By technical editor Matt Allard:
The Sony a7S is a wonderful camera but the one thing that lets it down is poor battery performance. Run times from the tiny Sony battery become even shorter once you start outputting video through the HDMI to devices such as the Atomos Shogun or Convergent Design 7Q+. If you have anything attached to the MI hot shoe such as the Sony XLR-K1M Adapter and Microphone Kit you will also notice a decrease in battery performance.
Hawkwoods have come up with a simple yet effective solution to power the Sony a7S from an external power source. The LR-16 dummy cable allows for extended run-times with the use of more powerful V-Lok batteries such as the VL-70, or if you wish to keep weight to a minimum then BP-U type batteries with built-in D-tap connectors like the Hawkwoods BP-60U or a Swit S-8U62 can also be used. No further regulation is required as the LR-16 is regulated to the correct voltage the AS7 requires.
The ability to be able to choose to use a larger battery such a V-lok or go smaller with a BP-U battery allows a lot of flexibility depending on how you configure your camera rig.
There is no indication of price or availability at the moment. Similar Hawkoods solutions for other cameras have been below $100 US.
Features
Power-con 2-pin (Male)
7.2v Regulated
Sony AS7 Dummy Battery
