Minifab (formally Full Frame Camera Co.) has announced its new 400 Series Battery Plates for the Canon C400 that are available in V-mount and Gold Mount.
The 400 Series consists of the VMP400 and GMP400 battery plates, conversion kits, and a Vertical Offset Plate.
The 400 Series battery plates attach to the C400 with M4 captive screws and power the camera with a low-profile XLR. They are made from machined aluminum and are designed specifically for the Canon C400. The top of the battery plates is recessed, allowing the camera top handle to be detached without requiring the battery plate to be removed.
One of the most common requests from original C300/C500 battery plate users was more power outputs, however, the layout of the cameras meant that the inclusion of only one DTap was possible without obscuring the buttons or the IO on the back of the camera.
Minifab wanted to change this with the C400 and the 400 Series battery plates feature two interchangeable auxiliary outputs. Two DTaps are fitted as standard, however either can be optionally upgraded to a 2-pin LEMO connector. The auxiliary outputs can provide up to 5A each with a combined total of 8A and, addressing the inconsistent direction of DTap cables, the auxiliary outputs are also reversible.
The new 400 Series can be used in conjunction with Canon batteries, permitting the user to hotswap their V-mount or Gold mount batteries. You need to be aware that hotswapping on the GMP400 is only possible with the shorter A30/A30N Canon batteries as Gold mount batteries extend below the battery plate.
Both the VMP400 and GMP400 share a common rear case, so users can purchase one of the conversion kits for 400 Series and easily swap out the faceplate, converting V-mount to Gold mount or vice versa.
The 400 Series battery plates are also backward compatible with the C300mkIII and C500mkII. The mounting holes on the C400 are higher than on the C300MKIII/ C500MKII however, therefore the Vertical Offset Plate (VOP) can be used on the older cameras to raise the 400 Series battery plates and accommodate hotswapping with Canon batteries. Conversely, the original Full Frame Camera Co. battery plates will also work on the C400, though sit higher on the camera. The VOP can also be used to lower these older battery plates on the new camera for a more streamlined build – and still be able to hotswap with Canon batteries.
Minifab are also offering customers the option to customize their 400 Series battery plates with laser engraving and color anodizing.
Despite being approximately the same size as their predecessors, the 400 Series battery plates weigh up to 31% less.
The VMP400 is 66x82x24mm excluding protrusions, or 72x82x33 maximum (excluding XLR cable) and weighs 192g.
The GMP400 is 66x82x29mm excluding protrusions, or 66x93x29 maximum (excluding XLR cable) and weighs 173g.
The 400 Series battery plates retail for £469, with a LEMO connector being an additional £49. The conversion kits are £149 and the VOP is £39. All are available to preorder with shipping expected to commence at the end of September.
