Panasonic DVX / DVC Battery topics

Aaron Koolen · January 21st, 2004, 10:00 PM

The math is ok, just the numbers were off in that brochure, or they weren't relating to the real world consumption.

I did some more searching and found several sites reporting these values..

Power Comsumption: 6.8 W (when viewfinder is used), 7.8 W (when LCD monitor is used), 9.2 W (max.)

So that would give you (With viewfinder) about 6.3 hours which would make my math correct and in line with what you have experienced.

Aaron

Tony Chu · January 22nd, 2004, 09:26 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

Tony Levelle · February 7th, 2004, 02:59 AM

There's a little slide switch on the bottom of my DVC80 battery (CDG 16?)

One position shows black plastic. Other position shows red dot.

Anyone know what the switch does? I can't find it in manual, on battery, on web, panasonic site...

I left it in the red dot position, 'cause that's how it came from factory.

thanks in advance,
tony

Jeff Donald · February 7th, 2004, 03:01 AM

It does nothing, it is meant to serve as a visual indication if it is in a state of charge or discharge. Set it either way, but be consistent in the use of the button or it will only serve to confuse you.

Tony Levelle · February 7th, 2004, 03:19 AM

Thanks.

I've got two more batteries coming in the mail, with three batteries to keep track of switch might be useful.

Matt Gettemeier · April 28th, 2004, 12:31 AM

I'm the kind of guy who likes to have TOO MUCH battery on tap if at all possible. So far I've not needed to get into the Anton Bauer type of rig, but if I get further into on-cam lighting I may take that next step.

For the past year however I've been really happy with Panasonic's 2800mAh battery; the CGP-D28. If I'm conservative with the LCD then I can get a FULL day of shooting out of 2 of these babies with plenty to spare. This is with a DVX by the way.

Well over the past few months I've been running more and more sound from my cam and I often find myself with 2 mics on 2 channels running phantom. When that's the case I notice a faster burn to the cells I've been relying on.

Well, still not needing a seperate mount I decided to get a spare for an important shoot I have this weekend. (Even though I PROBABLY won't need it... Murphy's a sum-bitch when it counts.)

Bottom line: CGP-D28 from B&H costs $79.95 plus $4.50 shipping. CGP-D28 from almost anywhere else costs $109.95 plus $7.50 tax.

Just a thought for those of you who want a spare to your spare before you absolutely need it. B&H is effectively putting $33 in your pocket for every one of these batteries you buy... well, by MY math anyway.

Barry Green · April 28th, 2004, 12:10 PM

Ebay seller shimwass occasionally sells brand new CGR-D54's for around $90. That's the longest-capacity battery you can get for this camera, at a killer price. I use mine daily, it delivers about six hours of running time.

Matt Gettemeier · April 28th, 2004, 04:32 PM

Thanks Barry... I tried that shimwass guy last year and he was out, but I'll check in with him again.

Anton Bauer is German for "bend over"... just kidding. AB stuff is good, but I don't think you can even get one of their T-shirts for $90.

Alexey Ravichev · April 28th, 2004, 11:30 PM

what is VW-VBD55 battery? is it same as CGR-D54?
and one more question, how CGR-D54 is different from CGA-D54?
Thanks!

Barry Green · April 29th, 2004, 05:53 PM

The VW-VBD55 is the Japanese part number for the same product that is sold in America as the CGR-D54. I don't know of any difference between CGR and CGA, hopefully someone who does know will write in.

I have a VW-VBD55 which I use daily on my American NTSC DVX100 and it works perfectly.

Alexey Ravichev · April 29th, 2004, 09:02 PM

Thanks Barry, I'll probably get a couple of those.

Alexey Ravichev · April 29th, 2004, 09:17 PM

BTW, how long does it take to charge with the charger that comes with dvx100a?

Barry Green · April 29th, 2004, 10:28 PM

I don't know... takes a while, that's for sure, maybe three hours or so. I use the Mach 1 Speed Charger, seems to finish in a couple of hours. Never timed it though.

Alexey Ravichev · April 30th, 2004, 05:37 PM

hmm... that's something to think about. But is it ok for the battery to charge it on a speed charger? It probably is, but just curious if there are any side effects (like shorter life or other) of that.

Jon Fordham · May 3rd, 2004, 02:43 PM

The D28's aren't bad. But I bought two D54's a few weeks back and have been blown away by their stamina. The Panasonic D54's are definitely the way to go. I have been getting a full 10 hour day on a single D54 with my 100A. Haven't even needed to break out the second D54 yet. Though it should be noted that I DO NOT run phantom power for audio off the camera.

I'm quite pleased to finally be back in a comfortable battery position. After getting use to Sony's Li-ions I was repeatedly dissappointed with Panasonic's battery performance. But with the D54's, I feel like I have the comfort of plenty of power back.

January 21st, 2004, 10:00 PM	#136
Aaron Koolen Trustee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 1,727	The math is ok, just the numbers were off in that brochure, or they weren't relating to the real world consumption. I did some more searching and found several sites reporting these values.. Power Comsumption: 6.8 W (when viewfinder is used), 7.8 W (when LCD monitor is used), 9.2 W (max.) So that would give you (With viewfinder) about 6.3 hours which would make my math correct and in line with what you have experienced. Aaron __________________ My Website Meat Free Media

January 22nd, 2004, 09:26 PM	#137
Tony Chu Tourist Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 2	Thanks! Thanks for all the replies.

February 7th, 2004, 02:59 AM	#138
Tony Levelle Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lower Lake, Ca. Posts: 33	Little switch on bottom of battery? There's a little slide switch on the bottom of my DVC80 battery (CDG 16?) One position shows black plastic. Other position shows red dot. Anyone know what the switch does? I can't find it in manual, on battery, on web, panasonic site... I left it in the red dot position, 'cause that's how it came from factory. thanks in advance, tony __________________ A true friend's eye is a good mirror. Irish proverb

February 7th, 2004, 03:01 AM	#139
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	It does nothing, it is meant to serve as a visual indication if it is in a state of charge or discharge. Set it either way, but be consistent in the use of the button or it will only serve to confuse you. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 7th, 2004, 03:19 AM	#140
Tony Levelle Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lower Lake, Ca. Posts: 33	Thanks. I've got two more batteries coming in the mail, with three batteries to keep track of switch might be useful. __________________ A true friend's eye is a good mirror. Irish proverb

April 28th, 2004, 12:31 AM	#141
Matt Gettemeier Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 936	Plan ahead! Panasonic CGP-D28 battery is CHEAP at B&H I'm the kind of guy who likes to have TOO MUCH battery on tap if at all possible. So far I've not needed to get into the Anton Bauer type of rig, but if I get further into on-cam lighting I may take that next step. For the past year however I've been really happy with Panasonic's 2800mAh battery; the CGP-D28. If I'm conservative with the LCD then I can get a FULL day of shooting out of 2 of these babies with plenty to spare. This is with a DVX by the way. Well over the past few months I've been running more and more sound from my cam and I often find myself with 2 mics on 2 channels running phantom. When that's the case I notice a faster burn to the cells I've been relying on. Well, still not needing a seperate mount I decided to get a spare for an important shoot I have this weekend. (Even though I PROBABLY won't need it... Murphy's a sum-bitch when it counts.) Bottom line: CGP-D28 from B&H costs $79.95 plus $4.50 shipping. CGP-D28 from almost anywhere else costs $109.95 plus $7.50 tax. Just a thought for those of you who want a spare to your spare before you absolutely need it. B&H is effectively putting $33 in your pocket for every one of these batteries you buy... well, by MY math anyway.

April 28th, 2004, 12:10 PM	#142
Barry Green Barry Wan Kenobi Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,863	Ebay seller shimwass occasionally sells brand new CGR-D54's for around $90. That's the longest-capacity battery you can get for this camera, at a killer price. I use mine daily, it delivers about six hours of running time.

April 28th, 2004, 04:32 PM	#143
Matt Gettemeier Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 936	Thanks Barry... I tried that shimwass guy last year and he was out, but I'll check in with him again. Anton Bauer is German for "bend over"... just kidding. AB stuff is good, but I don't think you can even get one of their T-shirts for $90.

April 28th, 2004, 11:30 PM	#144
Alexey Ravichev Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: los angeles, ca Posts: 26	VW-VBD55??? what is VW-VBD55 battery? is it same as CGR-D54? and one more question, how CGR-D54 is different from CGA-D54? Thanks!

April 29th, 2004, 05:53 PM	#145
Barry Green Barry Wan Kenobi Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,863	The VW-VBD55 is the Japanese part number for the same product that is sold in America as the CGR-D54. I don't know of any difference between CGR and CGA, hopefully someone who does know will write in. I have a VW-VBD55 which I use daily on my American NTSC DVX100 and it works perfectly.

April 29th, 2004, 09:02 PM	#146
Alexey Ravichev Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: los angeles, ca Posts: 26	Thanks! Thanks Barry, I'll probably get a couple of those.

April 29th, 2004, 09:17 PM	#147
Alexey Ravichev Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: los angeles, ca Posts: 26	how long to charge? BTW, how long does it take to charge with the charger that comes with dvx100a?

April 29th, 2004, 10:28 PM	#148
Barry Green Barry Wan Kenobi Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,863	I don't know... takes a while, that's for sure, maybe three hours or so. I use the Mach 1 Speed Charger, seems to finish in a couple of hours. Never timed it though.

April 30th, 2004, 05:37 PM	#149
Alexey Ravichev Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: los angeles, ca Posts: 26	hmm... that's something to think about. But is it ok for the battery to charge it on a speed charger? It probably is, but just curious if there are any side effects (like shorter life or other) of that.

May 3rd, 2004, 02:43 PM	#150
Jon Fordham Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 242	The D28's aren't bad. But I bought two D54's a few weeks back and have been blown away by their stamina. The Panasonic D54's are definitely the way to go. I have been getting a full 10 hour day on a single D54 with my 100A. Haven't even needed to break out the second D54 yet. Though it should be noted that I DO NOT run phantom power for audio off the camera. I'm quite pleased to finally be back in a comfortable battery position. After getting use to Sony's Li-ions I was repeatedly dissappointed with Panasonic's battery performance. But with the D54's, I feel like I have the comfort of plenty of power back. __________________ Jon Fordham Director of Photography www.jonfordham.com