Today we are taking a look at the newest Smallrig NP-F970 batteries (aka 4576) with fast charge times using USB-C PD up to 36W and USB-A up to 27W. But how do these colorful batteries stack against some of the more basic NP-F970 batteries on the market, Let’s find out.
Background
NPF batteries have been around for over a decade, and rather than be replaced by a new format, the fierce competition among many manufacturers likely keeps everyone innovating. In the last few years, we’ve seen large NPF batteries that can be categorized according to the type of battery level display they use. This new Smallrig NP-F970 is one more step forward for getting more information out of the battery level, and there are a few other feature and design enhancements that qualify this version as the newest next generation of NPFs until all the other companies decide to copy this design, of course.
Fast-charging L-type battery
Concept
Can an old dog learn new tricks? In the case of the new Smallrig NP-F970, a tried and true battery format popular among beginners and professionals alike, it has become clear that the NPF battery format can evolve to keep up with current technology trends to safeguard its position in the market as an all-in-one battery solution for newbies and ultra-portable power strategy for advanced users.
There are so many companies making NPF batteries now, but only a few are putting research and development of their own towards making their batteries better. Smallrig is at the forefront of this fray with their updates to the battery level indicator going through at least three versions in about as many years. So does this emphasized design focus and new feature set make Smallrig a photographer’s best friend?
Usefull screen – Smallrig 4576
Design and Build
The new design changes are seemingly simple but solve two problems long associated with using NPF batteries. With few exceptions, most manufacturers choose to make their NPF batteries in black, probably to match 98% of the other tools used by content creators. To know which battery is charged and which is dead they have to be kept separate or labeled, both imperfect solutions. Offering this new battery in orange and green, as well as black, solves this problem. The other problem is the smoothness of NPF battery casings, which do not provide the optimal grip. The ribbed texture of this model is easier to grab onto and it probably helps with heat dissipation, since it’s essentially an external heat sink.
Features
A two-way USB-C PD port allowing fast charging and an OLED touchscreen that shows the battery level as a two-digit number out of 100% are the biggest updates. The touchscreen is a bit annoying because it’s not quite bright enough to see in full daylight, but it’s a tradeoff because not having to press a mechanical button means less chance of disturbing your rig if you are in the middle of recording. Other features that we did not test but may in the future include the following types of protection: overcharge, cell, short circuit, overload, overvoltage, overcurrent, low temperature, and high temperature. It’s unclear if “protection” means that a notification is displayed or if the battery has built-in safeguards or some combination of these.
Use Cases
Besides being an excellent everyday carry battery, which I think replaces often larger and sometimes awkwardly-shaped power bricks, this advanced NPF battery is also well suited for extended recording with light camera setups where using a v-mount would create too much weight. I use them in interviews to power everything but the camera, but sometimes the camera as well. They can also take some stress out of super long time-lapses.
Tests
In the battery depletion test, I compared the performance of the Smallrig batteries with Powerextra batteries, since I already own several of theirs. I had only recently purchased the Powerextra batteries, and they had gone through less than five cycles each, so I think the test was fair enough, especially given the results. I plugged both batteries into my two Amaran FL-9 lights to compare their performance. The Smallrig lasted 4.75 hrs and the Powerextra lasted 4.40 hrs. This was a difference of 7%, which is better, but is it enough to justify the Smallrig’s relatively higher price? In the recharging test, I found a better selling point, the fast charging capability. When plugged into 35-watt charging, the Smallrig took 4 hours to get to 100%, and after 6 hrs the Powerextra was not past 75%. Note that on the Powerextra, it is only possible to know when the unit has reached 25, 50, 75, and 100%. Smallrig claims the fast charge time should be 3.5, so I’ll update the video comments if that ever happens to our two batteries.
Conclusion
If you already have NP-F970 batteries that work well, you have no use for more specificity in a battery level indicator, you’ve never dropped an NPF battery because it slipped out of your hands, and you don’t mind causing vibration or movement in your rig when you need to determin a battery’s remaining power level, then the new Smallrig NP-F970 may not be for you. Beginners may not need a top-of-the-line NPF and may defer to cost savings, but advanced users will probably benefit from at least one of the new features because they essentially make NPF a bit more professional, like V-mounts. It’s just a matter of time before we start seeing even more info in NPFs, like voltage and amperage.
The Smallrig 4576 (upside-down)
Pricing
The new Smallrig NP-F970 can be found online for $80 and in combo packages with chargers or adapter plates.
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