well got my pmw-300 nice camera

1. First suprise my Switronix series 7 ex-l96 batteries dont work with the pmw-300 as they did with my ex3.
you get a high voltage warning and the camera shuts down.

2, mounting a long tripod plate covers the shoulder pad release.

the menu is a little different so Im going thru it, more to come

Really? Does it work leaving the pigtail in the battery? Are you using the pigtail to power it? Try using it like it was a PMW-200. (Hopefully you have one of the updated EX96 batteries)

I guess Sony limited the DC IN to 12V if that is the case. They still limit the DC in to curb third-party manufacturers. Not what we want to see, the EX1 and EX3 accepted battery level 16.1V of a fully charged battery through the DC IN port so I'm willing to bet either it's an artificial limit (if you look under the camera, if it still says 10.5V-17V, it's an artificial limit) or the camera has separate DC IN and Battery power converters.

Look under the camera at the DC voltage specs.

When using the battery with out pigtail you get a battery error warning. I played with voltage settings with no luck. I think Switronix "updated" version that it suppose to support use with pmw-100 and pmw-200 will work , Im going to try and find out tomorrow if anyone is open, but it sucks.

What does the bottom of the camera say? 10.5V-17V or something different?

Sucks that you do have the non-updated version of the Switronix battery. If the updated version works, may want to reserve the old one for the EX3 only, or sell it if you're planning to move exclusively to the 300.

Again, Bravo on Sony for re-introducing the DC IN port being outside the battery compartment, but it sucks if they artificially limit it or limit it by electrical design. The artificial limit can be easily bypassed by a Sony firmware update, but a electrical design limit would mean you will have to use the PMW-200 method again, with the DC port only being able to be used by a wall power source.

the bottom says battery 11-17v, i really need a dtap to power my camera light.

Can you take a picture of that sticker minus the serial number?

It may be an artificial limit. Sony should fix this with a firmware update unless they're doing it on purpose. If the bottom indicates that voltage range, there should be no reason the DC IN should be limited.

For now, it looks like you need to treat it like a PMW-200. The DC IN only works for the BC-U1 output of 12V.

I would really want to put shame on Sony if they're still crippling the DC IN after moving it out of the battery compartment.

If the updated Switronix battery won't work with the pigtail plugged into the battery, it's most likely that the battery manufacturers must regulate the pigtail output to 12V in a newer "PMW-300 compatible" battery.

I spoke with BH photo and they say the updated series7 switronix batteries will work with the pmw-300 so I ordered a couple and well see.

I'm assuming it'll work via the "leaving the pigtail in" method. With a PMW-200, you don't need to unplug the pigtail.

Such a shame that Sony decided to limit the DC IN to 12V, thus barring any use of Anton Bauers or V-locks without power regulation at 12V. Basically, you'd need a Hawk-Woods EX3 adapter to use V-mount, which is no longer in production and hard to get outside of the UK.

Another thing that is baffling to me is the shoulder pad release. It is on the bottom of the camera next to your three mounting holes, when you put a tripod plate on (im using a short manfrotto plate) it covers the release. so you have to have the pad extened all the time or take of the plate to get to it.Im really dont know what Sony is thinking,And how much more effort would it have been to have a xlr or other connector for a shotgun mic to be connected with out taking up your xlrs ans take advantage of 4 channel audio with a good mic.

I think i will get a VOCAS shoulder kit which will solve my issues.

I will get new batteries in 2 days and will let you know.

well I got my Switronix ex-l96ud " updated " Batterys thath BH told me support the pmw-300, well They dont work , Im charging one now to test again but this is really annoying.

Was hard to read without punctuation, only just now picked up that it didn't work.

Try the Dolgin EX-V-LH plate with the Switronix battery, (make sure to ask that it regulates the voltage to exactly 12V) and if that doesn't work, may as well complain to Switronix and SWIT to work on it.

Went to my local dealer today that had a PMW-300 in the showroom, and the newest SWIT batteries work on the PMW-300 (S-8U63, the BP-U60 replacement battery from SWIT.)

Switronix batteries will not work until Switronix figures out how to fool the camera into thinking it's a battery without the use of pigtails. (Which SWIT has managed to do)

If you desperately need D-tap, these batteries are pretty much the only choice right now.

well got my pmw-300 nice camera

Hi Brent,

I've read that the body on the PMW-300 is made of Magnesium, is this true? It still looks like the standard Sony plastic on the photos.

it doesnt feel like plastic.

Great so it is magnesium then, thanks.

Bumping this thread to say that if you REALLY want to use your Switronix 96wh on the PMW-300, Hawk-Woods has a regulated battery plate in the form of the HB-C1 power adapter for BP-U batteries. Leave your pigtail in on your 96wh (or older SWIT S-U8U62) battery and connect the output of this thing to the DC-IN of your 300 and you should be set to go. If you leave a real BP-U60 in the camera, it gets even better, as you can hot-swap your Switronix batteries without powering down the camera.

HB-C1 /HBC1 Hot-Bloc Power Adaptor / Hot-Shoe System (http://www.hawkwoods.com/products/details/details.php?code=hb-c1&mainMenuItemToSlide=6&asi=hc-1&asi2=dv-f970)

Bumping this thread to say that if you REALLY want to use your Switronix 96wh on the PMW-300, Hawk-Woods has a regulated battery plate in the form of the HB-C1 power adapter for BP-U batteries. Leave your pigtail in on your 96wh (or older SWIT S-U8U62) battery and connect the output of this thing to the DC-IN of your 300 and you should be set to go. If you leave a real BP-U60 in the camera, it gets even better, as you can hot-swap your Switronix batteries without powering down the camera.

HB-C1 /HBC1 Hot-Bloc Power Adaptor / Hot-Shoe System (http://www.hawkwoods.com/products/details/details.php?code=hb-c1&mainMenuItemToSlide=6&asi=hc-1&asi2=dv-f970)

How would you mount this on a PMW-300? Can it somehow fit on the shoulder extender?

you wont need this Switronix will shortly have a l96 battery that works directly with the pmw-300 no adapters or need to plug into power port

The Switronix battery I just bought which B&H called the updated version EX-L96UD will not work. See my thread. Nothing over 13 volts will work with the PMW300. So if you know different then please tell me where you read or heard that Switronics has a battery that will work. I wrote about this in another thread.

yes I know, I went threw the same situation I bought the updated batteries and they didnt work, There was a workaround with a custom voltage regulator. Anyways IM Beta testing a l96 switronix battery that they Switronix sent me, it works really well, gives you a minutes reading in your viewfinder and doesnt need to be plugges into the power port on camera, and has a dtap. I dont know when it will be released to public

Brent

Thanks Brent! I am sitting here waiting for the pre-paid label for shipping to arrive from B&H so send back the UD version. I was about to pull the trigger on two Sony batteries but will wait a couple weeks and see if the one you are testing is released. I too have begun building a "Buck" unit to work with my V-lock batteries using the rail plate. I think its excellent that Switronix are working on one and it does not surprise me that Ikan are doing nothing.
Please keep us posted and thanks again for the update. I still think it is inexcusable that B&H and makers don't update their catalogue listings to make people aware or at the very least in B&H's case their staff.

I spoke with Vinny from Swiftronix today about their battery and the issues that many might be dealing with at B&H and other Swiftronix dealers. First and foremost Vinny told me that B&H were aware of the issue with the PMW 300 K1 and their battery. B&H had been informed that the battery they were selling the EX-L96UD would not work with the PMW300K1. He also said that Swiftronix are working on a new version of the batter that is in Beta testing right now that does work. This has been confirmed by Brent who is a member of DVInfo.net and that they hope to have the battery on the market in the next month to six weeks. It is said to give accurate readings on the in camera display as well as not require the use of the external pigtail and comes with a D tap connector for accessories.
Can't wait for it!
Done with this thread I hope!

i HATE PEOPLE WHO SAY I TOLD YOU SO





I told u so

hahahahahahhaha

So I picked up two batteries over the weekend for my PMW300. I got them from DOLGIN Engineering.
Dolgin Engineering, Camera Power Products (http://dolgin.net/zen_dolgin/)
Alex Dolgin replied to one of my many goup posts with a fix for the problem. He sells batteries that work perfectly with the PMW300 K1. They are 63Wh batteries with not only a D-Tap power outlet but also a USB out. This means I can run my PMW300, Zylight and HDMI transmitter all off one battery.
Dolgin's reputation and products along with anything he reps or sells is nothing less than top notch. I am so freaking happy to have great batteries that display on my viewfinder and work with my camera. So for those of you looking check out his website. I will be ordering more soon.
Brian

So I picked up two batteries over the weekend for my PMW300. I got them from DOLGIN Engineering.
Dolgin Engineering, Camera Power Products (http://dolgin.net/zen_dolgin/)
Alex Dolgin replied to one of my many goup posts with a fix for the problem. He sells batteries that work perfectly with the PMW300 K1. They are 63Wh batteries with not only a D-Tap power outlet but also a USB out. This means I can run my PMW300, Zylight and HDMI transmitter all off one battery.
Dolgin's reputation and products along with anything he reps or sells is nothing less than top notch. I am so freaking happy to have great batteries that display on my viewfinder and work with my camera. So for those of you looking check out his website. I will be ordering more soon.
Brian

Is it this particular battery?

S-8U63 for Sony PMW-100/200/300 cameras [S-8U63] - $205.00 : Dolgin Engineering, Camera Power Products (http://dolgin.net/zen_dolgin/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=163)

Yes that is the battery. Works wonderfully and I am surprised how little power the PMW300 consumes or how long this lasts whichever you wish.
Cheers

It's been a while, and I have not heard of anything from Switronix regarding their coded 96wh BP-U battery.

In the meantime, my EX-L96UD just died. (see my other thread on it) I really wish I could exchange one for the other.

On a side note, the S-8U63 battery is $205USD, versus $300-ish for the Sony -60 model over here. Looks attractive until you realise that the cheapest shipping is $67 and even then you still have currency conversion to go ... bringing it to $294AUD.

I think I might just buy the official Sony battery and be done with it. (sigh)

Andrew

I kind of got lucky and had a trip to China (where they manufacture the SWIT batteries) and got it for $130 (USD) with no import fees. Just charged it and it works great. It basically fools the camera into thinking it's a BP-U60, unlike the Switronix which only fools the camera into thinking the battery is the DC IN.

Hope Switronix really can follow this up, cause my EX-L96UD definitely needs replacing. I may just sell my RMA to somebody to get the new Switronix.

Back on the coded 96wh battery topic, I still have not seen any news so now I have doubts on whether it will release. It may be this recent problem with the EX-L96UDs that may have delayed the release of this next one.

Would be nice to hear official word on an estimated release date.

Well, it's September and Switronix is still silent.

Losing hope we'll ever see this supposed battery and that Brent may be the only person in the world to own such a battery.

Closing in on 2 NABs passed and nothing.

Buy a bunch of SWIT S-8U63s people and move on, people. Switronix has made the coded 96wh battery vaporware.

SWIT has their version of 96 WH in the works, will post when have delivery information.

The Chinese SWIT? If they make a 96wh that would be the one to get since the USA Switronix has failed us.

Correct, SWIT, not related to Switronics of NY.

Closing in on a year since I've had my SWIT S-8U63 and it hasn't failed yet. Hoping for the best that SWIT of Nanjing can make a 96wh battery that lasts just as long as the 8U63s.

SWIT is introducing a bigger brother to their S-8U63 battery, it is 86wh capacity, the same size and weight as S-8U63. D-tap/USB. Will be shipping later this Spring.

Very nice! I'll be getting the 93 to future proof myself in the short term while selling my Switronix & Swit S-8U62 to finally rid myself of pigtails. I did jump the gun and bought a 63 before they updated them for the later cameras, but you can never catch up if Sony decides to keep changing the protocol.

Hey guys I made a little custom voltage regulator with one of these:

12v regulator (http://ledworld.co.nz/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=30680)

I replaced the in and out on the regulator with MJ204 bits and just attach it with velcro onto the back of my aftermarket batteries. I have been running it for 6 months and it works a treat.

Can I run a 100watt halogen camera light off the D-tap? :)

I can dream can't I!?

Paul

Well, if you parallel 2 S-8U93s and run nothing else on those batteries, maybe. The maximum wattage got raised to 50W with the S-8U93's D-Tap.

Just an update/observations:

The new SWITs (the new S-8U63 and S-8U93) will always have a risk of throwing a battery error when powered up after being externally depleted by D-tap, USB sources, or by battery plates on lights/monitors/etc.

This is because the battery misreports it's capacity/level based on what it was when the camera was last powered up and/or it resets it's readings to misreporting a full battery. If this is depleted when the battery is not powering the camera, it doesn't smart-update when cold-booting the camera until 2 bootups later, 1 of them where the camera is almost guaranteed to throw a battery error. (The camera will power up properly the first time in certain scenarios, and report a full battery with the proper minutes remaining, but the wrong voltage and charge percentage info, which also happens most of the time when hot swapping to any coded SWIT battery from any other coded or genuine battery. Genuine batteries properly store the last charge percentage when the battery is not in use. The next reboot causes the camera to throw a battery error almost guaranteed, as the capacity and actual charge level needed to be updated. Sometimes if a battery is just left to discharge, using it after a while will immediately cause a battery error.)

Dramatic changes between battery levels between 2 SWIT batteries might also cause this, so might switching between revisions of the 8U63. (for older cameras like the XDCAM EX cameras. I own both the first revision of the S-8U63 and the new S-8U93) This is most prominent during cold swapping batteries. As a theoretical preventive measure, I've been leaving the DC IN powered by the BC-U1 on bootup and while hot swapping to prevent this. You cannot reliably cold swap these batteries without voltage being fed to the DC IN and having the DC IN connected. (for a field operation, you may want a D-tap to XDCAM EX cable during bootup, then yank it after the camera boots up. Alex, this is incentive to provide a regulated 12V D-tap to EX series cable for troubleshooting these batteries on cameras with hot swap capability. Sorry PMW-100, 200 and PXW-X200 users, you'll have to cold swap and deal with battery errors.)

These observations were made with a PMW-EX1R on the latest firmware. YMMV with other cameras.

Basically, you'd need a Hawk-Woods EX3 adapter to use V-mount, which is no longer in production and hard to get outside of the UK.

Jack if going V Mount I use these plates that have regulated 5v, 7.2v and 12 volt outputs.
Sony V Mount Battery Plate Power Supply LP E6 for DSLR Camera Rig 5D2 5D3 7D | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-V-mount-Battery-Plate-Power-Supply-LP-E6-For-DSLR-Camera-Rig-5D2-5D3-7D-/251494052904?hash=item3a8e36b428:m:mtSn6bqosM5xW1nSQ296M-Q)

I then buy these power supplies and cut the cables off. They are cheap enough. The cable end has the proper pin plug to suit the Sony EX/PMW cameras. I just terminate the cut cable with the supplied correct cable plug that fits into the 12 volt output on the V Mount plate. A bit of solder and heat shrink does the job!
Fit Sony EX3 EX1 PMW EX3 XDCAM EX Camcorder Power Supply Charger AC DC Adapter | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fit-SONY-EX3-EX1-PMW-EX3-XDCAM-EX-Camcorder-Power-Supply-Charger-AC-DC-ADAPTER-/370894638013?hash=item565b0b0bbd:g:z4UAAOSw5ZBWMXlw)

Another plate I use is the Hawke Woods VL-CA4X which sandwiches between an existing V Mount and battery, it has a quality regulated 12v 50watt D-Tap output that on my FS700 can power a B4 servo zoom lens.

I do notice Hawke Woods do now list a V Mount unit called a VL-P300 that they specifically list for the PMW-300. I would imagine it has 12v out as is specifically listed for the 300.
VL-P300 | V-Lok Camera Adaptor - Sony PMW300 - 1x Power-Con - Hawk-Woods Ltd (http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/VL-P300)

Chris Young
CYV Productions
Sydney

I just ordered and a recived a Switronix EX-L96UD updated from BH photo and tried it on my pmw-300 and it worked, it gives me minutes meter in my viewfinder and im not using any special adapter. I was surprised

The pigtail design still will cause issues in the long-run and the one I sold was getting tons of battery charging errors when it was bumped around with the pigtail plugged in. I had to give up on that battery and I sold it AS IS for $5.

The S-8U93 is great, but you still need a D-tap to Sony EIAJ connector to troubleshoot the batteries in case you boot up to a battery error.

Edit: Ooooh. A D-tap to PXW-X160/X180 adapter... http://www.hawkwoods.co.uk/Prods/Product/PC-19

Wow. A sizable chunk of my observations were false... The S-8U93 will do this no matter if the DC IN is connected if the battery is first attached to the camera. Unlike the older pigtail batteries with no coded data, when the camera receives bad battery info data, it will spit out a battery error no matter what if externally depleted upon cold boot, EVEN WITH THE DC IN CONNECTED. Most of the observations regarding it reporting a false full charge were correct, but you need to use the DC IN, then turn on the camera, THEN plug in the battery. (Unless that's wrong too) When powering these batteries after external depletion, you have to leave the battery bracket empty upon bootup... (and this is still a theory)

Edit: It will happen no matter what. There is no avoiding occasional battery errors with the new SWITs. But if you have a hot-swap capable camera, you can get out of the software lockout after putting the battery in the camera after the camera has booted from DC power with no battery in the slot much easier than if you can't. (Again, sorry PMW-100, 200 and PXW-X200 users.) The method I just described to use DC with the battery slot empty, then slot in, out, then back in should work on cameras with hot swap capability.

Another update:

The S-8U93 will even do this even if there's a minute change in charge from background drain. It will successfully boot one day, then a minute change in charge will cause a battery error. Temperature fluctuations can cause this too! HAVE THAT D-TAP TROUBLESHOOTING CABLE OR YOUR BC-U1 DC CABLE READY.

Hot swapping is the only way to solve this, and the Sony engineers have made that hard on newer XDCAM series cameras excluding the 4K models.

What those Sony engineers have done regarding battery compatibility is right up there with the Adobe Illustrator programmers encrypting the text content within the Illustrator file format in order to frustrate the Corel Draw programmers when they were updating their import filter for the next version of Illustrator.

It's fun and games in a competitive industry. Probably a lot of swearing and/or giggles behind the scenes, too.

Andrew