Batteries & Storage
V-Mount Battery Runtime Calculator
Estimate run time for your lights and camera rig, then plan the packs for your shoot.
Estimated runtime
0 hours 57 minutes
127.5 usable Wh ÷ 135 W total
13 × 99Wh batteries for an 8-hour shoot day.
Rounded to the nearest minute. Battery count rounds up; assumes continuous use, fully charged packs, the same efficiency and cold allowance, and no recharging.
Share of total watts
Check the battery, plate and each port's output limit too. Stored energy alone does not prove this rig can run.
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How this V-mount battery runtime calculator works
Runtime in hours = battery Wh × usable efficiency × cold-weather factor ÷ total watts. Use fractions for the factors. The default is 150 × 0.85 × 1 ÷ 135, or about 0.94 hours. That's 57 minutes, rounded to the nearest minute.
The estimate assumes a full pack and a steady load. It allows for losses through the efficiency setting. It does not check output limits, battery wear or the point where your gear shuts off. The pack count divides the shoot's energy need by the usable energy in a 99Wh pack, then rounds up. Pack a reserve for delays.
Wh, Ah and mAh on a battery label
Watt-hours (Wh) measure stored energy. Watts (W) measure the rate your rig uses it. Amp-hours (Ah) measure charge; milliamp-hours (mAh) use a smaller unit.
You need voltage to turn charge into energy: Wh = V × Ah, or V × mAh ÷ 1,000. The FAA's battery guide explains this conversion. Use the pack's printed Wh rating when you can.
Find the light's input watts
Read the light's label or manual for its maximum input power. Start with that rating for a cautious plan. A light's name or claimed output may not tell you its power use. A dimmer setting is not a measured watt reading. For a closer estimate, measure input power at the setting you'll use, with the same power path.
Add the camera, monitor and each powered accessory as separate loads. Our portable video lights guide can help you compare the kit before you plan power.
D-Tap, P-Tap and voltage
D-Tap and P-Tap are names used for this style of power plug. A plug that fits does not prove the voltage is safe. Match your device's input range to the battery port and cable.
Use a regulated cable when needed. Check each port's current limit and the pack's total output limit. Our V-mount battery guide covers pack choices.
Flying with spare lithium-ion batteries
Under FAA PackSafe rules, spare packs up to 100Wh can go in carry-on bags without airline approval. Above 100Wh and up to 160Wh, get airline approval; each passenger may carry at most two of these larger spares. Spares must stay in the cabin, with terminals protected from short circuits. The two-spare limit is for the larger packs. Check your airline's rules, which may be stricter.
Cold-weather planning
Cold can cut the energy a pack can supply. The tool's reductions are planning choices, not a forecast for a brand or cell type. Use your pack maker's temperature limits. Test the full rig in the conditions you expect, and keep charged spares ready.