By technical editor Matt Allard:
The Convergent Design Odyssey 7/7Q/7Q+ are fantastic monitor/recorders but they do lack one fundamental thing-a battery plate. I usually power my 7Q+ off a power distribution box when I am using it on larger cameras like the Sony F55, but what about when I want to use it on a Sony a7S or a GH4? I have been looking for an affordable, well made power solution that allows me to use existing smaller batteries that I already own. During my research I came across the Power Bracket from American company Nebtek.
This versatile system features an all aluminum cage that has 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 threaded holes located along the bottom and on both sides to give you a wide range of mounting possibilities, including being able to mount parts for camera rods made my Redrock Micro, Wooden Camera and Zacuto. The top mount attaches to the battery plate and allows you to undersling the Odyssey or attach accessories. For use with higher profile batteries you can simply remove the “L” mounting bracket using a Philips screwdriver.
The aluminum Odyssey Power Plate slides into the cage and allows you to power the Odyssey with (1) or (2) Sony, JVC, Canon, or Panasonic style camcorder lithium-ion batteries OR attach Anton Bauer or IDX Style V-Mount batteries. This large choice of battery plates allows for you to use older legacy batteries that you may have just laying around at home.
The Odyssey7 Power Bracket includes a Power Cage, Handles, and Desk Stand with built-in light stand mount. The design is very modular and you can easily ad or remove the side handles with a thumb screw. I like the fact that the unit has been made to be very modular and you can separate all the components and only use what you need at the time.
The stand features a 5/8″ receiver and non-slip base and it too can be removed using a screwdriver. This allows for you to mount the Power Bracket on all sorts of light stands and other rigging equipment.
You can also buy optional BNC cables and BNC bulkhead connectors to allow for routing cables out of the back of the stand. Full size BNC connectors will fit. Connectors with boots will be a bit tight.
The bracket itself is very well made and lightweight but it doesn’t wrap around the front of the 7Q and offer any sort of protection to the screen. For me this is not an issue but some users may be wanting something that protects the screen. I would of liked to have seen a HDMI port protector included as well.
I primaraly just use the bracket and the Sony NP duel battery plate most of the time as this keeps the unit light enough to mount on cameras like the a7S and JVC GY-LS300. On the Sony NP battery plate there is a little switch you can push down on that gives you a battery level indication on the side of the plate. This is a very nice feature as Sony NP batteries do not have a battery indicator level on them. I would of liked to have seen a D-tap power outlet on the plate though as it would be handy to power accessories like a wireless HD receiver. The battery plate sits underneath the bracket and this clever design means the plate gets pushed away from the body of the 7Q and allows for heat to escape.
For using the Power Bracket as a directors monitor or for remote monitoring on set, you can sit it flat on a desk or attach it to a light stand. The handles are easy to hold onto and there are plenty of holes to run a strap through if you would prefer to put it around your neck.
The Nebtek Power Bracket is certainly one of the better options I have come across on the market if your looking for a lightweight solution for running batteries on the 7Q. It provides a lot of flexibility, is well made and a lot of thought has gone into the design.
The Power Bracket kit is available for $449 US.
