(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best camera & camcorder battery chargers

/u/Bootsdamonkey - I have the BMPCC, and with an LCD viewfinder and an inexpensive external battery solution, it is a great camera for run and gun. [Here] (https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOf1JmbNxoDgNt_1lEWJApfng3s9HyzPQ5giK0FCucnCW9B-fxB9hIGvtwIAY6FwQ/photo/AF1QipOwYp2OJSCMiAIFKeu58KhsKRKrcrWtRtDjz3D9?key=bWEtSUxPalNuWU9OWTNqaHMtT3dWeF9Lamw4d0NR) is how I do it.

The rig in the picture is of the BMPCC ([$995 new] (https://www.amazon.com/Blackmagic-Pocket-Cinema-Camera-Thirds/dp/B00CWLSHUK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1519140138&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) or [$674 used with a 30 day warranty from Adorama] (https://adorama.evyy.net/c/60286/51926/1036?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adorama.com%2Fus%2520%2520%2520%2520966521.html)), an [$89 Kinotehnik LCDVF BM viewfinder] (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1013082-REG/kinotehnik_lcdvfbm_blackmagic_pocket_2ea_mounting_plates_soft.html) and a [$16.88 battery plate] (https://www.amazon.com/Andoer-Battery-Adapter-NP-F970-Cables/dp/B01FYSD2Y8//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) with a [$2.49 1/4" male-to-male screw] (https://www.amazon.com/Threaded-Double-Screw-Adapter-Camera/dp/B06ZY9ZBS7//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) to connect the battery to 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).

With a couple of [Sony NP-F550 batteries and a dual charger] (https://www.amazon.com/RAVPower-Battery-Charger-CCD-SC55-Replacement/dp/B0761SH551//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20), you can shoot all day.

Here it is shooting TV spots:

• [Pinocchio Barrique Bottle - Commercial by Matteo Bertoli] (https://youtu.be/ct1QBje_mE0)
  
  
• [Piad’Amore Commercial by Matteo Bertoli] (https://vimeo.com/groups/pocketcamera/videos/108714025)
  
  
• [TV Ad shot with BMPCC by East2WestProductions] (https://youtu.be/EKsKuERzOi0)
  
  
• [The Dream Begins Here CC by ArtsisMedia, Inc] (https://vimeo.com/81148562)
  
  
• [Hockey Promo by Nick Solly] (https://vimeo.com/groups/pocketcamera/videos/79682360)
  
  
• [EXPERENTI wow COMMERCIAL by Lorenzo Milan] (https://vimeo.com/groups/pocketcamera/videos/124810737)
  
  That said, even though I love my BMPCC, today I would recommend the Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera instead ([$995 new with a free Oly 40-150 lens] (https://www.amazon.com/Blackmagic-Design-Micro-Cinema-Camera/dp/B01D7ZOYUG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?m=A17MC6HOH9AVE6&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1519140243&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) or [$800 used] (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=323079775686&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg)) - for its 1080/60p frame rate (versus the BMPCC's 1080/30p) and superior battery life.
  
  You'll need a monitor (I recommend the [$249.99 Ikan VL35 3/5" monitor with the LP-E6 battery plate] (https://www.amazon.com/Ikan-VL35-Camera-Monitor-Battery/dp/B01IUANCOM//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20)) and a [cold shoe adapter] (https://www.amazon.com/CAMVATE-Mount-Blackmagic-Cinema-Cameras/dp/B014DLP51A//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20) to go with it.
  
  The BMMCC is the only 1080/60p RAW camera in this price range and will give you a much wider color palette for grading than other cameras below $2000 (most theatrical pictures are shot in RAW). It will also give you wider dynamic range.
  
  Here are a few TV commercials and promos shot with this camera:
  
  
• [ACCIDENTAL LOVE // PERŁA SPOT by Tomasz Dobski] (https://vimeo.com/180172474)
  
  
• [The Gathering Karak Pancake Ad by Chema García (Mumford)] (https://vimeo.com/165262005) (shot with the BMMCC and the BMPCC)
  
  
• [I Love Rolki ŁÓDŹ by Kuba Sobański] (https://vimeo.com/groups/pocketcamera/videos/182920186)
  
  
• [Carmen Steffens Beachwear 2017 by Michelangelo BernardoniPLUS] (https://vimeo.com/groups/pocketcamera/videos/170094455)
  
  There are many more examples in the [Pocket/Micro Cinema Camera group] (https://vimeo.com/groups/pocketcamera) I moderate over on Vimeo.
  
  Although Blackmagic cameras have a steeper learning curve than consumer DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, and color grading in post is pretty much mandatory - in my view, they are the best pure filmmakers' cameras in this price range and well worth the money - especially if you're shooting for broadcast, theatrical distribution or entry in festivals.
  
  If you decide to get either the BMPCC or the BMMCC, you might want to subscribe over at /r/bmpcc and /r/Blackmagicdesign - lots of knowledgeable folks there who can help you get the most out of your new camera.
  
  Hope this is helpful and good luck with finding the right camera for your needs!
  
  

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!

Hey... not too much to ask at all -

​

Here are the links to the battery mount and cable I am using. Here is the one similar on Amazon that has the correct cable attached but this is not the setup I have.

​

Here is the smallrig mount that is on the Crane 2 that my battery mount is attached to.

​

I have also mounted this SSD case directly on the crane 2 under the camera and it works perfectly since the ssd and crane move together so you can use a short USB-C cable.

​

Hopefully that helps. Good luck setting your up. I'm loving it!

I live in TN and honestly I love the air here. It smells so good! It smells the best in Gatlinburg! Good ole smoky mountains! This is a great subreddit here, I hope you love it as much as I do! Replacement battery charger for my dslr

I live in Europe and I bought them while in Italy.
But I believe these brands all over amazon worldwide.

1. This is the one for battery: https://www.amazon.it/gp/aw/d/B07CYR8X43?
   came with lid + lens and screen protectors. as bonus
   
   
2. This is the one for the spingen protectors - from my experience, so far, not scratch resistant (even by sitting alone in my bag, scratched without a logical explanation).
   https://www.amazon.it/gp/aw/d/B07PFB3TQL?
   
   
   
3. Tripod head (use it for my portable Manfrotto Pixi) :
   https://www.amazon.it/gp/aw/d/B071XVZKP1?
   
   
4. I am thinking of purchasing, in the future a smaller tripod for versatility in height also (https://www.amazon.it/GoPro-AFAEM-001-Action-camera-tripod/dp/B00KCX8H6E/) or a gorillapod ( but as I heard they are not time resistant).
   
   
5. If you plan seaside trips - floating stick could be an option. In Europe if you go to certain immigrant owned electronic shops you can get pretty decent prices for many accessories in 1 little bag.
   
   I didn't use my 3M sticky gopro mount so far anywhere because, as I watched online is pretty hard to take it off.
   
   p. s. I know I gave you more than a link, but I hope it might be useful to someone someday. cheers

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.

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/
  

I'm not buying anything but eneloop (although others may be manufacturing hybrid NiMH batteries, eneloop are the only I have experience with) batteries from here on out as they're so vastly superior to conventional NiMH batteries, but like mackstann noted, chargers are pretty durable items.

If you go the eneloop route, I'd get chargers that have their long life spans in mind: http://www.eneloop.info/products/chargers.html

If you have a larger collection of older, various cells, Maha and La Crosse both make solid chargers.

That said, whether either manufacturer has a charger that is 100% free of manufacturing/design defects is debatable.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?253907-La-Crosse-BC-700-BC-900-BC-9009-Charger-Meltdown-Reports

Hopefully there is someone on reddit who has scoured the internet and can distill this information for us...

EDIT: Ansmann (disturbingly close to assman) chargers seem to be fairly highly regarded as being particularly well engineered: http://www.amazon.com/Ansmann-5407022-Energy-8-Charger/dp/B00017LRCM

If you can find a USB charging solution for your batteries, thats the easiest way to go. They will have a Buck/Boost controller that will increase 5v to the 7.6 for the packs.

e.g. (almost certainly not for your camera) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neewer-NW-BLN1-Portable-Compatibal-Camcorder/dp/B019EWNZZ6/

The other way is to get a 12v system with an auto charger, again this will convert the 12v down to the pack voltage.

(again, this is unlikely to be the one you need) http://www.danelopower.co.uk/products/dp-109439-canon-dc301-battery-charger.html?gclid=CJeDk6KRptMCFROMGQodWI4M9Q

You're best bet in either scenario is to find a solar panel and battery combo that will harvest energy over a longer period and then charge your items from the battery pack, rather than directly from the panel.

/r/SolarDIY has a wealth of information about the options available, if you don't wish to/can't go off the shelf.

Maybe not required, but I think that it's cool to get a custom camera strap. I bought mine on Etsy, and I feel like it has a lot more character than the strap the camera comes with. Plus, Sony straps are kinda skinny so the thicker strap is more comfortable.

The battery charger is a must have though - you can charge your spare batteries when they're not in the camera. Relatively cheap, good to have.

This is definitely most wanted, but relatively cheap item. The charger for my camera's battery is no longer working and I really miss using my camera.

Thank you very much for hosting :) Haha, chuckle fucks!

Edit: My phone autocorrects "fucks" to "ducks" so I have to edit it so ot actually says fucks lol. I hope your interview goes well!

> http://www.amazon.com/2600mAh-Portable-External-Battery-Charger/dp/B00BS63FA2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1/179-3602018-1791231?ie=UTF8&refRID=0VDQMR0P8JJFS3XWCNN1

avoid sketchy USB battery packs!

Get a Miller ML102 and some good 18650 cells (Panasonic NCR18650B is a good popular choice) from fasttech. Now you have a real safe reliable charger for 18650 cells that is ALSO a USB power bank that you can pop a new cell into when empty. And some real reliable safe cells with full rated capacity.

It also sets you up for when you get a flashlight (a real one, a bright one) that uses 18650 cells, in addition to charging your phone and your nerf camera.

Really? That long?

In honour of your raffle phrase an amusing long stabby thing video from Australia. Worth watching until the end.

From my wishlist

Congratulations on ten years.

Any portable battery and inverter should work fine for battery charging. The battery supplies the juice, the inverter gives you AC that the camera battery charger needs. It might be overkill and heavier than you want to lug around unless you can leave it at a basecamp or you are near your vehicle. This is somewhat lighter that might be what you want: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Whistler-XP-200-Watt-Continuous-Battery-Powered-Inverter-Generator-XP200i/303626762

If you mean a power brick for charging phones, you’d need a battery charger that can charge off USB. Something like this should work if you find one compatible with your camera battery: https://www.amazon.com/OAproda-Battery-Charger-Compatible-PowerShot/dp/B06WV9W8S5

Alternatively you can get a charger, that has a USB input like this:

https://www.amazon.com/OAproda-Replacement-Battery-Charger-PowerShot/dp/B06WV9W8S5

I was looking into this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/151071891306?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

but the battery only lasts 80min. I was thinking about adding to the battery life with a Usb charger power stick, http://www.amazon.com/2600mAh-Portable-External-Battery-Charger/dp/B00BS63FA2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1/179-3602018-1791231?ie=UTF8&refRID=0VDQMR0P8JJFS3XWCNN1