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ZGCINE has just introduced a large-capacity model for their mini V-mount lineup, the ZG-V160. This 142Wh cell offers dual D-Tap in/out, dual USB-C in/out, and a BP in/out port, while supporting 100W Power Delivery fast-charing. It is now available for $219.99.
A few months ago, we reported about the ZGCINE ZG-V50, an affordable mini V-mount battery with a capacity of 50Wh. These palm-sized V-mount bricks are versatile tools to have in your kit. I personally always carry an FXLION NANO ONE with me, whether it is to power a small mirrorless or cinema camera on a gimbal or my laptop and smart devices when I’m traveling.
However, if you’re looking for a solution to power your camera for extended periods of time, then you want to take a look at higher-capacity cells. That’s why the company is now launching the ZG-V160, which looks like a direct competitor to products such as the FXLION NANO THREE and the recently-released SmallRig VB155. So let’s take a closer look at it!
Built on the legacy of the ZG-V50 and ZG-V99 models, the ZGCINE ZG-V160 is a 14.8V V-mount battery with an increased capacity of 142Wh. Although I assume the front side of the battery shares the same size of 100x75mm with the existing models, there’s currently no official info about its depth and weight, which makes it harder to compare this battery against its rivals.
The brick is populated by a huge variety of power ports, including dual D-Tap in/out, a USB-C in/out, a USB-C output-only, as well as a BP input/output. However, the addition of a secondary D-Tap port comes at the expense of the USB-A and DC outputs, which are now gone. Here’s the full list of supported voltage/amperage combinations for all input/output options:
D-TapInput: 16.8V/3A (max)Output: 14.8V/13A (max)
USB-CInput: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/5AOutput: 5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/3.25A
BPInput: 16.8V/3A (max)Output: 14.8V/13A (max)
Particularly, the USB Type-C connectors support power delivery up to a maximum of 65W during output and 100W during input. According to the company, using 100W fast-charging allows to achieve a full charge in about 3 hours.
The overall design is pretty much identical to that of the ZG-V50 and ZG-V99. A tiny, convenient OLED screen on the front of the cell displays the remaining battery percentage, and can be activated using the power button on the side.
Lastly, orange rubber lids protect the ports from moisture and dust, while the internal components are protected against over-current, -power, -voltage, and -charge, as well as short circuits, and high temperatures, according to the company.
The new ZGCINE ZG-V160 V-mount battery is now available to purchase from the manufacturer’s website. The battery is extremely affordable. Indeed, its official retail price is set at $219.99. In the box, you will also find a USB-C cable.
Finally, the company has also launched a new V-mount battery plate, the VM-VP1, which offers multiple power outputs and retails for $99.99.
For more information, please visit ZGCINE’s website here.
Do you use a mini V-mount battery to power your camera and accessories? What do you think of the new ZGCINE ZG-V160? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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Francesco Andreola is a Milan-based filmmaker. He currently teaches the Video Technology class at the European Institute of Design (IED) in Milan. He works in the Camera Department as a camera operator and assistant.