Running out of juice in the middle of a shoot can be incredibly frustrating. It’s the kind of problem that brings creative projects to a grinding halt, forcing you to scramble for spare batteries or wait for painstakingly slow chargers. If you’re someone who relies on gear powered by Sony NP-F type batteries, whether it’s a video camera, field monitor, or LED panel, a dependable power solution is non-negotiable. Not having enough reliable power means missing critical moments, disrupting your workflow, and potentially compromising the quality of your work simply because you couldn’t keep your equipment running. This is precisely the kind of situation where a product like the SmallRig Battery Charger Set for Sony NP-F970 Battery 7800mAh, Double Slot Charger with LCD Display for Sony NP-F950, NP-F770, NP-F550 Battery, for Camera, Monitor, LED Light (2 Pack) – 3823 could have made a world of difference.
- 【Sufficient Power Supply】SmallRig camera battery and charger kit 3823 comes with two 7800mAh rechargeable batteries and a charger to brings long battery life for your videos and photos shooting...
- 【Widely Compatibility】The batteries supports original camera and charger without causing pop-ups and enables power display. They are suitable for Sony NP-F550/ NP-F570/ NP-F730/ NP-F750/ NP-F770/...
- 【Multiple Charing Option】This battery charger comes with Micro-USB and USB-C interface, allowing it to be charged via USB adapter,car charger, power bank. Particularly, the USB-C interface...
Points to Ponder Before Acquiring Camera Power Packs
Camera batteries and chargers are the lifeblood of any production or photography setup, solving the critical problem of keeping your gear powered on location. Without reliable power, cameras go dead, lights dim, and monitors flicker off, leaving you unable to capture the shot, light your scene properly, or monitor your footage. Someone seeking items in this category typically needs consistent, long-lasting power for demanding equipment used outside of a studio plugged into mains power. The ideal customer is a videographer, photographer, or grip who uses Sony NP-F type batteries across multiple pieces of gear like cameras, field monitors, recorders, or portable LED lights. They value runtime, charging flexibility, and reliability. Conversely, someone who only uses battery power for very short periods or whose equipment uses a completely different battery system (like smaller DSLR batteries or V-mount batteries for much larger setups) might find NP-F batteries overkill or incompatible. Before purchasing a battery charger set like this, consider the specific NP-F types your gear uses (F550, F770, F970, etc.), the capacity you truly need for your typical shooting duration, the charging speed required, whether you need to charge multiple batteries simultaneously, the available power sources you’ll have on location (wall outlet, power bank, car), and the overall reputation for reliability and safety features.
- How to choose: Please make sure battery model which printed on the label of your battery(Not camera) in this list: NB-6L, NB-6LH
- Intelligent: Kastar Mini Rapid A/C Charger Features a Fold-out US Plug, 100-240V Worldwide Input Voltage, with high speed USB charge function.
- 【High Capacity】2 pack 1080mAh high capacity batteries. Use high quality cells for longer battery life with no memory effect.
Introducing the Power Kit
The SmallRig Battery Charger Set 3823 is a comprehensive power solution designed specifically for users of Sony NP-F compatible devices. This kit promises to provide ample, reliable power to keep your cameras, monitors, and lights running smoothly throughout your creative endeavors. When you purchase this set, you receive two high-capacity 7800mAh rechargeable batteries and a dual-slot intelligent charger. This specific battery set is tailored for professionals and enthusiasts who heavily rely on the NP-F system and need extended runtimes. It’s particularly suitable for powering thirsty devices like bright LED panels or large field monitors, where smaller batteries just won’t cut it. It might not be the best fit for someone who only occasionally needs a small amount of power or whose primary need is extremely rapid charging.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
* Pros:
* High 7800mAh capacity provides extended runtime.
* Dual-slot charger allows charging two batteries simultaneously.
* LCD display clearly shows charging status for each battery.
* Multiple charging inputs (USB-C and Micro-USB) offer flexibility.
* Wide compatibility with various NP-F battery types and devices.
* Includes essential safety protection features.
* Cons:
* Charging speed is relatively slow.
* Requires a separate USB power adapter (not included).
Exploring the Kit’s Capabilities and Advantages
This battery charger set is more than just a couple of batteries and a charger; it’s a key component for anyone serious about uninterrupted production. Let’s delve into the features that make this kit stand out and the benefits they provide in real-world scenarios.
Substantial 7800mAh Capacity
The core of this set is the two 7800mAh Sony NP-F970 batteries. NP-F batteries are known for their versatility across many video production accessories, and the 7800mAh capacity is on the higher end of the spectrum for this type. This translates directly into significantly longer runtimes for your gear compared to smaller capacity options like NP-F550 or F770. For power-hungry devices such as high-brightness LED video lights or large field monitors that can draw considerable power, this extended capacity means you can keep your session going for hours without needing to swap batteries. In practice, this reduces downtime, allowing you to focus on capturing your footage or lighting your scene perfectly without the constant worry of your power source dying. Based on user feedback, these batteries perform exceptionally well, sometimes even exceeding theoretical runtimes calculated from their capacity, suggesting they might be conservatively rated – a pleasant surprise for users.
Efficient Dual Slot Charging
The included charger features a dual-slot design. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a significant efficiency booster. Instead of having to charge one battery at a time, potentially leaving you with downtime while waiting for a fresh power source, you can charge two batteries simultaneously. This is particularly valuable after a long shoot day when all your batteries might be depleted. You can place two NP-F batteries on the charger overnight or during a break and have both ready to go much faster than with a single-slot unit. This feature directly addresses the problem of battery cycling and ensures you’re more likely to have fresh batteries available when you need them most, keeping your production moving smoothly.
Intelligent LCD Display for Clear Status
Knowing exactly how much charge a battery has or how far along the charging process is can be tricky with basic chargers that just use an LED indicator. The SmallRig charger alleviates this uncertainty with its intelligent LCD screen. When the charger is powered on and batteries are inserted, the screen displays the charging status of *each* battery in real-time. This might show a percentage or a visual progress bar. This clear, at-a-glance information is invaluable for planning. You know precisely when a battery will be ready, helping you manage your power resources effectively throughout a shoot day. It removes the guesswork and provides peace of mind that your batteries are indeed charging correctly.
Versatile Multiple Charging Options
Flexibility is key when you’re on location, and this charger delivers by offering both Micro-USB and USB-C input interfaces. This means you aren’t tied to a single type of cable or power adapter. You can use a standard Micro-USB cable if that’s what you have handy, or take advantage of the increasingly common and reversible USB-C connection. The USB-C port specifically supports a 9V⎓2A input, which allows for a faster input to the charger compared to standard 5V USB. This versatility allows you to charge the NP-F batteries from various sources, including USB wall adapters (though you need to provide your own), portable power banks, or even car chargers. This makes the kit highly portable and adaptable to different charging environments, perfect for shoots away from mains power. However, it’s worth noting that while the *input* voltage via USB-C can be higher, user tests indicate the *output* charging speed per battery is still relatively slow, making it best suited for overnight charging or when you have plenty of time.
Broad Compatibility with NP-F Ecosystem
One of the major strengths of the Sony NP-F system is its widespread adoption across various types of gear. This SmallRig battery and charger kit is designed to be widely compatible. The batteries themselves support a range of NP-F types, including NP-F550, NP-F570, NP-F730, NP-F750, NP-F770, NP-F930, NP-F950, NP-F960, and NP-F970. More importantly, they are compatible with original Sony cameras and chargers without causing frustrating pop-ups or errors, and they enable power display functionality on compatible devices. This allows you to see the remaining battery life on your camera or monitor screen. The batteries can power a multitude of devices, including Sony HXR/HDR/NEX series video cameras, as well as a wide array of third-party accessories like LED video lights, field monitors, and motorized camera sliders that utilize the NP-F plate. This broad compatibility means your investment in this battery kit isn’t limited to just one piece of equipment, providing a versatile power solution for your entire setup.
Built-in Safety and Reliability Features
Working with high-capacity rechargeable batteries requires confidence in their safety. SmallRig has designed this charger with multiple protection mechanisms, including safeguards against over-charging, over-current, over-discharge, over-voltage, and short-circuits. These features are crucial for protecting both the batteries and the charger itself, extending their lifespan and preventing potential hazards. Made from quality fireproof ABS and PC materials with a frosted finish, the charger feels solid and durable. This construction ensures the kit can withstand the rigours of being transported and used on location. The lightweight and compact design means it’s easy to pack into your gear bag without adding significant bulk or weight, making it practical for travel.
While the large capacity and charging flexibility are excellent, the relatively slow charging speed is a notable disadvantage, particularly if you need a quick top-up during a busy day. It’s best viewed as a reliable solution for charging batteries overnight or during extended breaks, rather than a fast charger for rapid turnaround. Despite this, the performance of the batteries themselves in terms of runtime is widely praised.
Insights from Other Users
Looking around online, the general sentiment from users of the SmallRig Battery Charger Set 3823 appears quite positive. Many users appreciate the high capacity of the 7800mAh batteries, reporting impressive runtimes that meet or exceed expectations, even with power-hungry devices like large monitors or bright lights. People have found them to be comparable in performance to more expensive alternatives, making them a solid value. While the charger’s speed is sometimes mentioned as being on the slower side, its dual-slot design and flexible USB charging options are seen as convenient for travel or overnight charging. The packaging is also frequently highlighted as being very secure and protective. In cases where issues arose, such as items missing upon delivery, SmallRig’s customer support has been responsive and effective in resolving them, which adds to user confidence in the brand.
Final Thoughts on this Power System
The hassle of dead batteries can completely derail your creative workflow, making a reliable and sufficient power source absolutely essential. Without it, you face frustrating interruptions and the risk of missing critical shots or moments. The SmallRig Battery Charger Set 3823 offers a compelling solution to this problem. With two high-capacity 7800mAh batteries, it provides the extended runtime needed for demanding equipment. The dual-slot charger adds efficiency by allowing simultaneous charging, and the flexible USB-C/Micro-USB input options make it easy to power up almost anywhere. If you’re invested in the NP-F ecosystem and need dependable, long-lasting batteries and a convenient (though not speedy) charger, this kit is a great fit. To ensure your gear stays powered and your shoots run smoothly, click here to check it out.
Last update on 2025-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API