SHAPE has just introduced a power kit for Sony PMW/PXW cameras, including the FX6 and FX9. It consists of two BP-U100 batteries with D-tap and USB-A outputs as well as a D-tap battery charger. The kit retails for $470.
As a (former) Sony PXW-FS5 owner, I soon realized that, if I wanted to sleep soundly without having to charge multiple battery types to power up my rig, I had to replace the stock battery with a third-party solution that would offer at least 2 D-tap outputs to power accessories. So I did, and although it was a small investment, it turned out to be a very beneficial one.
Fast forward 6 years, FX6 and FX9 users are probably facing similar needs. Indeed, Sony Cinema Line cameras are incredible imaging tools, but they just don’t shine when it comes to power additional accessories. That’s why SHAPE came up with a dedicated power solution. Let’s take a look!
SHAPE BP-U100 battery kit with D-tap charger for Sony cameras
This power solution from SHAPE (product code: 2BPUCH) was designed specifically for use with selected Sony PMW and PXW camcorders. These include the Cinema Line FX6 and FX9, but also older models, such as the FS5, FS7, and FS7 Mark II.
The kit includes two Lithium-Ion BP-U100 batteries (14.4V) and a travel charger. Each battery has a capacity of 98Wh/6800mAh, and provides 2 D-tap in/out ports (11-16.8V/6A) as well as a USB-A output (5V/2.1A) to power additional accessories. The design is pretty minimal, and includes a 4-stage status LED to display battery life.
Additionally, in the kit you will find the SHAPE FULL PLAY D-tap battery charger (16.8V/2.5A power output), which can recharge each battery in approximately 3 hours, according to SHAPE. Unfortunately, it can only work with one battery at the time.
Along with the included BP-U batteries, the charger is also compatible with V-mount or Gold mount power bricks that support D-tap charging. The accessory plugs into AC wall mains, comes with a 102cm/40” power cable, and has an LED indicator to display charging status.
Price and availability
Overall, the SHAPE BP-U100 battery kit can be a great solution for Sony PMW/PXW owners looking to power their whole camera rig from a single source. The kit is now available to purchase from the manufacturer’s website. Its official retail price is set at $470/€496.66.
For more information, please visit SHAPE’s website here.
How do you usually power accessories when working with Sony PMX/PXW cameras? What do you think about this kit from SHAPE? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
