This is an easy one, as the featured image above already has all the details: SWIT just introduced a new line of DV batteries which not only feature a handy D-Tap outlet but also a USB-C port that works bidirectionally: Charge your phone with the SWIT battery, or charge the battery with a regular USB-C charger. Neat!
There are four new models of this SWIT USB-C series DV batteries: Sony BP-U, Sony NP-F, Canon BP-A, and Panasonic VBR. No matter what camera you are using, just choose the matching battery, and you’re good to go. The neat trick of these batteries is the included USB-C connector, although the specification varies a bit depending on the battery type.
Since USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, it’s nice to see more and more devices and, in this case, batteries using the USB-C port and leaving the larger USB-A port behind for good.
SWIT USB-C series DV batteries
The fact that you can charge your devices (and even laptops) with these new batteries is nice, but the fact that you can charge the battery itself via the same USB-C port is even better, in my opinion.
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That way, you’re not lost if you forget to bring a dedicated charger, although a proper charger is always better, of course. But the ability to charge the batteries with an everyday phone charger is pretty cool.
The four different battery types differ a bit in terms of power output, the list goes as follows:
- Sony BP-U – Capacity: 90Wh – USB-C in/out: 45W
- Sony NP-F – Capacity: 65Wh – USB-C in/out: 25W
- Canon BP-A – Capacity: 90Wh – USB-C in/out 45W
- Panasonic VBR – Capacity: 65Wh – USB-C in/out: 25W
So, fully charging a laptop (depending on the model) may not be ideal, but at least you can power it for a bit longer when the internal battery is running low.
All four models of the SWIT USB-C series DV batteries sport a 12V regulated D-Tap and a 4-LED indicator on the top. The USB-C power out sockets of the Sony BP-U and Canon BP-A support 5V/9V/12V/15V/20V(Max) @ 2.25A. The one on the Sony NP-F and Panasonic VBR support 5V 3A, 9V 2.8A, 12V 2.1A, 15V 1.7A, 20V 1.3A. All models operate with protocols BC1.2, PD2.0/3.0, QC2.0/3.0, FCP & SCP.
Pricing and availability
All four battery types are listed on the SWIT website, but there is no information on prices yet. Usually, it doesn’t take long and you can find them at B&H or CVP. We will update this article as soon as the new USB-C series DV batteries are listed there.
Link: SWIT NP-F | BP-U | BP-A | VBR
What do you think? Would you get these USB-C and D-Tap powered batteries for your projects? Let us know in the comments below!
