Pro Moviemaker Spring 2020

GEAR PRODUCT IN FOCUS

Of the two D-Taps, one is standard but the other is the advanced D-Tap, which permits charging by IDX’s own compact VL-DT1 charger. To mount it to a camera, you can use existing IDX V-mount plates but there is also a smaller version to match the new battery. This is the P-Vmicro plate, which is just more compact and features an additional D-Tap and USB type-C output. Alternatively, the battery can be mounted to standard 15mm rails using a new compact cheese plate, the A-CPmicro. This is ideal to power mirrorless or DSLR cameras mounted to a rig. For large cameras that have a full-size V-mount plate, you can fit the accessory A-Vmicro2 plate; this allows two Imicro batteries to be mounted, which are discharged sequentially. This hot swap capability allows for continuous filming. The A-Vmicro2 fits to all IDX chargers, effectively doubling the quantity of batteries that can be left to charge. If you really want to keep weight low, as well as the larger Imicro-150 there is an even lighter Imicro-98, which puts out 97Wh and weighs in at only 550g/1.2lb. The batteries are on sale now, with the accessory plates hitting the market in spring 2020. AD “As cameras get smaller, V-mount batteries can seem large and heavy in comparison”

ABOVE The Imicro-150 retains all the features of IDX’s larger cells

IDX IMICRO-150 BATTERY £294/$395 idx-europe.co.uk

V-mount batteries may be the power source of choice for cinema camera shooters who want to record for hours, or even power other accessories directly from the camera. But as cameras and kits get smaller, the V-mount batteries can seem large and heavy in comparison. Transporting them on aircraft can also be a major problem, as many are just too big for carry-on limits. The new IDX Imicro-150 is the smallest battery pack you can buy rated at 145Wh, the limit for aircraft baggage. Its small size makes it ideal for on-camera or gimbal use, and it even comes with two on-battery D-Tap outputs so you can power lights and monitors, for example. The batteries retain all the features of IDX’s larger cells, such as a small torch light on the rear to help you line up the battery when mounting it, or just to peer into the dark corners of your kit bag. The battery will also communicate with most cameras to provide data such as percentage of

SPECIFICATIONS Capacity: 145Wh, 14.4V, 9.9Ah Max output voltage: 16.8VDC Nominal voltage: 14.5VDC D-Tap: 100W Protection: Over charge, over discharge, over current, thermal protection Dimension (LxHxD): 72x97x67.5mm/2.8x3.8x2.7in Weight: 750g/1.65lb

charge remaining, to be displayed on your camera’s screen or viewfinder. If you have the compatible IDX plug-in TK-E1HG unit it will also display information, such as battery temperature, and give an indication of how healthy the battery is (whether it’s nearing the end of its useful life). This info can also be accessed by pressing the battery’s LED button for five seconds.

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PRO MOVIEMAKER SPRING 2020

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