OPB4U6/ref=pd_bxgy_421_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0BFHGB0K90J2N6SASFDM

Two is enough to light up anything but really big problems. We combine those with the headlamps and have been able to light up things like High Plains Drifter enough to get good video in the middle of the night.

Trust me, this is what you want. Most of the people who have climbed with us end up asking me later what lights we were using so they can buy some for themselves.

It looks nice I have a H4S so I cant use it as its only for the 3+. However personally because it is in place of the backdoor I dont know how safe the camera would be because of the extra weight if it were to fall and hit between the hinge and the battery.

The brunton case is "only" 4000mah, but if it were me I would purchase an external battery pack you can get a 10000-15000mah battery pack for under $25 and a set of extra batteries either of these would do, you can charge them with the external battery pack and will have WAY more than enough life to last you days of recording. For the price smatree looks the best it has a three channel charger so you could charge your gopro battery outside of its case as well.

These links are for the Hero 4 but they have the same batteries for the hero 3's as well.

Newmowa $19

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NYKTN60/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=XWVGO54S0UHL&coliid=I8IYLLB5U1SQM

Wasabi $24

http://www.amazon.com/Wasabi-Power-Battery-AHDBT-401-AHBBP-401/dp/B00OAAUZO2/ref=pd_cp_p_1

Smatree $20

http://www.amazon.com/Smatree%C2%AE-1290mAh-Replacement-3-Channel-Camcorder/dp/B00OT7N2ZA/ref=pd_cp_p_0

All NiMH AA chargers work with any NiMH AA battery. (Most also charge AAA NiMH batteries.)

The old and dependable 4xAAA or AA, NiMH or NiCad charger is the Maha/Powerex MH-C9000. It can test cells and measure it's capacity, but you have to set the charging current. It's a bit pricey though. ~$53. It's my tried and true and I trust it will last for years.
https://www.amazon.com/Powerex-MH-C9000-WizardOne-Charger-Analyzer-Batteries/dp/B003DIGKOG

My other analyzing charger charges NiMH/NiCad and most types of rechargeable lithium cells 18650 and smaller to 10440. It's not as well built as the Powerex, but charges more types of cells and is less expensive: the Opus BT-C3100
I think the most recent version is v2.2 and is approximately $42
https://www.amazon.com/Opus-BT-Intelligent-Compatible-Batteries/dp/B01852TBOU
I use this to recharge both my NiMH AAA/AA's as well as my 18650 flashlight batteries. Opus has a NiMH only version of the charger, that I've not used: the BT-C2400 that sells for around $30.

For my NiMH C and D cells I use an Ansmann 8 plus charger that doesn't have a fancy LCD display, so cannot be adjusted or show voltage, charge current, nor capacity. But it does have 4 independent charging channels for C and D cells and 6 for AA and AAA cells. Apparently they go for $25 now... I paid a lot more for mine.
https://www.amazon.com/ANSMANN-Universal-Maintenance-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B003V89RYS
I use this for the NiMH C/D cells that go into various Nerf flywheel blasters. I also use it for AA/AAA's when I need to charge a whole lot of batteries and the rest of my chargers are already being used.

The chargers at Ikea suck, don't buy them.
The chargers that came with the Eneloop packs that Costco used to sell, are nice individual channel chargers, but they're super, super slow overnight chargers when you put 4 cells in them.

A good source for NiMH/Lithium cell and charger info is the candlepower forums: https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?9-Flashlight-Electronics-Batteries-Included

Seeing the prices on Amazon for this camera that's a great deal, I would definitely buy that! I also found the charger for 6€ ($6.5) here https://www.amazon.com/Charger-CANON-Digital-Rebel-350D/dp/B0032GRUIE

I hope this helps you :)

Have a great day :)

Free Stuff:

• Use Capture One Express for raw processing; its free.
  
• Use DaVinci Resolve for video editing; its free.
  
• Be able to shoot videos longer than 30 minutes.
  
  Low Cost (Under $30):
  
  
• Have at least one or two spare batteries.
  
• Remote triggers are nice; long range ones are even better.
  
• Mini Tripods are better than no tripod.
  
• Get a hot shoe cover (with a bubble).
  
• Almost always shoot with your lens hood on.
  
• Get the timelapse app.
  
• These flash bounce cards are magic.
  
  Expensive:
  
  
• Shoot RAW and get a big SD card.
  
• The sigma 30mm F/1.4 is almost glued on. I use it a lot.
  
• If looking for a flash checkout Flashpoint and the transmitter (rebranded godox). I have 3 of them.
  
• Flash Bender is a great all around flash modifier; knockoffs work pretty well. If you get a big flash you'll want a modifier.
  
  
  Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyAlpha/comments/4zb5zt/what_are_the_things_i_should_know_read_about_my/
  

Buy the Hero4 to future proof yourself a bit more. Another GoPro won't be coming out for awhile and when it finally does, it will only be marginally better than the 4 while much better than the 3+. So far the screen has been great, just take care of it and keep it protected as often as possible. I just received these in the mail also:

http://www.amazon.com/Smatree%C2%AE-1290mAh-Replacement-3-Channel-Camcorder/dp/B00OT7N2ZA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1419799174&sr=8-3&keywords=hero+4+battery

http://www.amazon.com/RAVPower%C2%AE-10400mAh-External-Thunderbolt-Incredible/dp/B009V5X1CE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1419816813&sr=8-4&keywords=gopro+external+battery

Easy, get something like this and connect it with a standard audio cable to this, or do the job of both with this.

Use something like this to power that, and you have yourself a portable stereo system, that you can attach any passive bookshelf speakers to. It would be easy to attach that equipment inside a wooden/plastic box, and create a mechanism of sorts to clip or strap down the speakers, so you have an easy to carry package.

When done with portable use, detach the speakers, carry them over to your 5.1 setup in the living room or whatever, and place/reconnect them for use there.

Good Battery replacements are hard to find. I purchased one of these and it works amazing. You just can't see what percentage the charge is at since the PSP will recognize it as an external power source. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBM4UQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oMAxCbTC5QYK7

As for chargers, I had purchased an Insten charger on Amazon. It came with a battery and a charger. Purchased 2 since the price was like 11$. Both batteries were absolute trash and shorted within minutes. But I gotta say that their chargers have worked really well for me.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QGTK3JW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Apart from the beard trimmer, just buy a good USB charger. You can buy the Apple iPad charger and the world travel kit, and only bring the 2 adapters you'll need on your trip. Cheap, good USB cables from Anker or Monoprice. I replaced my DSLR charger with this guy. Much smaller, works great, and takes USB.

I purchased a 7 inch unit with a 'Feelworld' sticker on it for $135 and it works surprisingly well. I also bought some batteries (Sony L series) and a charger as well as a magic arm and a carrying case. I am very pleased with it and the only gripe I have with it is that the power button is more like a standby button. I have to remember to pop the battery out so I don't end up with it being dead.

Here's some links:
Magic arm - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00QTIVL82/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8

Clamp - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CM5SNY0/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Case - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0196JV89C/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Huge battery (one last all day about) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00M3P9YBQ/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Inexpensive HDMI cable - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014I8SIJY/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Smaller batteries and charger - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CPYXQ2S/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And finally, the monitor - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SV5K9WA/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Let me know ow if you have any questions!

In general, just make sure your external battery can output more than 2A for greatest utility. More and more devices can take advantage of higher amps to recharge faster. And the larger its capacity, the more important it is that its input is greater than 1A. Higher inputs will mean you'll be able to recharge your battery from the wall faster.

Once you decide on one though, I'm a big fan of these little plates that let you recharge a spare battery from a USB source. That means you can keep on shooting while you charge up an empty. There's no cables to your camera to get in the way and everything can sit in your pack as it charges. They're also tiny so you won't notice them when travelling.

Thanks for the review. I ordered the same thing a couple months back, and I think it's a really great package for those that are getting into the GoPro HERO4 series and need extra batteries. I believe it's also the only one (on Amazon) that allows charging for three batteries simultaneously. If you think about it, that makes a lot of sense because you already have the stock battery and you'll be getting two more.

Non-referral Amazon link

I used these: DSTE® 2x DMW-BLC12 Battery + DC114 Travel and Car Charger Adapter for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5 G6 G7 GH2 FZ200 Leica Q Camera as DMW-BLC12E BP-DC12E

They are chipped to show remaining battery, but the indicator runs different than the stock one. When it drops to 2 bars your have 5 minutes left, 1 bar means you have 1-2 minutes shooting time left.

These lasted as long or longer than my stock battery through a full summer of shooting everyday.

The stock battery would make noise when charging in this charger, so I kept the 2 to their respective chargers.

I hope this helps you!

I got the Smatree 2x batteries. They've got 4.5 stars on Amazon with almost a thousand reviews. They're working great so far and I recommend them.

I use this cheap Chinese charger from Amazon.

Though, I really wanted this Nitecore charger.

There is not much actual difference. Nitecore is just a name that I trust more.

Each brand makes dual USB chargers for different camera batteries. They charge a wee bit slower, but they're effective.

There is nothing wrong with buying off-brand batteries as long as they're made to the appropriate specifications (which, they are--they wouldn't stay in business if they burned out themselves or cameras).

This. This is the easiest/cheapest way to go. This plate and take your pick of battery capacity from this brand, DSTE.

The NP-F 970s last about 3-4 hours depending on conditions and the much smaller NP-F 550s last over an hour, up to 2, again, depending on conditions.

I found using a cage for the BMPCC like this was helpful for attaching it. It’s definitely not a perfect solution but absolutely one of the cheapest. The biggest fault I’ve found would be that the Battery plate gets absolutely no feedback from the camera, so it constantly drains the battery until you physically unhook it from the plate, even when not charging/powering the camera.

I’ve also heard great things about this battery/power solution from a lot of guys who use the BMPCC and BMCC but haven’t used it myself. I can confirm that a 12v usb battery bank will also do the job, I use the same cord from my battery plate to connect it but you can order them separate simply by searching amazon for “BMPCC Cords”

I purchased these: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MEAMBDI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They came with a car charger adapter, and they will show the battery life in the camera properly. They do not last as long as the stock battery, but the price is great for two.

I have 2 OEM batteries, 2 wasabi, and 2 newmowa And i cant tell the difference on life when i have them in the camera. I can usually get a full day (~800 shots) out of any of them. For longer / more important gigs i use a battery grip to hold 2 batteries and give my hand some more room to hold onto the damned thing. On rudimentary bench discharge they all came without 5% of each other out of the box. So personally would get the 4-6 aftermarket batteries and keep plenty on hand.

I shoot for a tour & travel company and travel a lot (3 weeks traveling 1 week home, for the past 8 months). I originally had 5 batteries and that would get me through. I recently added two more because I bought an a6300 for my mother or gf to use when we went on a vacation together. I occasionally would use it as well as a second body to do video with. All of my batteries are Sony because I have never found an off brand camera battery that didn't become a paper weight after a few months of rigorous use. When I used to shoot Nikon I got burned a few times from this. I have been told they are better, but I refuse to go down that road again. You can if you like, but I urge you to read reviews carefully. If a reviewer says it works fine after a few charges, that is not long enough to have an informed opinion.

For charging I use this two battery charger. It feels cheap but it gets the job done. It comes with two off brand batteries. I did not even bother I just recycled them. I have 2 of the chargers and I usually rubber band them together and toss it in my suitcase. Those live in my hotel room usually. For when I am out and about I will keep one of these smaller one battery chargers in my camera bag so in an emergency I could be charging a battery. I usually only use it if the weather is very cold and I know my batteries will die faster. The good thing about it being USB is that I can plug an external battery bank into it and charge one of my already depleted batteries while I am shooting with another battery. For external battery banks I use this anker 13400mah one. The construction is solid, it charges things almost as fast as a wall outlet, the capacity is pretty accurate and it has two ports so I can charge a camera battery and something else if I need to. Overall it is a great battery bank, probably not the absolute best, but still great.

If you are going to be away from outlets for 3 days you might want to get a beefier battery pack. Depending on your shooting style of course. Anker makes a lot of sizes even up to having this properly named powerhouse.

I don't know, I still prefer having a separate powerbank and flashlight+headlamp than a combination for redundancy's sake.

Right now, I carry Thrunite TH10 and the TN12 with a 18650 powered powerbank.


I typically carry 8 18650 cells with me but, the headlamp/flashlight can pretty much last a whole weekend trip on one pair while the other 4 are used to charge my phone/kindle/DSLR batteries.

http://www.amazon.com/Newmowa-Battery-SLT-A55V-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX10/dp/B00V5ORSZK

Charger and two mediocre quality batteries, $24

It's a great deal

I just bought that battery. I already have a fast charger, so did not bother with the bundle. I am upgrading from an older Anker 10000mAH version which still works after a few years.

I would also recommend this 3rd party usb battery charger.

Depending on how you plan to use the power pack, I also suggest a right or left angle micro usb cable, depending on how you plan to carry the powe pack.

Wouldn't this and this be easier? I actually had my frame covered in LEDs for a few years (burner style bike in default) and it did okay but I had to resolder somewhat regularly.

If you're savvy with electronics, there are a TON of 12v battery options out there.

If you want something ready-made, you should look at something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/TalentCell-Rechargeable-Amplifier-Multi-led-indicator/dp/B00MHNQIR2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1526141297&sr=8-5&keywords=rechargeable+12v+battery

i bought this one. now i have 3 batteries and they work really well.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Charger-Compatible-Sony-PSP-2000/dp/B00QGTK3JW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539384668&sr=8-3&keywords=PSP+3000+battery

or

https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-Sony-PSP-Slim-2000-3000/dp/B00QGTFQNA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1539384668&sr=8-4&keywords=PSP+3000+battery

depending on which extra you want as they are the same price as just the battery.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQF4TH2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_LDNzwbDVFNEHD

I bought a few sets of these and have had no issues 6 months in. They last a bit longer than the oem because they are rated at 1950mAh rather than 1050mAh. The charger takes about 2.5 hours to recharge the batteries and a little more than 1.5 hours to recharge oems. Of course, make sure you have airplane mode ON to extend your battery life.

I didn't learn about it until I was fine pumping but someone recommended getting a battery and taking it to the S2 to make it more portable and putting it in a tote bag. Still big and awkward but at least you're not chained to the wall.

https://www.amazon.com/TalentCell-Rechargeable-Amplifier-Multi-led-Indicator/dp/B00MHNQIR2

I bought these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M3P9YAC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and I have been shooting the heck out of them for a few months. No issues yet, and I have not noticed them dying faster than any of my authentic sony batteries.

edit: They take like 8 hours to charge with that charger. Just wanted to include that

I had originally purchased a 12v light strip and lithium battery pack, but the problem is that I need the battery pack to be very light.

This is because I need to fasten this on to the bottom of a longboard with Velcro, and the battery pack I got was too heavy and came off if I hit a bump. ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MHNQIR2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_WgOLAbPH8BAZ7 )

So I thought finding a 5v strip so I can use a light weight battery pack would be better

Buy more batteries.

using this one https://www.amazon.com/Newmowa-NP-FW50-SLT-A55V-Cyber-shot-DSC-RX10/dp/B00V5ORSZK

Here is something that can be used to charge 3 batteries at once

Here is something you can connect to your GoPro while its recording to charge it and it can charge it 10-11 times from 0-100

Is that what you were asking for?

I got the wasabi wall charger with 2 batteries and just picked up this usb charger with 2 batteries so I can use a portable battery pack while traveling. Haven't used the new arteries a whole lot yet as I now have 5 total but so far no issues.

[usb dual charger](Newmowa NP-FW50 Battery (2 pack) and Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FW50 and Sony Alpha a3000, Alpha a5000, Alpha a6000, A6300,Alpha 7, a7, Alpha 7R, a7R, Alpha 7S, a7S, NEX-3, NEX-3N, NEX-5, NEX-5N, NEX-5R, NEX-5T, NEX-6, NEX-7, NEX-C3, NEX-F3, SLT-A33, SLT-A35, SLT-A37, SLT-A55V, Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V5ORSZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ESKHxbPV9DB9V)

I have this one Amazon link here and it's pretty slow to charge. I have 4 batteries to cycle through so it's not too big of an issue, but it will take a while to get one from empty to full.

I have the Wasabi-bundled external charger that goes directly to an outlet and that is the fastest I've seen (~1 hour or so for a charge from empty).

You've probably already picked some up, but I've used these with no issues.