Today we are taking a look at two recent batteries released by CameTV called the CAME-TV Mini 50C and CAME-TV Mini 99C, both include some of the most recent features including USB-C PD and USB-C charging, USB-A, DC outputs, and D-Tap.
CameTV is a Chinese manufacturer that provides solutions for film and photography. Over the years, we’ve used a number of their products. And today, we’re looking at their new V-mount batteries.
Concept
The previous line of CameTV V-mount batteries has proven to be reliable, and this new generation comes with innovative improvements in the electronics to make the battery more efficient and offer discharge protection.
CAME-TV Mini 50C and 99C V-Mount Batteries
Design and build
The outer casing on the CameTV miniC (50 and 99 Wh) battery is made of a hard plastic composite. It features an industrial look with a bright red label.
The top of the battery comes with a rubber cover to protect the ports. Underneath, you’ll find two DC ports (8.4V and 12V), a USB-a, and a USB-c PD port. There is only one D-tap port on the left side.
The advanced electronics inside this MiniC battery allow it to not just display the battery’s charge status but also provide real-time information on the screen on the front of the battery when pressing the status button on the side.
Features
This OLED screen displays charge status, voltage, and current. This information is calculated based on the output drawn from the battery, so it can even estimate how long the charge can last.
Of course, the biggest feature in this new generation of V-mount batteries is USB-C charge. This makes the battery a lot more versatile since you can use it like a power bank with its USB-C PD output and the ability to recharge without any additional chargers.
The screen is especially useful during charging because the battery will actually give a readout of how long it’ll take to finish charging.
CAME-TV Mini 50C and 99C V-Mount Batteries connectors
In Use
CameTV currently has two sizes of the MiniC, 50Wh and 99Wh. The Mini 99C is actually a bit bigger and heavier than its predecessor. But considering the smart electronics inside and the versatility, it’s easy to forgive.
We’ve been using these batteries on handheld rigs and on tripods inside the studio, and they’ve been reliable and easy to work with. Charging through USB-C has been a big plus.
Tests
We used the Mini 50C mostly on the handheld rig because of the weight, and it powers the camera and monitor for at least 4 hours. The additional USB-a port is useful for recharging the wireless audio receiver when its battery starts running out.
We did some tests using a 60w LED. The CameTV Mini 50C could only power it to about 60% and lasted about an hour. The Mini 99c could only provide enough power for about 90% through the USB-C port, and the 5-pin connector powered the light for about 75 minutes at 100%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s great to see such innovation in a vital piece of gear. This new generation of batteries from CameTV are smarter, more versatile, and easier to use.
CAME-TV Mini 50C and 99C V-Mount Batteries
Pricing
As for pricing, the Mini 50C sells for $140 and the Mini 99C is $180.
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