Whether you’re a videographer, a photographer working with high-power lighting, or anyone relying on V-mount or Gold mount batteries, you know the sinking feeling of seeing that low battery warning. Dealing with dead batteries mid-shoot is a nightmare, leading to missed shots, delays, and frustrated clients. Solving this power problem isn’t just convenient; it’s essential for maintaining a professional workflow and capturing those critical moments.
Before diving into a specific charging solution, it’s crucial to think about your overall power ecosystem. Products in the V-mount battery charger category exist to power your professional gear – cameras, monitors, lights – when wall power isn’t an option. They are indispensable for filmmakers, serious photographers, and anyone on location needing reliable, high-capacity power. The ideal customer is someone invested in the V-mount or Gold mount battery system, needing to charge or power multiple high-drain devices.
Who shouldn’t buy this type of product? Hobbyists using standard camera batteries (like NP-F or LP-E series) or those who only shoot in studios with constant access to power outlets likely don’t need a dedicated D-Tap charger for large format batteries. They would be better served by smaller, battery-specific chargers or multi-battery cradles designed for their system.
When considering a D-Tap battery charger, you need to factor in battery compatibility (V-mount, Gold mount, specific models), charging speed (output voltage and amperage), the type of connector (D-Tap is key here), cable length for flexible setup, built-in safety features, size and portability, and of course, the price point.
- 【V-Mount Battery Charger】 Compatible with Sony BP-U65 BP-U68 HDW-800P HDW-F900R PDW-680 PDW-850 DSR-650P PMW-F5, etc. V-mount batteries and other high-performance batteries requiring a D-Tap...
- 【Charger with 3.3 feet D-Tap Cable】With 16.8V 2A 33.6W output, it charges a 15000mAh V lock battery within 10 hours. The extensive 3.3ft/1m D-Tap cable and AC cable allow you to position /...
- 【Convenient LED Indicator】 An LED indicator shows real-time charging status—red: charging, green: fully charged;
Meeting the NEEWER D-Tap Battery Charger
This specific product we’re discussing is the NEEWER D-Tap Battery Charger with 3.3feet/1m D-Tap Cable. It’s designed as a straightforward, reliable way to recharge your V-mount, V-Lock, or Gold mount batteries that feature a D-Tap port. It promises to deliver consistent 16.8V 2A output to get your batteries back up and running. When you purchase it, you get the charger itself with its integrated D-Tap cable and a separate AC power cable.
Compared to some higher-end, multi-bay chargers that might condition batteries or offer faster charging speeds, this NEEWER charger is a simple, single-battery solution focused purely on charging via the D-Tap port. It’s perfect for users who already have D-Tap enabled batteries and need a dedicated charger or a backup charger that doesn’t require a bulky charging plate. It’s less suitable for users needing to charge multiple batteries simultaneously or those whose batteries lack a D-Tap port.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Simple and easy to use D-Tap connection.
* Decent 16.8V 2A (33.6W) output for its size.
* Convenient LED charging indicator.
* Built-in safety protection systems.
* Compact and relatively portable.
* Comes with generous cable length.
Cons:
* Single battery charging only.
* Angled D-Tap connector can obstruct other battery ports (like USB).
* Not the fastest charging solution for very large batteries (e.g., 190Wh+).
* Build feels a bit basic compared to premium chargers.
- Compatible with Canon NB-2L NB-2LH Battery; Canon DC301, DC310, DC320, DC330, DC410, DC420, Elura 40, 50,60, 65, 70, 80, 85, 90, EOS 350D, 400D, Digital Rebel XT, XTi, FV500, FVM20, FVM30, FVM100,...
- How to choose: Please make sure battery model which printed on the label of your battery(Not camera) in this list: NP-FH100, NP-FH30, NP-FH40, NP-FH50, NP-FH60, NP-FH70, NP-FP30, NP-FP50, NP-FP60,...
- AC POWER CORD Cable/Lead For Canon AC Power Adapters/Battery Chargers
Delving into What it Offers
Let’s take a deeper look at what makes the NEEWER D-Tap Battery Charger function and how its different aspects contribute to its overall utility.
Broad Battery Compatibility via D-Tap
The primary function of this charger is its compatibility with batteries that have a D-Tap output port. This is incredibly common on V-mount, V-Lock, and Gold mount batteries used in professional video and lighting setups. Rather than relying on a specific brand’s proprietary plate charger, this D-Tap connection offers much broader compatibility. It works with NEEWER’s own range like the BP-95W, BP-190WS, BP-150WS, BP-V47, and BP-V95, as well as various Sony models such as the BP-U65 and BP-U68, and potentially many other third-party V-mount and Gold mount batteries from brands like IDX, Anton Bauer, etc., as long as they have that standard D-Tap port for charging input.
This wide compatibility is a significant benefit. If you have a mix of battery brands or pick up new batteries from different manufacturers over time, you won’t necessarily need a new, specific charger for each one. As long as they accept a 16.8V input via D-Tap, this device should be able to charge them. This versatility saves money and reduces clutter, allowing a single charger to serve your entire D-Tap-enabled battery collection. It’s a core reason why opting for a D-Tap based charging solution is appealing for those committed to professional battery systems.
D-Tap Connector and Cable Length
The charger features a permanently attached D-Tap cable measuring 3.3 feet (1 meter), along with a similarly long AC power cable. This generous cable length is quite useful. It means you don’t have to place the battery right next to a wall outlet or awkwardly on a tabletop. You can plug the charger into the wall and comfortably place the battery on the floor, a cart, or a stable surface a meter away. This flexibility in positioning can be a small but important convenience, especially on a busy set or in a crowded workspace.
The D-Tap connector itself is the standard type found on most professional batteries and power distribution plates. However, as noted in some user feedback, the angled nature of the connector can sometimes be a minor disadvantage. If your battery has multiple ports (like USB outputs, secondary D-Tap ports, or battery level indicators) clustered near the D-Tap input, the angled head of the charger’s connector might physically block access to these other ports while charging. This isn’t a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you planned on using your battery to power a small accessory via USB while it charges, this design might prevent that. It’s something to consider based on the layout of the specific batteries you use with the charger.
Charging Performance: Output and Speed
The NEEWER charger provides an output of 16.8V at 2A, totalling 33.6W of power. For standard lithium-ion V-mount batteries, 16.8V is the correct voltage required to fully charge a 14.4V nominal battery pack. The 2A current rating dictates the speed of the charge. While many modern, higher-end chargers offer 3A, 4.5A, or even faster speeds, 2A is a respectable and perfectly functional charging rate for many common battery capacities.
For example, the product description states that it can charge a 15000mAh (or 15Ah, roughly 216Wh at 14.4V) V-lock battery within 10 hours. This aligns well with a 2A charge rate (15Ah / 2A = 7.5 hours, plus efficiency losses and slower charging in the final stages). For smaller batteries, like a 99Wh (around 7Ah) V-mount, the charging time will be considerably faster, perhaps around 4-5 hours depending on how depleted it is. Some users have reported even quicker charge times on their batteries, exceeding their initial expectations, which is a positive sign of the charger‘s efficiency.
While 2A isn’t the absolute fastest available, it’s sufficient for overnight charging or topping up batteries during a break. It’s also less stressful on the battery cells compared to very high-speed charging, which can potentially extend the battery’s lifespan over time. So, while not a sprinter, this charger is a steady marathon runner, reliably getting the job done.
Clear LED Charging Indicator
A small but very practical feature is the built-in LED indicator light. This light changes colour to clearly signal the charger‘s status. It glows red when a battery is connected and actively charging, and turns green when the battery has reached a full charge. This provides a quick visual cue without needing to check the battery’s own charge level indicator (if it even has one) or guess how much longer it will take.
This is particularly helpful for batteries that might have rudimentary or less precise built-in indicators. For instance, some batteries might show a full set of LED segments before they are truly at 100% capacity according to the charger’s termination logic. The charger‘s green light confirms that the charging cycle is complete and the battery is fully topped up, giving you confidence that you’re heading out with maximum power. It’s a simple feature, but its clarity makes it very user-friendly.
Integrated Protection System
Battery safety is paramount, especially with high-capacity lithium-ion packs. The NEEWER D-Tap Battery Charger incorporates a built-in protection system designed to safeguard both the battery and the user. This includes protection against overheating, overcharging, short circuits, and electronic shock.
Overcharging protection is crucial for battery longevity and preventing potential thermal runaway issues. The charger is designed to stop supplying power once the battery reaches its maximum safe voltage (typically 16.8V for a 14.4V pack). Overheating protection prevents damage to the charger and battery during the charging process, especially if ambient temperatures are high or if there’s an internal issue. Short circuit protection guards against damage in case of faulty wiring or accidental contact between terminals. Electronic shock protection ensures the device meets safety standards to prevent electrical hazards during normal use.
Furthermore, the product boasts safety certifications like (c)UL (for US and Canada), which indicates it has been tested and meets rigorous electrical safety standards mandated by organizations like the Canadian Electrical Code. This level of certification provides peace of mind, assuring users that the charger has undergone proper safety testing and is built to prevent common electrical faults and hazards.
Build Quality and Portability
The charger is described as having a plastic enclosure and weighs in at about 0.24 kilograms (or roughly half a pound). This makes it relatively lightweight and portable, easy to stash in a gear bag without adding significant bulk. Its wall-mount design implies a plug-in block style, common for smaller chargers.
While functional, the plastic build might not feel as robust or premium as chargers with metal housings sometimes found in high-end professional kit. However, for its intended purpose and price point, the build seems adequate for normal use. The colour is listed as green, which is a bit unusual for power adapters that are typically black or white, but it doesn’t affect performance. The design prioritizes portability and ease of use over heavy-duty construction or complex features.
What Users Are Saying
After looking online for feedback, many users seem pleased with the performance of this D-Tap battery charger. People have confirmed that it delivers the correct voltage needed to charge compatible batteries and that its power output is efficient, filling up their batteries quite quickly for a charger of its size and rating. The convenience of the red-to-green LED indicator is frequently mentioned as helpful, especially for batteries without detailed displays, providing a clear signal of charging status and completion. Users appreciate the quality of the materials for the price and note that the unit doesn’t tend to overheat during use. There are mentions of the angled D-Tap plug occasionally getting in the way of other ports on the battery, which is a minor annoyance but generally something that can be anticipated by looking at product photos. The safety certifications are also seen as a positive sign of reliability and quality. Overall, the consensus is that it’s a functional and good-value option for charging D-Tap enabled batteries.
Final Considerations
Getting caught without power is a critical issue when you’re relying on high-drain professional equipment, potentially ruining a shoot or causing significant delays. Having a dependable way to recharge your V-mount and Gold mount batteries is non-negotiable. The NEEWER D-Tap Battery Charger offers a few compelling reasons why it’s a great fit to solve this problem: its broad compatibility with D-Tap batteries provides versatility, its simple LED indicator takes the guesswork out of charging status, and its built-in safety features offer essential protection. If you need a no-frills, reliable charger for your professional battery setup, this could be exactly what you need. Click here to check the product out and see if it meets your power needs!
Last update on 2025-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API