After a few years, I thought it was time to retire some of my old Sony NPF-970 batteries. You start to notice that they won't hold a charge as long, and taking them out in the field was always questionable. After shopping around, I stumbled on to the SWIT S-8972 Batteries. The only Sony NPF style battery I know with a built in meter! I can't tell you how something so simple could really make life a whole lot easier.
Ok, so the battery meter is huge in my book, but there's more to the SWIT S-8972. It also offers a DC output allowing you to simultaneously power another device. Do you even know how many video devices there are that could benefit from this? Maybe you've got a monitor that runs on Canon LP-E6, but now you can optionally power it with the SWIT. An LED light? Audio recorder? Or how about taking a Sony Dummy battery and using the SWIT as your power source to power your Sony A7sII A7RII (or compatible sony camera).
In any case, you could buy cheaper batteries and i'm sure they will last a good while. But for a few more bucks, I find the built in Battery Meter and 7.4V DC Output is worth the extra cost. You can find the SWIT S-8972 product page (here).
SWIT S-8972 47Wh Sony Replacement Battery with Meter and DC Out
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Post author@Terrence Wilkins - Thanks, looks good. But i'm in the USA and I don't think that battery is quick to come by here. I'm also really fond of the DC output too.
Terrence Wilkins
You've missed out the Ex-pro NP-F990 battery it also has a built in meter, is considerably cheaper and holds more charge at 8800mAh.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro%C2%AE-NP-F930-NP-F950-NP-F960-NP-F960H/dp/B00T6HHJHA?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage
I've owned one for 6 months and it lives on my atomos shogun, it's rare that I need to replace the battery when I'm shooting (it lasts that long).
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Post author@Keith Dennis - You have to get the right cable but you can find the dummy batteries here: a7s battery
Keith Dennis
Really enjoyed seeing this review. I have an RX-10 and am interested in the dummy battery and connecting cable that you showed that would use the SWIT's DC output.
Do you have a model number for such a device?
Sincerely,
Keith
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Post author@TikTak - First, i've never really looked into a dummy battery for LX100. Seems to last a good while and replacing a tiny battery is probably easier than carrying a big on the whole time. But I don't really see why it would be a problem, but I don't think it would be worth taking that chance. It might be better to just carry small spare ones as the batteries seem to last a long time. I shot a whole bunch of 4K video samples at Disneyworld throughout the whole day on just one battery.
TikTak
@Emm - would these batteries be able to power the Lumix LX100 with a dummy battery? The LX100 batteries are rated at 7.2V but the NP-F battery is 7.4V so I'm afraid of my camera malfunctioning.
TikTak
Rob S.
Swit seems to have a decent reputation which is why I bought a couple of their Canon BP and LP batteries. They seem to work better than the aftermarket Wasabi batteries I have and have lasted longer over time. Not quite as good as the OEM but a bit cheaper.
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Post author@Dave - Yes they have converters specifically for this. I'll order one and try it out. Should only be around $3-$4 dollars.
Dave
Any way to convert that DC out to USB for powering an A7sII without a dummy battery?
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Post author@Chi Lee - I wouldn't say the RED Pro NP-F1000 is common place. Not everyone sells it, especially here in USA. Also the price is still up there with the Sony OEM. The NP-QM91D is interesting if it works (doesn't have DC out), but nice alternative. I still nice to be able to power two things from one battery. An extra DC out from a portable battery goes a long way these days.
Chi Lee
NP-F package batteries with LED power meters are commonplace. The Red Pro NP-F1000 has one, as do all the NP-QM91D batteries (cross-compatible with NP-F equipment).