Camcorder Batteries and Chargers: Codes and Voltage

Battery code, voltage and capacity: what must match

Camcorder packs are matched by model code and voltage first, capacity second. A pack listed for a series or a set of model numbers in the Compatible with field fits only those camcorders. Voltages vary, from 3.7 V single cells and 7.4 V for compact camcorders to 14.4 V for professional packs, and the wrong voltage can damage the camera. Capacity appears in mAh or Wh; 14.4 V at 3.1 Ah is about 45 Wh, which is the figure to compare across voltages.

Chargers, AC adapters and mounting brackets

A charger must suit the battery chemistry and type, so a charger for one cell type is not interchangeable with another. AC power adapters for older camcorders list the DC voltage and plug size, such as 8.4 V, and the polarity and tip must match. Battery brackets, including gold-mount plates, attach professional packs to a camera or rig; they must match the camera's mount. Multi-battery hubs help on long shoots by charging several packs at once.

Questions about Camcorder Batteries and Chargers: Codes and Voltage

Can I use any charger for my camcorder battery?

No. Use a charger made for that battery type and voltage, ideally one that lists your battery code. A wrong charger can undercharge, overheat or damage the cells; check the output voltage and plug before connecting.

Is a higher mAh rating always better?

Only if voltage and code match. Higher capacity gives longer runtime, but a pack that claims far more than the original in the same case is suspect. Compare Wh when voltages differ, and keep spare packs cool and partly charged.

How should spare camcorder batteries be kept?

Keep them cool, dry and partly charged, away from metal objects that could short the terminals, and use terminal caps when supplied. Avoid leaving packs fully drained for months, which can damage lithium cells.