12V DC Battery with 5V USB Port

• • 88 Comments

A while back I posted about some available 12V DC batteries you can use from Ryobi. They've been working great and many people have adapted them on Timelapse rigs and motion controlled sliders. Here's another option. Now I'm fairly weary about posting no name battery packs, so i've been testing these for a few weeks now before I decide if they are any good.

12V DC Battery PackScreen shot 2011-07-07 at 11.19.55 AM
find-price-button CCTV 12V DC Rechargeable Li-iON w/ 5V DC USB Port

I originally purchased two of these CCTV Battery packs because of the 5V USB option. These little batteries hold quite a charge and i'm able to fully bring my dead cell phone or iPad back to life (charging through USB) several times over before needing to recharge the Pack again. These USB chargers are the most handy thing when you can't be tied to an outlet (like when traveling).

They also come with a double sided barrel connector to power up 12V DC items, and those have been coming in quite handy as well. The connector fits most standard Camera accessories, but you can always get additional ones to power up other accessories that will run on 12V or 5V DC. [Note] At Radio Shack it's 'AdaptaPlug Size N', elsewhere the common plug is 5.5mm OD and 2.5mm ID Male Plug. The battery uses negative from the outside and sends positive from the inside. Just make sure you have the inside as Positive and the Outside as Negative when making your DIY plug. You can see what that looks like, and find some easy DIY tips here: 5.5mm Male DC Plug Tips

I've been able to power up the Z96 LED light, the 312 LED Video lights, the SmallHD DP6 LCD monitor (and other monitors), the 352 LED Ring Light, and the list goes on and on. So many times you'll catch one of your accessories out of AA's or Sony's, and this backup battery solves them all. [Update] The Zoom H1 can be powered via USB, just figured that out when my AA battery was dying out on location.

I haven't done any real battery testing to see if the 3800mah /12V DC specs they list on the website is actual, but they do hold a charge and power up all my accessories for quite some time. Fairly light weight so all it takes is a bit of Velcro to hang it on the back of your Lilliput LCD monitors, or Portable LED lights that can accept DC in (like the Z96 or 312 LEDs). Unfortunately my 900 LED lights require 14V DC to be at it's 'Brightest' setting, but these little 12V DC batteries will power them up as well. Definitely not a bad price, and I have a few more on order. Trust me, i'm still putting them through the ringer. You can find them (click here).

12V DC Battery PackScreen shot 2011-07-07 at 11.19.55 AM
find-price-button CCTV 12V DC Rechargeable Li-iON w/ 5V DC USB Port

[Update] Some of these items might not ship with the correct barrel adapter which is 5.5mm OD and 2.5mm ID. A comment left by Luca has links to some adapter cables. [Thanks Luca]

I found these DC cables that should fit quite nicely. The problem is, they're quite short:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300585910349&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

So here is an extension cable:
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390338648476&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_3613wt_1141

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88 thoughts on “12V DC Battery with 5V USB Port”

  1. Tav

    What is the amp output on this battery? I need a 5volt 2amp battery thats not too heavy powerful and cheap. Thanks for all your good advice cheesycam!

  2. Emm

     Post author

    @Fabio - Yes, you can use this with the BMPCC also. You just need to make your own cable, and find a clever way to mount it.

  5.

    Hello.
    I've ordered a Blackmagic CC awhile ago, and now i'm looking for budget solution for power supply my camera.
    Is this thing gonna work with BMCC?
    If not - what tlse can i get?
    Sorry for my lame english. Thank's! 🙂

  6. Emm

     Post author

    @IntrygueGraphics - The adapter may plug in, but the battery you use will determine your run time. The 12V/5V USB battery may not have a very long run time.

  7.

    @emm also can i use this adapter to power it with the jag adapter you recommended here:

    httpss://cheesycam.com/xlr-battery-power-adapter-for-500-led-light-panel/

    thanks in advance. you are the greatest!! I still cant believe you replied lol

  8.

    @Emm OH WOW AWESOME Thanks EMM!!!!

    so I should be able to use it to power these:
    https://www.amazon.com/light-Panel-Video-lighting-Fancier/dp/B003UOOZAY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3FLQWS3DNJAFA&coliid=I286X09YRJQC3T

    I plan on getting these tomorrow but i will hold off until you reply. I cant afford the Tekkeon batteries you recommend. I didnt think you would actually reply lol.
    I have bout all of my equipment thanks to this site. from my t2i camera to my jib.

  11. Will

    Can anyone please confirm whether this works for PS Vita? Also, can you play while charging? Thanks in advance - great site!!

  13. Emm

     Post author

    @Lee - The GoPro can be powered via USB, and this can continue to power it. If you want to charge the battery, I think the GoPro has to be turned off.

  14. Lee

    Hi Emm, it's me again. Just wondering- do these power up the Gopro or just charge the Gopro battery in camera?

    Wondering if I should get these instead of spare Gopro batteries..

    Thanks

  15. dolu

    HI,

    I have one of this nice battery. So, can the H4n can be powered by it for record ? If it's the case, where can I find the Usb cable ? Thanks

  17.

    Zoom H4N can be powered by usb, but only for usb functions. (card reading, usb audio I/F), not using as a recorder. I just bought a usb to 4.0mm cable on ebay and hopes that works

  18. Emm

     Post author

    @dave patterson - All USB is 5V, but not all have the same milliamp output (how strong the battery is). Also not all units can be powered via USB. The Zoom devices can, but not too sure about the Tascam DR-40.

  19.

    Q: Do all USB devices run on 5V? Any special concerns to look for when purchasing a USB battery supply?

    I have a Tascam DR-40 audio recorder, and want to power it with an external power supply, as phantom power for condenser mics puts a strain on battery life. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated.

    cheers,
    Dave

  20. HD-tography

    @Frank Apollonio

    I have a couple of these 5v/12v 5800 mAh batteries, they work great as I velcro them to the back of the Z96 lights, however I just bought another one that is only 12 volt and 9800mAh (linked above in Frank's post) but it's almost twice the size and boy is it far heavyier! (440 grams vs only 147 grams with the 5v/12v) We'll see if it doubles the runtime... won't be sticking this brick to the back of the light with means alternative placement and longer cables (excellent for a shoulder rig counterweight though)

  21.

    Hi - I saw you using this on your iPad. I get an error "Charging is not supported with this accessory" when I try it on my iPad 1 or iPhone4. Both are running iOS5 - have you tried it with your updated iPad?
    Thanks - Martin

  22. Waveform

    Hi Emm!

    Can you confirm/test if this battery can power both a 12V device and 5V device at the same time?

    I asked the ebay seller "dib-bid" and was told that it cannot.

    If you're using a light hooked upto the 12V watch out for a voltage drop / brightness drop, when plugging something into the USB.

  23. Waveform

    Can anyone confirm if it can charge both a 12V device and a 5V Usb Device at the same time?

    I asked the ebay seller "Dib-Store", who said it cannot.

    Would really appreciate if someone could confirm this

  25. Emm

     Post author

    @zap - No Philippines??!!! That's just criminal..LOL. Umm..at this time 'Ewan Ko' or umm..'Hindi ko alam'. Is that right? I need to brush up...lol.

  26.

    @emm

    Hello! it seems that the seller of this battery does not ship to our country (the Philippines) any other sellers to suggest? thanks!

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  28. Paul

    Hey guys...

    I am going on an extended trip in november and i need to be able to recharge dslr batteries whilst on the road. The DC output seems great, has anyone used one of these batteries to recharge camera batteries?

    Another problem i face is i want to shoot on the road with the new sony a77. Does anyone know if the sony a77 batteries are the same shape/size as any other older sony camera batteries? that way i could get an older camera adapteor and apply it to the a77.

    really stuck here, the canon 7d has an awesome setup to charge on the road via a battery via "powergorilla" but they have no specific adapter for the sony yet

    any halp would be greatly appreciated

    paul

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  33. Emm

     Post author

    @Tim C - What were you using them for? I have 4 of them and i've been using them regularly. In fact i'm building my Glidecam for this weekend to power my SmallHD DP4 as a monitor.

  34.

    Hey Emm, Long time (relatively speaking) reader, first comment. I bought two of these and they both crapped out. I contacted them after the first one died and they refunded my money. We'll see on the second one.

    Great while they lasted!\TC

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  38. Dave

    Nice article....my problem is I don't know if this will work to power the DC in on a Nikon D300 camera as they use a strange adapter end coming out of their AC to DC power adapter, the plug end of which can be seen here:

    .

  41. Rosemanster

    Hi Emm,

    Does this work ok with the DP6 then without the regulator cable. You didn't seem to be using one in the video ?

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  44. Luca

    Heya Emm,

    The cable that came included with this battery will not fit in my 352 LED ring light. It also didn't come with that usb 5V adapter either. Do all of your cables fit correctly?

  45. Emm

     Post author

    @Olphus - I ordered a few of these batteries and some came with the right cables. If you want to make your own, the OD would be 5.5mm and ID 2.5mm. I'm fairly positive these end plugs are what you need on both ends to make a cable at any length you want: 2.5mm ID 5.5mm OD Power Plug

  46. Olphus

    So what are the ID and OD on the battery itself and what is the ID and OD on the Z96?
    The cable that came included does not fit the Z96.

  47. James

    @Emm - Thank you. I was a bit confused about charging. As the instructions do not mention the switch in relation to charging.

  49. James

    Received one battery pack today (ordered on 16th July). Arrived with packaging perfect and alot of bubble-rap, but the black plastic case has scuff marks all over it.

    Seems to power items ok. Power is stable.

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  51.

    How long does this battery lasts if used on CCTV wireless cameras and how long does it take to charge, please someone let me know. If ordered over seas how much for shipping, I see free but is there duty taxes, let me know.

  53. Emm

     Post author

    @Derek Mellot - Sure a write up would be great, maybe even a video if you can. Thanks.

  54. Derek Mellott

    Looks like I got in under the wire, I ordered one on the 15th and it says it shipped.

    @emm if you want I can give you a write up on how I power my camera with a 12v battery and a $3 dc to dc step down.

  55. Emm

     Post author

    @Eugene - I have not tried. I used to own several quantum battery packs, but found my Eneloops to be more than adequate for what I do. I also made it a point to shoot in lower power modes, and just add additional flashes. The workflow is faster, and carrying load is lighter.

  56. Eugene

    Emm, have you tried to power up the speedlight flash?
    my flash YN650 takes 6v? what do you think?

    my original plan was to power samson phantom-s power (with Rode ntg3) with this battery, unfortunately it was just not enough for me.

  57.

    @Emm Me too!
    If I get a tracking number forget it! Even though it states the day of delivery, I tend to check on it at least 10 times a day... :-O

  58. Emm

     Post author

    @Serge - One thing I really dislike is packing and shipping. I'm an addict for receiving and un-boxing though!

  59.

    @Emm

    I'm telling you!
    You are one popular dude! you could win the presidency!

    Sounds like I will get lots of usage then, I'm going to place and order for 8 more then for a total of 10, but I guess I will have to wait a whole month to get them 🙁

    I think you should start buying in bulk then sell for profit!

    *hint hint!

  60. Emm

     Post author

    @Serge - Wow, I wiped out the world! LOL. Yeah I have them, and my other friends are picking up on them too. They especially like the USB feature. When traveling or on location shoots, either my phone is dying, or someone else's phone is dying. Very handy to have this around. And one guy is using it for an LCD monitor with a JIB.

  63.

    @Emm.

    Cheesycam does it again! You have helped propel this item all the way up to back orders. I placed my order as soon as you posted and now they have none for me! 🙁

    "Thanks for purchase "12V DC USB 5V Rechargeable Li-ion Battery CCTV Camera" from our eBay store.

    We feel so sorry to bother you here. You may find your order on eBay still waiting for dispatch. We get a notice from our storehouse that we temporarily run out of stock of this item at the moment. We have been making every attempt to maintain stock of every item we offer on eBay, but on rare occasion that we meet the inventory management problem.

    We are contacting our provider to see when the item will be available again. The reply from them would take some time. We would arrange dispatch of your order within next 2-3 days if the new cargo arrives, otherwise, we would make a quick full refund to your PayPal account. Your attention to this notification would be highly appreciated."

  64. Chris

    Wow, that could really be useful for long session recording with a GoPro. Gonna snag me one. 🙂

  66. Emm

     Post author

    @Stephen Webb - Not sure how long for full charge. I have several of them and usually put them to a charge the night before so I have all fresh batteries. There's no indicator. I'll see how long it runs a 312 on Full.

  67. Paul

    I bought 3 of the Aluratek, (for time lapse as well) and two of the three arrived DOA. Sometimes cheap is just cheap. The one good one is still going strong but I agree with Emm, the USB thing adds a lot and worth the extra $

  68. Stephen Webb

    Hi Emm

    How long will it power your 312 LED Light at full brightness and how long for it to charge up?
    Thanks for the info.
    Stephen

  69. Emm

     Post author

    @Joel - I've seen those before, but the USB thing was really what I was going for.

  73. Emm

     Post author

    @J Toha - This is at 5V and 12V, while the Canon cameras operate at 7.2V. It would be too much, unless you know a bit of electronics to add a regulator in between.

  74. Emm

     Post author

    @Lee - I don't think so, since this is 12V, and the LP-E8 batteries are at 7.2V.

  75. Sean

    Can, you, please tell us the charging specs (adapter sticker). In/out voltage, amps (watts).

  77. J Toha

    Do you know if there's an adapter that can be used with this to power up our DSLRs (7D or T3i etc)?
    I don't suppose plugging this directly into the 7D's USB port will juice it up...

  79.

    DUDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.....I started to buy these a while back but I said they my not work how I think....THNAKS FOR BEING THE "Test GUy"

  84.

    Purchased 2 just now, can't wait to run them on a coupleof z96's.
    Do you think it will run a Marshall monitor? It uses Sony batteries...
    Will put them on a rig a la cheap auton bauers.

    😉

  87. Emm

     Post author

    @SteveO - It just has a Green Light to show that it's charging, but no indicators to show capacity.

  88. SteveO

    Do these have charging indicators? My bugbear are cheap batteries that have nothing to tell you if they're charging, or even if they are fully charged.

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