Mini v-mounts—batteries vs. plates

I'm trying to move into more handheld work, so I'm building a rig. One thing I decided on was to use the mini v-mount system, both for convenience and weight.

The new Smallrig mini v-mount batteries have almost exactly the features I want: USB-C outputs and charging, a 12v DC output, a power button, a good display.

The only issue is I wish I could have those features in a *plate*, allowing me to save money on batteries and save time while switching them. The closest thing I've found is the N21-D7 Nitze plate, which is no longer on the Nitze website but is on Amazon with questionable reviews. There are no shortage of D-Tap only plates out there, but they are more expensive and I'd need the requisite converters/adapters.

Just curious—if you were about to invest in the ecosystem, would you go in on the better battery or take a chance with the plate?

DigitalFoto is kind of a Tilta/Smallrig clone, they make lots of interesting stabilizers as well.

I've not used this plate at all, but it seems to have the features you want: https://digitalfoto.store/products/df-vg9-v-mount-battery-plate-with-power-outputspd-bi-direction-quick-charge-usb-c-port-with-15mm-lws-rod-clamp

I have to do 3 camera shoots, so I have a V-mount plate, batteries with multiple ports and this interesting D-tap splitter: https://www.camvate.com/products/camvate-male-d-tap-b-type-power-tap-to-4-port-female-d-tap-p-tap-hub-splitter-adapter-power-cable-for-sony-panasonic-camcorder-2784 It includes 2 DC ports and a USB-A in a small package.

Hopefully, they come out with a USB-C PD version soon.

mkfed wrote:

For filming with the A1 I use a clamp on my tripod and smallrig 2801 mini v-mount just too keep the battery in place. For walking around there are belt-clips too.

All this is because I want to stay lightweight - no 15mm rods on my rig, not needed I have autofocus and auto-nd in my camera Not sure what your rig goals are, if you have 15mm rods anyways for follow focus and stuff you might as well use a full v-mount plate.

I have half-length rods for the battery and a follow focus but I don't need a matte box or anything. So it's rigged but still pretty small and flexible, which I'm a big fan of. I like your ability to move the battery around without sacrificing its utility. That plus the ability to be charged via USB-C makes me think this is definitely the way to go.