As a filmmaker, reliable power is absolutely essential on set. We’re constantly juggling cameras, monitors, lights, and a myriad of accessories, all demanding consistent power.
SmallRig, a company I’ve come to trust over years of using their gear, has stepped into the V-mount battery market with their VB99 series, offering several options that seem to meet different needs and budgets.
I wanted to dive into this series (VB99 SE and VB99 Pro) to understand the differences and figure out which one, or perhaps which combination, makes the most sense for various production scenarios.
Key Takeaways
- SmallRig VB99 SE delivers dependable 99Wh power with multiple ports in a compact body ideal for budget-conscious filmmakers.
- The VB99 Pro offers dual 100W USB-C ports, rugged build, and a full-color screen, perfect for users needing advanced charging options.
- Both models include fast USB-C charging, BMS safety chips, and improved port covers, enhancing safety and convenience on set.
- The VB99 Pro supports simultaneous input/output via USB-C, making it ideal for charging and powering devices at the same time.
- For most standard camera rigs, the SmallRig VB99 SE is sufficient, while the VB99 Pro is best for those powering laptops, drones, and needing detailed charge info.
Understanding V-Mount Batteries and the VB99 Series Basics
The “V-mount battery” is a high-capacity power source designed to run professional video equipment. The “V-mount” refers to the mounting system itself. The key number you’ll often see is the Watt-hour (Wh) capacity.
All the batteries in the SmallRig VB99 series share a capacity around 99 Wh. What 99 Wh means in practical terms is that it can power something drawing 100 Watts for roughly an hour.
This capacity is also considered as being generally air travel-friendly, although it’s always crucial to check current airline regulations before flying with them. These batteries aren’t just for cameras, their multiple ports make them versatile power hubs on set.
Deep Dive into Each Model
Let’s break down the specific features and characteristics of each battery in the SmallRig VB99 series.
SmallRig VB99 SE
This battery is super affordable, it’s one of the cheapest v-mount batteries in the market. The naming “SE” is the same as the iPhone SE, a more budget-friendly option with some features scaled back compared to the Pro.
Its core is the 99 Wh capacity, which can provide all day camera power. During my test, it’s about 7.4 hours of runtime on my Canon R5C.
This capacity is estimated to be the equivalent of about seven Canon LP-E6 batteries, that’s a really big cost savings.
In terms of physical characteristics, it’s compact and lightweight, weighing about 550g. It’s not much bigger than an iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The build is primarily a hard plastic casing, perhaps more “plasticky” than the Pro, but still seems solid, heat resistant, fire resistant, and flame retardant.
The SmallRig VB99 SE Mini is equipped with multiple ports: a standard V-mount, a D-TaP port on the side, a USBC port (in and out), a USBA port, an 8V DC barrel out, and a 12V DC barrel out on the top, and a BP port on the bottom.
These ports allow it to power multiple devices simultaneously, such as a camera, monitor, phone, wireless mic, laptop, or drone. The USBC port supports fast charging, with outputs up to 60W.
It can be charged via a traditional v-mount station (BP port) or, more conveniently, via its USBC port using a compatible charger (like a 65W+). Fast charging via USBC can fully charge it in around 2.5 to 3 hours. It includes a BMS intelligent chip for safe charging and cell protection.
A significant improvement over the original VB99 is the redesigned port cover flap, which has a docking groove allowing it to stay open when ports are in use.
The OLED display shows remaining battery percentage. When devices are plugged in, the display shows the power draw from the ports.
Mounting options include the standard V-mount, plus threads on the bottom (1/4″) and back (1/4″ and 3/8″). It can be mounted directly to cameras using a v-mount plate on a cage.
I was highly impressed and think there is no room for improvement for SmallRig VB99 SE at its price point. It significantly enhances the practicality of cameras by providing extended power.
SmallRig VB99 Pro
The SmallRig VB99 Pro is the updated version of the original VB99. It boasts a more metal construction and a more premium, rugged feel, crafted from aluminum alloy and fireproof PC. It’s slightly heavier than the original VB99, weighing 860g.
The ports include two USBC ports (both in and out), one USBA port, and the same two DC barrel connections (8V and 12V) as the other models. It also has DTaP and BP ports.
A key feature is that both USBC ports support 100W power (input and output). This allows for 100W charging of devices like a MacBook.
The dual USBC ports enable the battery to be charged from the wall (via one USBC) while simultaneously outputting power to a device (like a laptop) via the other USBC port. It also supports simultaneous fast charging for USB-C and USB-A devices via a shunt design.
The display is a TFT color screen, it’s much better than the OLED screens on the original VB99 and SE. This color screen shows the battery percentage, power draw per device, and, importantly, the exact time remaining on the charge. The door flap covering the ports features the same improved redesign as the SE model, staying open when needed.
It supports fast charging with a BMS intelligent chip. SmallRig claims it reaches full capacity in just 2.5 hours.
Mounting options include V-mount, a quarter-inch thread on the back, and a 3/8″ mount on the back. It appears to lack the quarter-inch thread on the bottom that the SmartRig VB99 SE has.
The SmartRig VB99 Pro is approximately 70% the size of a standard V-mount battery. It is also scratch-resistant.
Choosing the SmartRig VB99 Pro over the original VB99 or VB99 SE is recommended if pricing isn’t an issue and you desire peace of mind, more than one USBC port, faster/higher wattage charging capability, a more rugged device, and nuanced features like the detailed color screen and time remaining display. It uses top-class LG battery cells for reliability.
Overview of the SmallRig VB99 Battery Series
Comparing the SmallRig VB99 SE and the VB99 Pro, reveals the target user for each. The original VB99 is almost replaced, but understanding its limitations highlights the improvements in the newer models.
- Build Material: Original (Plastic) vs. SE (Hard Plastic) vs. Pro (More Metal/Rugged – Aluminum Alloy and fireproof PC). The Pro feels more premium.
- USBC Ports & Power: Original (1 x 65W In/Out) vs. SE (1 x up to 65W In/Out) vs. Pro (2 x 100W In/Out). The Pro offers higher wattage and an additional port.
- Display: Original (Basic OLED) vs. SE (Basic OLED with power draw) vs. Pro (TFT Color with power draw & time remaining). The Pro’s color display with time remaining is a significant functional advantage.
- Port Flap: Original (Annoying plastic flap) vs. SE/Pro (Improved, redesigned flap that stays open). This is a great quality-of-life improvement in the newer models.
- Battery Charging Time (Fast Charge via USBC): Original vs. SE (~2.5-3 hrs for 65W) vs. Pro (2.5 hours for 100W). The Pro is generally faster.
- Simultaneous Battery Charging & Device Powering: The Pro supports charging the battery from a power source while simultaneously powering a device like a laptop via its dual USBC ports.
- Mounting: Both have V-mount and rear threads (1/4″ and 3/8″). The SE also has a 1/4″ thread on the bottom.
Use Cases and Real-World Performance
The SmallRig VB99 series batteries are incredibly versatile on set. I can easily use them to power my camera rig, which might include my camera (like a Canon R5C), a monitor (like a Port Keys LH7p), and potentially wireless audio like a Rode Wireless Go II all at once via their various ports (USBC, DTaP, DC barrel). The 99Wh capacity provides all-day power for demanding cameras.
Beyond camera setups, they function as high-capacity power banks for general use. I can charge my phone, my laptop, a drone, or even an audio recorder like a Zoom F3.
The convenience of being able to charge the battery itself via USBC is a huge benefit, eliminating the need for a dedicated V-mount charger when traveling or on location. For me, this is a game-changer.
Conclusion: Which VB99 Battery Should You Buy?
The SmallRig VB99 series offers compelling power solutions, with the SE and Pro standing out as the current main options.
The SmallRig VB 99 SE is undoubtedly a home run and provides incredible value. It offers reliable, high-capacity 99Wh power in a compact, lightweight package.
For filmmakers who are budget-conscious but need reliable, all-day power for standard camera setups and accessories, the SmallRig SE is an absolute no-brainer.
The SmallRig VB99 Pro is the premium offering, built with more metal for a rugged feel. Its standout features are the dual high-power 100W USBC ports, offering faster charging and the ability to charge the battery while simultaneously powering a device.
The superior TFT color display provides detailed information, including the exact time remaining. For users where budget is less of a constraint, who require higher wattage USBC output (e.g., for charging laptops quickly), benefit from two USBC ports, , the SmallRig VB99 Pro is the recommended choice.
