External Battery for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera – Switronix PB70-BMCC PowerBase
Switronix has a portable battery PowerBase- the PB70, available for the Blackmagic Cinema Camera. The BMCC is not made to shoot solely using the internal battery. In fact, the battery cannot be removed at all. This cinema camera is intended to run on an external power source via the Power 12V-30V input while the internal battery acts more so as a safety backup.
Switronix has come up with an external battery solution that pretty much acts like a battery grip. The Switronix PB70-BMCC PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Blackmagic Cinema Cameras connects to your BMCC’s underbelly with a provided quick release plate. The battery pack itself also has a 1/4-20″ female thread at its base for mounting onto rigs or tripods. 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). Switronix can make a 24″ cable for $17 ($10 for cable extension, $7 shipping). They don’t offer these in production, but they will custom make them for customers.
Product Highlights
14.8V, 70Wh, 4.8Ah
6x More Power than Internal Battery
Auxiliary Power Output (12VDC)
V-Mount with Quick Release System
Switronix PB70-BMCC PowerBase-70 Battery Pack for Blackmagic Cinema Cameras
Doesn’t seem like the most ideal set up if you wanted to built a rig around the camera since the height is changed so much.
Hey Olivia – first, great site and fantastic, informative posts.
Wondering if you have you seen any ideas for batteries you can keep on a shoulder strap or in a back pack and then run a tether to the camera to feed the internal battery? Trying to keep the BMCC as light as possible for rig work.
@Raber Switronix can make a 24″ cable for $17 ($10 for cable extension, $7 shipping). They don’t offer these in production, but they will custom make them for customers.
Thanks Olivia — super useful —
hi olivia
can i use it for 5D mark III?
@Lugones This particular model is made only for the BMCC.
I have an LED light panel. Would this work as a portable battery to power it?
Just picked up a battery solution: Bescor BM-EPIC Battery & Charger for the Blackmagic Camera. External battery that clips on any rig. Had height issues with the switronix. Bp-epic by bescor cost me $199.00 from B&H. Works great.