Powerextra VB004 60W Review

V-Mount batteries were once really only used by the professional video and lighting markets, with little appeal for enthusiasts. However, with advancements in camera technology and increasing resolutions, cameras like the Canon EOS R5 C have become power-hungry, requiring additional support or a backpack full of expensive batteries.

A lightweight V-Mount battery like the Powerextra VB004 60W offers an ideal solution. It easily slots into a SmallRig V-Mount rig and provides PD power directly to the camera. This extends the recording time from about 20 minutes with the standard battery to most of the day with this 60W option.

The V-Mount and D-Tap design ensure that the battery is fully compatible with many traditional devices and cameras. For example, it can easily be mounted onto the back of a Rotolight ANOVA 2 Pro or any other lighting system with a standard mount. You can also power other lighting setups through the standard D-Tap connector.

One feature that stands out is the USB connectors, which enable you to plug in and charge a multitude of other devices from this single battery. Considering the price, it makes for a great option.

In the last year, I’ve been using an increasing number of V-Mount batteries for powering not just lights but also cameras. I switched from Sony FS7s to Canon EOS R5 Cs about a year ago, saving a bit on weight but still often requiring the added power of a reliable V-Mount to get me through the day.

I’ve also explored quite a few budget V-Mount options over the last year, none of which have made it to the pages of the site due to various issues with power delivery or charging. Essentially, there are many cheap V-Mount batteries out there, and most are inexpensive for a very good reason.

When the Powerextra 60W arrived, it was clear that the battery sits on the more affordable end of the V-Mount spectrum. I’d recently seen a couple of videographers tucking Powerextra batteries into their packs, which gave me some confidence that this company might change my feelings towards budget V-Mount options.

As for build quality, it’s OK. The ability to plug in USB Type-A for power delivery is a nice touch, and Type-C for power delivery up to 65W, as well as a charging option, is a very nice touch indeed. The standard V-Mount and D-Tap are both features I’d expect. Installing it onto the back of an FS7, the battery slots in and powers the now-ageing machine just fine. Similarly, when mounted onto the SmallRig V-Mount rig on the Canon EOS R5 C and connected via Type-C, everything looked and worked great, ready for use in a real shoot.

The Powerextra VB004 60W is a V-Mount battery that’s loaded with some nice touches that will make your life a bit easier on set. First off, it’s got USB Type-A and Type-C ports, which you can use for both input and output. What’s more, that Type-C port isn’t just for show—it supports Power Delivery at up to 65W. If you’re shooting with a Canon EOS R5 C or a Sony A7 III, for instance, this V-Mount won’t let you down.

Now, if you’re familiar with the SmallRig 50W, you might find the design of the Powerextra a bit understated. But let’s be honest, when it’s tucked behind your camera or lighting rig, are you really concerned about how it looks? Probably not. More importantly, it does the job and costs less than half the price of the SmallRig.

But it’s not just about powering cameras. The V-Mount and D-Tap compatibility means it’s just as happy fuelling your lighting gear. Stick it on a Rotolight ANOVA 2 Pro or any standard rig, and it’ll do the business.
Finally, you’re getting all of this from a battery that’s not going to break the bank. The price point is just the icing on the cake, making this V-Mount a compelling option for anyone on a tight budget.

There’s no doubt that testing any battery is time-consuming and a bit dull. Inevitably, you’re testing something else that relies on the battery’s power to run. Throughout the test of the Powerextra VB004 60W, I had a few items to consider but nothing that would really push the battery’s abilities, so I fell back on two or three old and trusted devices to test this battery out.

The first test was straightforward—using the battery as a charger for my iPhone through the USB Type-A port, as well as a charging station for a set of Saramonic Blink wireless microphones, Crane 4 gimbal, and a few sets of lights. Considering the size of the battery, 60W is pretty impressive, and that’s why the V-Mount form factor is so popular. To put it into context, a full iPhone charge took around 14W, the ZHIYUN M40 lights around 20W each, and the Crane 4 had a small top-up.

Using it as a power bank is far removed from its intended purpose, but it did the job and was incredibly handy. The next test was more dedicated, where the battery was subjected to its intended use as a power pack for cameras, lights, and other high-powered gear.

The usual suspects were chosen: the Canon EOS R5 C with its 12W power draw, which will deplete the internal battery in a little over 20 minutes, and the Rotolight ANOVA Pro 2 72W—which I usually power with 150W batteries for a good couple of hours.

Here, the 60W proved effective, powering the Canon successfully for a good hour at 4K 60fps before depleting. Over a test period of six weeks, this battery was often my first choice when setting up. The main test came with the Anova Pro 2, which uses up to 72W of power an hour. Throughout the test, with varied power output and lights being switched on and off, I usually managed around an hour of real-world use before depletion.

At the end of the test, the battery proved itself as a good, affordable power solution, costing less than half the amount I usually spend on V-Mount batteries and considerably less than the likes of Anton Bauer.

Okay, they don’t have the build quality, feel, or prestige that comes with Anton Bauer, or the style offered by SmallRig’s new entry into the market. But let’s not forget, these are batteries. As someone who recently fried a Sony A7 III, I fully understand the significance of choosing the right battery for your gear.

That said, the Powerextra does the job admirably. While I’ll likely keep this one as a backup for lighting, its technology and design features are solid. I especially appreciate the versatile charging options and the simple push-button indicator that reveals how much juice is left.

This is an excellent budget battery, ideal for powering both lights and cameras. It offers a no-nonsense build that does exactly what it promises. I’ve been genuinely impressed by its robust performance, and I hope this continues into the future. If your budget won’t stretch to the more renowned brands, the Powerextra is a fantastic alternative.