BLUESHAPE GRANITE Smart B-Mount Batteries Released

Battery News

by Jeff LochJune 19^th, 2023

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Italian manufacturer BLUESHAPE recently launched a new lineup of B-Mount batteries: the GRANITE Smart series. At launch, three models with capacities of 145Wh, 290Wh, and 435Wh will be available. Also, a hot-swappable 145Wh model will allow you to expand your recording times. All batteries are 28.8V only and feature shock-proof construction, an IP54 rating, two 16V D-Tap power output ports, and a USB-C port. And you can monitor the batteries wirelessly via an App. So let’s take a closer look at these smart B-Mount batteries!

The B-Mount battery standard was launched in April 2019, and four years later, we can easily say that it takes some time to promulgate a new industry standard. Indeed, as of now, the only camera that features a “native” B-Mount battery mount is the ARRI ALEXA 35. However, many rental houses replace the ALEXA 35 B-Mount battery plate with a Gold Mount or V-Mount battery plate. But that’s another topic, and if you want to learn more about the 24V B-Mount battery standard, you can read this extensive Tech Talk article we did.

Italian powering solution specialized manufacturer BLUESHAPE is back in the battery market with the GRANITE Smart series after the recent launch of their portable power generator. The GRANITE Smart are the company’s first B-Mount batteries, and they are packed with many interesting features.

BLUESHAPE GRANITE Smart – features

The BLUESHAPE GRANITE Smart series consists of four models: the BB145, BB145HS, BB290, and BB435. You got it; the numbers in the product’s codenames are the battery’s maximum capacity. Furthermore, the HS model stands for Hot-Swappable, which means you can stack multiple batteries together.

Compared to other bi-voltage models, the GRANITE Smart series is 28.8V batteries only, with a voltage range from 21 to 33.6V. Except for the differences in maximum capacity, all batteries have similar specifications, including:

• An IP54-rated shock/rainproof casing.
• Two rows of five RGB LEDs in the front corners to give you an idea of the remaining battery percentage. You can activate the LEDs with the touch-sensitive buttons below them.
• All batteries have a maximum current draw of 20A.

• At the top of the GRANITE Smart, you’ll find a 16V D-Tap power output (80W max) and a USB Type-C 5-20V port (65W max). There is a second D-Tap power output on the battery’s left side.

Smart connectivity

Furthermore, as their name suggests, the BLUESHAPE GRANITE Smart series has interesting connectivity capabilities. Indeed, according to BLUESHAPE, “the USB-C output is also equipped for the SMARTMon function that provides each user with the ability to interface with their battery via a simple USB-C data cable to monitor and control its functions in direct connection with our customer service.”

Lastly, the GRANITE Smart batteries are compatible with the company’s LINK app –  available for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets – so you can monitor and control your batteries wirelessly.

BSAFE security bracket

BLUESHAPE also created a metal bracket called the BSAFE that you can attach to the batteries’ back bottom via two screws. This bracket lets you secure the battery via a safety cable when setting up risky lighting or camera installations. The B-Mount standard is already a rock-solid battery mount, so I would not be afraid of a battery coming off like a V-Mount battery, but safety can never be overlooked.

Pricing and availability

All batteries should be available in October 2023. The 145Wh model retails for €530, the hot-swappable version is €640, the 290Wh model is €850, and the enormous 435Wh version is €1280.

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

What do you think about these new BLUESHAPE B-Mount batteries? Did you already make the switch or use B-Mount batteries? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!