Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Cameras, Lenses and Shooting gear => Topic started by: sanfairyanne on August 01, 2019, 06:10:58 pm
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I’m dubious to try this idea incase it damages my camera. I wonder if anyone has tried to use a dummy EN-15 battery connected to a power bank. I’m hoping if this works it would power the camera during operation. This would allow uninterrupted time lapse. I know Lanpart make a specialist dummy battery to their own power pack. This method should work, however, a separate power bank is more versatile.
These are the accessories (photos included)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lanparte-EN-EL15-Power-Coupler-DC-Dummy-Battery-Pack-For-Nikon-D600-D800-D7000/202047342380?epid=1639620963&hash=item2f0af5c72c:g:lOEAAOSw5pRcSWa7
With this cable:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-to-4-0mm-Tip-DC-5V-Power-Cable-Charger-Supply-Cord-for-Notebook-Laptop/172776074396?hash=item283a41ac9c:g:fQMAAOSwPK1ZWzNy
Also a regular power bank:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10000mAh-USB-Power-Bank-Portable-Charger-LED-LCD-Battery-Pack-For-Mobile-Phone/273691935402?hash=item3fb94f82aa:m:m-Frox1T45wCj0bZU49ag4g
Does anyone know if this will power a Nikon Z 7 during operation?
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I used a similar set-up for a Canon 5Ds in Minnesota this past winter - I used it because the outside temperature was as low as -24F (-31C) - shooting Great Grey Owls and others.
Yes it worked so long as your external battery is powerful enough...and I have forgotten what minimum mAh that is...if it is too low, the camera will take one photo and lock up until you turn it off and then on again.
The set up worked well - you just have to remember not to walk away from your camera (if on a tripod), because you are connected to it - like an umbilical chord. I kept the battery in an inside upper pocket of a giant down jacket and ran the wiring out through the neck area...again don't suddenly walk away otherwise your entire system will fall over...
ask more questions
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Thanks Robert
I have exactly the same problem. My batteries are dying in the cold. I was planning on getting a 10,000mah power bank, and like you I’d keep it in a pocket. I figure when doing this there’s no reading coming from the camera to suggest when the battery is low. Thankfully some power banks have battery indicators.
This one seems appropriate:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10000mAh-USB-Power-Bank-Portable-Charger-LED-LCD-Battery-Pack-For-Mobile-Phone/273691935402?hash=item3fb94f82aa:m:m-Frox1T45wCj0bZU49ag4g
As you say, once tethered to the camera/tripod you better no walk off!
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Hi Sanfairyanne - the minimum mAh is the power rating of the battery...whether it is full charged or half-discharged. That depends upon the stated minimum of the camera manufacturer or (possibly) the battery manufacturer. I'll check what I used for Canon - that set-up is downstairs...This is a really good question for FM forums (Fred Miranda) forums...there are many more outdoor (wildlife - usually bird) photographers there. Post this question on the Nikon forum...and there are lots of Scandinavian (+ Canadian) folks over there that shoot in very cold conditions - they may know (or suggest) a "better" or fifferent set-up that could be less expensive, more pragmatic in the field, etc.
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I used this one, available at Amazon and elsewhere:
RAVPower USB C Battery Pack 20100 Portable Charger with QC 3.0 Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, 20100mAh
about $45 here in the USA
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Thanks Robert,
I watched a YouTube video (link below) that shows it’s possible. I agree, it’s wise to post on FM and Nikon forums. I made a copy of your RAV battery details.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N741sFQa6-Q
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Check out the Case Relay system - https://www.tethertools.com/product/case-relay-power-bundle/
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If one purchases the items needed individually, the total cost is significantly less than the price of the system linked to above. And one can get known components...
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Yes the Case Relay system seems expensive. I noticed they do quote that it works with the Z7 which is comforting. I’m going to test this equipment on an old D800. If this works I’ll try it on the Z (just incase it fries the camera)
The important bits:
The converter cable;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Voltage-Converter-Cable-Supply-Adapter/dp/B07CJ2TYRH/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=USB%2B5V%2Bto%2B9v%2B4mm%2B1.7%2Bpower%2Bcable&qid=1564788499&s=gateway&sr=8-3&th=1
The dummy battery:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lanparte-EN-EL15-Power-Coupler-DC-Dummy-Battery-Pack-For-Nikon-D600-D800-D7000/202047342380?epid=1639620963&hash=item2f0af5c72c:g:lOEAAOSw5pRcSWa7
Finally a power bank:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10000mAh-USB-Power-Bank-Portable-Charger-LED-LCD-Battery-Pack-For-Mobile-Phone/273691935402?hash=item3fb94f82aa:m:m-Frox1T45wCj0bZU49ag4g
I can’t test this for two months as I'm away from civilisation but when i do I’ll report back
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I got here sort of by mistake, searching for Nikon Z stuff. But...instead of sticking there battery in as coat pocket to keep it warm, and risking yanking the whole thing over, why don't you put the battery in a cooler with one of these?
https://www.rei.com/product/148970/celestron-elements-thermocharge-hand-warmer?CAWELAID=120217890005594314&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=15877490680&CATCI=pla-126979075240&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C404_11704%7C1489700001%7Cnone%7C5a8d3ce6-d8e6-4004-bbb6-e741fdc91f9a%7Cpla-126979075240&lsft=cm_mmc:PLA_Google_LIA%7C404_11704%7C1489700001%7Cnone%7C5a8d3ce6-d8e6-4004-bbb6-e741fdc91f9a&kclid=5a8d3ce6-d8e6-4004-bbb6-e741fdc91f9a&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1I7Rturq4wIVw56zCh2DHg7jEAQYASABEgIkZfD_BwE
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speaking for me only - that would be one more thing to carry (well two - the battery REI hand warmer and then something to put the battery/hand warmer into - perhaps a very small Pelican case?) - - so for me, more to carry...more to spend...when I can just put the battery in my coat pocket and achieve the same end...save money and less stuff. I just have to be less impulsive and remember I am tethered...like a spaceman. I just cannot wander off to the dark side of the moon while space walking. And besides, I don't have any 1.0 lenses.
In the case of the Nikon Z series, someone seems to have made a battery that will fit into the flash attachment area of the camera. The Z seems to require a smaller (less powerful) battery (10,000 mAh)than my Canon 5Ds (20,000 mAh)...so different approaches are possible with the Nikon than the larger Canon.
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Maybe i am wrong, but i thought you can already use the battery that is inside the Z camera while feeding it through the USB port.