Just found out about this battery made by Panasonic.

Model Number - CGR-D53 5300mAh, 14.6 oz (415g)

It looks like it's a belt battery with a attachment that connects to the back of the AG-DVX100.

I think that's the same one for the MX500/0.

yeah....it looks like Panasonic is using the same batteries for the AG DVX100 as their consumer line stuff.

Are there third party companies, then, that make batteries that will work in the DVX100? If so, what are they?

Yes, it's the same batteries as the consumer lines, meaning wider availability and cheaper prices. I have the Panasonic waist belt version. It's actually very light, small and can even go into a pocket.

Sabah Oceanic makes the compatible batteries and I remember reading some posts that they ship very fast (2 days) considering they're on the other side of the world.

http://www.sabahoceanic.com/vpanasonic.html

I wonder if using the waist belt battery would mess up the balance on the DVX100 (which is supposed to be so well balanced). It would effectively remove most of the battery weight from the back of the camera.

The piggyback 2.8Ah batt is quite light by itself; it shouldn't make a big difference to the balance. If you're paranoid, I guess you can stick some 'counter-weight' on the interface plate :)

The belt version should be used only if continous power is needed for long periods or when swapping batteries is impractical.

On the Pana website, there appears to be an adapter for Anton Bauer (belt) batteries.

Armato's Pro Digital (www.armatos.com) plan on making an adapter for the DVX100 that allows it to use Sony infolithium L batteries. These are the same high capacity batteries used by the PD-150.

While I did not get a release date for the adapter they did ask if I wanted to add it to my current DVX100 order with them which should be shipping at the end of the month.

Armato's currently makes this adapter for the JVC GY-300.

The adapter should retail for $95.

Also, I noticed on the Japanese DVX100 Fan page that there seems to be a lithium ion battery Panasonic manufactures that is the higher capacity 7.2V 5,400mA battery that should give the DVX a 5 hour run time. This seems to be built like a standard battery pack that snaps to the back of the camera and different from the beltpack sold here in the US.

Link for the DVX100 fan page is: http://www.geocities.jp/sumi653/

The page showing the battery is shown on page 3 of the web site. You can reach it by clicking on the link item posted at the top of the web site marked "3. " right next to the link named " 4. MAIN PANEL" and top of the "8. MENU LIST" on the links at the top of the page.

The catalog # is VW-VBD55. This is probably only relevant to the Japanese market though.

Could this be a new battery from Panasonic and, if yes, will it be available in the US and elsewhere soon?

Both of these products should help deal with the power issues associated with this camera.

Brian

Good info -- thanks Brian,

What's the advantage of Sony's infolithium battery?

The Sony Infolithium when used with Sony cams allows more accurate remaining time monitoring in the viewfinders. This obviously works with Sony cams as dedicated circuitry and connectors are required.

Without this metering available, I personally see no advantage in using the Sony batts on the Pana cam, unless you already own a big collection of Infolithiums. If not, the additional cost of the adapter and charger may not be worth it. The Panasonic Li-ions are not that expensive and performs flawlessly, in my 18 months of use with the MX300. The MX300's consumption is about 2/3 that of the DVX100 and I can usually get by with two 2.8AH on a eight hour shooting day. YMMV.

What is the longest lasting battery available for the DVX100 and where is the best place to purchase it?

http://www.sabahoceanic.com/vpanasonic.html
best deal i've seen so far.

So which of those are the longest lasting (obviously the higher mAh, but what effect does voltage have)?

Also, what batteries does everyone out there use? I'm looking at getting a longer on-camera, as well as a CGR-D53A... any suggestions for a good on camera model? Thanks.

Moore


(Ok, I just read some more specs on the DVX100, looks like it only takes 7.2V, so nevermind the first part of the question.)

Are the batteries at the site listed above compatible with the DVX100? And why are they so cheap?

They are made in Japan - as to why they are cheaper in Malaysia than Tokyo is anyones quess. The following battery fits the pana:_
For Panasonic CGR-D320/VW-VBD25
Li-ion, 7.2V. 2800mAh
$125.92 for 2 batteries

How long does that one you posted last?

They are 2800 amps - with the LCD on and- light source if any- don't count on more than 2 and half hours. At bit longer if you don't use the LCD much.
d

this is what you want.

CGR-D28 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.2v, 2800mAh) for Panasonic Mini DV Camcorders

www.bhphotovideo.com (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/?BI=155)

i wouldnt go for third party batteries and what not. im gonna order that today.

For what it's worth, the DVX uses the same batteries as MX3000. Buying barteries through Tim, might be cheaper. You can get Tim's e-mail here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/pana_mx5.htm

Also, Allan can get them. His e-mail is on the MX forum. He is a regular poster there.

If you do a search for "CGR-D28" at the B&H site, you'll also see a third party battery made by Power2000. Theirs is $15 cheaper than the official Panasonic one and higher capacity too (3600 mAH vs 2800 mAH)... I'm thinking of picking one of these up, any thoughts?

Also, while we're on the topic of batteries, check out the CGR-D54. Its the largest capacity on-camera battery available right now for the DVX100-- at 5400 mAH, it is supposedly good for up to 9 hours. Unfortunately, its only available in Japan. If anyone knows how to get their hands on one of these for a reasonable price, let me know.

Here's a pic:

http://www.panasonic.co.jp/bsd/sales_o/02products/products/ag-dvx100/dvx100_op.html

You might ask Tim (Frank's suggestion) about them. I've seen them at Bic Camera. They are a bit bulky by the look of them. They are priced at about 18,000 yen. That would be about $150.

Thanks guys for the info. Does Panasonic (or any other manufacturer) make a battery charger that can charge multiple batteries simultaneously?

I bought the Panasonic AG-DVX100 for a trip i'm taking to Thailand in a couple of days. I was wondering if anyone, knows about or had any experience with the battery charger. In the manual it states that it will automatically covert the voltage, with the proper plug, and will work without a seperate voltage converter.
I leave on the 21st...anybody know?

thanks

ben

Today, all cam chargers circuits are based on SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) concepts. There is no problem and no extra cost involved to design them for voltages ranging from 90 to 240V/50 and 60hz (or higher).
Although I am not familiar with the DVX-100 I am 99.9999% shure the chargers are multivoltage ones.

Which model battery provides you the maximum record time for the DVX100?

The 8 hour hip pack.

which one is this, where can I find it? Whats the model?

VW-VDB5

$221.05

tim_selander@yahoo.com

thanks! Ist there a site or contact where I could get info and make purchase? Is the e-mail above the only contact I could get this? Will it fit a U.S. version of the camera? I found that its for the MX3000. What about the biggest one thats not hip pack? Thanx again.

The North America, Japanese and PAL models numbers are different, but they are all the same batteries. The next one down is the 3 hour battery. The PAL model is something 320. Why don't you go here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/pana_mx5.htm

and click on the link that goes to Tim's/Nic's MX3000 accessary page. Yes, the Panasonic MX300/0 batteries are the same as the ones for the DVX100.

Okay, this is the page:

http://home.att.ne.jp/sigma/selander/MX3000_Accessories.html

The Japanese battery model is the VW-VDB25, 3hour 45min.

You can also order here:

http://www.camaraaction.com.au

Model number: CGP-D320

Note: prices are very good from both Tim and Camera Action.

How come on this link http://www.panasonic.co.jp/bsd/sales_o/02products/products/ag-dvx100/dvx100_op.html

the biggest battery they have is the CGR-D54. Anyone knows how long this battery last with the LCD open and recording?

Wouldn't the Anton Bauer adapter and a trimpack or better yet Hydron 100 be the longest lasting battery?

I can run my JVC DV500 for 4 hours on the Hydron 100. I'd imagine you could run 10X as long with the DVX!

I found the hip pack battery model #CGR-D53 at FRY'S Electronic for $199.99. How do you charge this battery, do you just plug the component that you plung into the camera to the adapter? Cause the back of the battery shows that you could adapt that to something.
Here you can get it cheaper. http://www.batterycorner.com/str/shopexd.asp?id=294

B&H is selling Power2000 CGD-D28 3600mA for USD$64. Actually the batteries are CGP-D320, and they last more than 2h with LCD and tapes.



<<<-- Originally posted by Frank Granovski : The North America, Japanese and PAL models numbers are different, but they are all the same batteries. The next one down is the 3 hour battery. The PAL model is something 320. Why don't you go here:

http://www.dvfreak.com/pana_mx5.htm

and click on the link that goes to Tim's/Nic's MX3000 accessary page. Yes, the Panasonic MX300/0 batteries are the same as the ones for the DVX100.

Okay, this is the page:

http://home.att.ne.jp/sigma/selander/MX3000_Accessories.html

The Japanese battery model is the VW-VDB25, 3hour 45min.

You can also order here:

http://www.camaraaction.com.au

Model number: CGP-D320

Note: prices are very good from both Tim and Camera Action. -->>>

Hey everyone,

Are the 5300mA belt-pack batteries for DVX100's for sale? I can't find anything over the 2800mA batteries through B&H. Panasonic P/N is CGRD53A/1K and lists for $230.

Is this a recommended battery upgrade over a couple of 2800mA units?

If not, would an Anton-Bauer Gold Mount system be a better alternative for extended shooting periods?

Thanks!

Craig Weinstein

Bescor tells me their CLCD120 adaptor will convert any 12v battery pack/belt (cig charger connector) for use with the DVX100.
I have sent an email to verify this since technically this adaptor is for a JVC GY-DV300U and I'm skeptical that it is an exact fit.
This looks to be an economical solution if the parts match.

I appreciate it, John. I do have access to a JVC GY-DV500U. Perhaps if its componentry is similar to the DV300U I can compare it against my DVX100 to see if this Bescor part is compatible with both.

Craig Weinstein

I have just purchased the DVX-100 MiniDV Camera and would like to buy the largest snap on battery for the camera. The DVX-100 accessory page lists the CGPD28A/1B (2800mA) as the largest battery available. The new AG-DVC80 which uses the same batteries as the DVX-100, lists battery CGAD54SE/1B (5400mA) as being the largest snap on battery available for its camera.

Since the DVC80 accepts both of the same batteries that the DVX-100 uses, then will the DVX-100 accept the larger battery of the DVC80? Since one is interchangable, is the other as well?

Here is the official Panasonic page I am speaking of:
http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat/Products/cams_ccorders/acc/a_ag-dvc80.html

yes.. mah has no effect on compatibility.

I forgot where I read it, but I believe the CGAD54SE/1B battery is not available until another month or so. I wanted to buy one myself, but had to settle for the 28.

And yes, the DVX-100 and DVC-80 can use the same batteries.

I've been using the CGA-D54s battery with the DVX100. I got it 4 months ago.
The battery that comes with the camera is definitely too small. I use mine to set up the camera, and then use the bigger battery for the actual shooting. The CGA-D54s lasts for over an hour, so covers a whole DV tape. It takes a long time to charge though.

Patrick

yes the 54s can be found on Ebay now.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I also emailed Panasonice sales at the same time I posted this thread here...but still have not gotten any response.

I'll come straight here next time!

:) Thanks.

Found these on pricegrabber.com - anyone with experience?

http://www.batterysavings.com/modelselect.asp?Model=968515

http://www.ebatts.com/modelselect.asp?Model=1692786

Also offer cheap chargers...

Them look exactly like the power2000 batteries from B&H. I have a power2000 battery (that appears to be the $36 one listed on that first site) at B&H, that I paid $45 for. It's a good battery, they advertise like 3 hours, but I get about 4 hours out of it with the LCD. Thats on my small camcorder though, i'm sure it would be less on your DVX100. You might want to spend a couple more dollars and go with B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh2/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=227282&is=REG


Oh yeah, as always, check out www.resellerratings.com before you buy.

Those batteries are not like the Power2000, I'd recommend getting your generic batteries from Ebay if yo REALLY want to save money. The Power2000 is $70 but it's 3600mah, those 2800mah on your sites costs $70. I just picked up a battery from Eagle International, paid $30 for a 2800mah battery.

Thanks for the input. Yes, I'm longtime user of resellerratings since I've been in the computer field for way too long.

Yang:

Thanks for the ebay tip. I've seen them there, but ebay can be a real hit and miss, especially with electronics.

Yang:

Can't find Eagle International on ebay...

Please forgive the snobbery, but why would you spend upwards of three thousand dollars on a very nice camera, and then chintz out on the batteries you're feeding it? Why risk a questionable Ebay purchase just to save a few bucks? I don't get it, sorry.

You could get me to buy LenMar third-party batts, but I wouldn't settle for any other brand than that, outside the manufacturer's. You guys are talking about price differences less than $50. Don't you want the best available for the camera you spent so much money on? How many charge cycles are these cheap things good for.