The BlackMagic Cinema Camera can run a short time with it's internal battery, but it's really designed to use external power. I've shared a few options on this blog, but here's another option to power the BMCC off of a 14V battery adapter using Sony BP-U60 / BP-U30 batteries. If you already have these batteries from your Sony EX-1 camera, this is a great little add-on.
This battery adapter has a 1/4-20 threaded screw to attach to many rigs or cages, or can be mounted to the optional 15mm clamp. If you don't have batteries, you may want to look into the adapter plates that are bundles with a battery charger. You can find these products via eBay following the links (below).
Sony BP-U60 BP-U30 Battery Plate 14V for BlackMagic Cinema Camera
Darmon
I know it's a bit late, but I noticed there are a few questions about the life of this battery when used with the BMCC. I have a BMCC 2.5k and I just tested it.
I get 3.5 hours on IDLE.
I have not tested shooting time yet.
Hope this helps anyone looks for this information.
Cheers.
Emm
Post author@Sven - Check out some of the Indiprotools power options also (click here).
Sven
@Emm -
At the moment i am thinking about buying a Blackmagic Production Camera 4k but what still bothers me is how to manage a longer battery time. My budget is limited so I am looking for an alternative to an expensive external battery for this camera. This possibility to charge the camera with the Sony batteries sounds great. Do you know for sure that this way of charging does also work for the Blackmagic Production Camera 4k? I know somebody already asked you that some time ago but maybe you've tried it in the meantime.
Thanks.
Emm
Post author@Paul Hardt - Yes it would work also.
Rene
Would this same adapter also work with the Sony L-Series batteries? Thx.
Emm
Post author@Rich Murphy - The BMPCC can take more than 12V input.
Rich Murphy
Hi Emm,
Just to check that, you've been using this BP-U60 battery option with your BMPCC as well now and it worked ok? It didn't fry the camera with the voltage difference!?
Thanks.
Emm
Post author@Alex - Yeah I don't see why it wouldn't. I also used it for my BMPCC.
Alex
Hi Emm
Do you know if this battery solution would work for the new 4k bm camera?
Cheers
Emm
Post author@Rick - Sorry I don't have the time to run a battery for hours, but if you do the math you should be able to figure out an approximate time. Just compare it to the internal battery capacity.
Rick
the most important and basic of question here was never answered.....why?
how long does it last?
Amir
Emm, 12V-30V DC port for external battery power or use included 12V AC adapter.
Lemo
life bro life?
Damian
I have a bunch of Sony f970 batteries. Is there an option like this for those? Thanks.
Zack
What's the battery life like with this setup? Seems like it would be really portable.
Joel Stephen
This looks like a good solution. How long did they last on stand-by and when in use?
Emm
Post author@Paul Hardt - The connector is not the same for the BMPCC, and it outputs 14V. The BMPCC needs a 12V input, so I think if you tried to hack this it could fry your camera.
Paul Hardt
Will this same Sony BP-U60 BP-U30 Battery Adapter set up work with the BMPCC cam?