ZGCINE has just introduced their latest Sony NP-F-style battery: the BT-NPF970. This 70Wh battery is one of the most advanced of its kind, featuring an OLED status display, a bidirectional USB-C port, and a D-Tap power output. So, let’s take a closer look at it!
First introduced in the early 90s to power Handycam camcorders, Sony NP-F batteries quickly became a standard to power camera accessories. Indeed, you can use an NP-F battery to power a wide range of accessories, including on-camera monitors, LED lights, wireless video transmitters, camera sliders, and so on.
The three most common sizes are the NP-F550, NP-F750, and NP-F970. Close to 30 years later, Sony no longer makes NP-F batteries, but the standard they created is still alive thanks to hundreds of third-party manufacturers. However, not all camera batteries are created equal, and you can sometimes have issues with entry-level NP-F batteries that won’t last long or die unexpectedly.
In recent years, many manufacturers have released more high-quality options, including SmallRig and SWIT, to name a few. ZGCINE is now joining the party with what could be one of the most advanced Sony NP-F batteries ever created: the BT-NPF970.
The ZGCINE BT-NPF970. Image credit: ZGCINEZGCINE BT-NPF970 – features
The ZGCINE BT-NPF970 is, as its name suggests, built on the Sony NP-F970 standard, which is the biggest battery available. This battery has a capacity of 70Wh and, according to ZGCINE, is built with top-tier Li-ion cells and 8-layer protection (overcharge/overcurrent/short-circuit). Furthermore, the company states that it can be used in a wide array of environments, operating in temperatures ranging from -10°C to 45°C and from 0°C to 45°C during charging.
Image credit: ZGCINE
At the back of the battery, you’ll immediately notice the OLED display that shows the remaining power, battery temperature, power input/output draw, and battery voltage. There is a button to turn the screen on or off.
At the top of the battery, you’ll find a regulated D-Tap output port (8.4V/3A), which is very handy to power some camera monitors or wireless video systems without needing a power distribution plate.
At the bottom of the BT-NPF970 is a bidirectional USB-C PD port. This USB-C in/out port supports multiple voltages, including 5V/2A, 9V/1.8A, 12V/2A, 15V/2.2A, and up to 20V/1.8A. You can also use this port to charge the battery (PD 36W) in around 3 hours, according to ZGCINE.
Image credit: ZGCINEPrice and availability
The ZGCINE BT-NPF970 is available now for $69. For direct comparison, the SmallRig Sony NP-F battery retails for the same price but lacks a D-Tap output.
For more information, please visit ZGCINE’s website here.
What do you think about this new ZGCINE Sony NP-F battery? Do you often use Sony NP-F-style batteries to power camera accessories? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!