SmallRig Sony NP-F970 USB-C Battery Released

Battery News

by Jeff LochMay 9^th, 2024

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SmallRig has just released an updated version of their Sony NP-F970 USB-C battery. This new model now features a USB-C power input/output port that supports 36W power delivery and fast charging, as well as an additional USB-A port. Also, it now has a battery level display activated via a touch button to get a precise reading of your remaining battery life. So, let’s take a closer look at it!

During NAB 2024, SmallRig unveiled the impressive VB212 mini V-Mount battery, developed in collaboration with Caleb Pike from DSLR Video Shooter. However, the company also makes smaller DV-style batteries for camera accessories and mirrorless cameras. Indeed, last year, the Chinese manufacturer released an entire lineup of Sony and Canon camera batteries that can be recharged via their built-in USB-C power input/output port. SmallRig is already back with a revamp of their Sony NP-F970 USB-C battery that features multiple valuable improvements.

SmallRig Sony NP-F970 USB-C battery – features

Sony NP-F style batteries are available in multiple sizes, the most popular being the small NP-F550, the medium NP-F750, and the larger NP-F970. The SmallRig Sony NP-F970 USB-C battery is the biggest model, with a capacity of 10500mAh/76.65Wh.

I’m usually not a big fan of that model due to its larger size and weight. Indeed, this SmallRig Sony NP-F970 USB-C battery is 74.6 x 71.6 x 38.5mm/2.93 x 2.81 x 1.51in and weighs 362g/10.8oz. This battery gives you a ton of capacity and runtime, which is perfect for powering LED lights but not ideal for using on a camera rig to power a monitor or wireless video transmitter, for example, due to the bulk/weight.

So, what is new with this updated model? First, it still features a USB-C power input/output port, but the battery now has an additional USB-A port. The USB-C port now supports a power draw and PD charging up to 36W, compared to 27W for the previous model. According to SmallRig, the battery can be charged in under 3.5 hours using the USB-C port.

On the other side, the USB-A port supports 27W. The USB-C and USB-A circuits are separate. This means you can use both USB ports simultaneously to charge the battery faster or power two accessories at one time, with a maximum total power of 54W. The battery has multiple intelligent power management chips and overcurrent protection, so you shouldn’t worry much if you exceed what the battery can deliver.

You’ll now find a touch button at the back of the battery to activate a built-in battery-level display screen. This screen gives you a precise reading of the remaining battery percentage, which is handy.

Price and availability

The SmallRig Sony NP-F970 USB-C battery is available for pre-order now for $79.99 and should start shipping on May 21st.

For more information, please visit SmallRig’s website here.

What do you think about this new Sony NP-F970 USB-C battery? Do you often use Sony NP-F970 batteries or prefer smaller models? Have you used SmallRig batteries? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!