Kickstarter: X-tra Camera Battery Re-Invented

This just popped up in one of my news feed.




KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN - https://the-camera-battery-re-invented.kckb.st/kckbs​t

For many photographers, power is a major struggle. If you're shooting video or working in live-view, a battery charge never seems to last, so you're stuck carrying 3 or 4 batteries in your kit. X-tra battery is here to solve that problem and simplify your kit with one revolutionary accessory.

Think it’s hard to get excited about a battery? For most gear heads, power solutions and batteries have generally been the least sexy accessories there are, until now. The X-tra battery solves multiple photography headaches and even offers some solutions you didn't know you needed but soon won't be able to live without.

For starters, in terms of power capacity, the X-tra holds 3,700 mAh, which is two times the charge of Canon’s LP-E6. Previously the only option for a double capacity battery was to use two separate batteries within a battery grip, so lots of photographers will potentially be able to eliminate an additional piece of bulky equipment. The X-tra is a full-size camera battery, similar in size to the battery found in the Canon 1DX. The physical profile of the X-tra extends just beyond the bottom of the battery compartment on compatible camera models, providing a solid grip for larger hands and a comfortable, extra secure feel.

The X-tra was designed with that common issue in mind and features a charge level indicator to help avoid dead battery headaches. Unlike other batteries that you have to load in the camera to test, the X-tra will show you just how much juice you have left quickly and easily. With the press and hold of a button, you’ll be able to see just how much charge the X-tra still has with up to four illuminated indicators, saving you time and irritation.

For the times when you need to have your camera in constant operation beyond the life of a single battery, no matter how big its capacity, you can plug the X-tra into another source of external power via USB-C connection. Planning on shooting a 12-hour time-lapse? The X-tra has you covered with direct charging, no battery swaps necessary. Whether you plug into a wall outlet, a car charger, or another larger battery, you have the flexibility to keep shooting for long periods of time.

Another cool feature is the option to plug peripheral gear and accessories into the X-tra battery even while it’s in use by your camera. Using a cold-shoe LED light that requires an external power source? Plug it into the X-tra via the USB-C port and you’ll be able to power both your camera and light simultaneously. This will be a great space saver for photographers and videographers alike. Whether you’re using a powered gimbal, a microphone, or other peripheral gear, you’ll be able to provide power seamlessly as you work.

The X-tra comes with a special fast-charging case which serves two purposes. First, it allows you to charge your X-tra battery surprisingly quickly via USB-C. Second, the X-tra battery can be used as a power bank for any device when mounted in the charging case, so you can even recharge your phone on the fly.

The X-tra is currently compatible with the following cameras by Canon, Sony, and Blackmagic with planned Nikon availability coming soon:

- Canon: eos R, eos R5, eos R6, 5D IV, 5D III, 5D II, 5Ds R, 5Ds, 6D, 6D II, 7D, 7D II, 90D, 80D, 70D, 60D
- Sony: α7 III, α7R III, α7R IV, α7S III, α6600
- Nikon: z6, z6 II, z7, z7II, Z50, D500, D600, D610, D750, D780, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7500, D800, D800E, D810, D810A, D850, P520, P530, V1
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6K

It's as if nobody had ever invented a battery grip. I guess I don't get the need for this when it only doubles your capacity and that's more elegantly achieved with a traditional fitted battery grip.

gonzogolf wrote in post #19154298
It's as if nobody had ever invented a battery grip. I guess I don't get the need for this when it only doubles your capacity and that's more elegantly achieved with a traditional fitted battery grip.

They say its bigger capacity (2x LP-E6N), smaller form factor (less bulk than a battery grip), its a power bank where it can power other devices such as lights, and a hand grip.

gonzogolf wrote in post #19154298
It's as if nobody had ever invented a battery grip. I guess I don't get the need for this when it only doubles your capacity and that's more elegantly achieved with a traditional fitted battery grip.

Understandable, but at the same time, there are those of us
who do NOT want the overall extra bulk a typical battery grip adds.
I, for one, certainly do not like the overall size/weight of the 1D series,
preferring an overall smaller body.

My 50D was purchased used, and the seller included a battery grip.
I hated the additional bulk after just one use, and it never
went back on the camera again.

This X-tra battery would be of use for those like me
in the case of using LiveView frequently, as an example.
The built-in USB jack would also be slick for extended
timelapse or other automated stuff with Magic Lantern.

I contacted them about reviewing it. They provided me with contact information so we'll see...

gonzogolf wrote in post #19154298
It's as if nobody had ever invented a battery grip. I guess I don't get the need for this when it only doubles your capacity and that's more elegantly achieved with a traditional fitted battery grip.

SkedAddled wrote in post #19154439
Understandable, but at the same time, there are those of us
who do NOT want the overall extra bulk a typical battery grip adds.
I, for one, certainly do not like the overall size/weight of the 1D series,
preferring an overall smaller body.

My 50D was purchased used, and the seller included a battery grip.
I hated the additional bulk after just one use, and it never
went back on the camera again.

This X-tra battery would be of use for those like me
in the case of using LiveView frequently, as an example.
The built-in USB jack would also be slick for extended
timelapse or other automated stuff with Magic Lantern.

I had my first battery grip about 15 years ago for my then 20D body. I didn't mind the look of it and the feel of it in my hand, but after using it for just a little while, I couldn't live with its bulkiness and the extra weight, so I sold it. Haven't used a battery grip since. I'm excited about this new development that offers about the same battery duration as a battery grip but without the extra weight and bulkiness. For Speedlite flashes, 4 "AA" battery cells have been used for decades; then, this single square cell Li-ion battery came along with longer lasting, more flash pops and faster recycle time. I immediately changed all of my Speedlite flashes for Flashpoint Zoom Li-on flashes that use these new single square cells and couldn't be happier. No more fumbling around with a bunch of loose "AA" cells and frequent changing out routines. No more attaching a receiver unit with its built in receiver, either. This new X-tra kickstarter project brings me the same excitement.

I agree with you, SYS. I tried a battery grip on my now-gone 50D, and other than one airshow, it was more hindrance than help.
This new product is very clever, and interesting !

Could’ve used these on a recent trip to Africa. I primarily use 1D bodies, unless I’m going to be hoofing it for a week in the bush, where I opt for my 5D bodies. Lighter and smaller is everything in a backpack. I hate grips...rather have a product like this 1000% times more than a bulky grip.

This is a 2020 kickstarter?

I had this 18 years ago for my Olympus C2100 UZ back in 2002.

It screwed to the tripod mount, and plugged into the camera via a cable providing power. It came with different cables for different cameras of the era. I think I finally through it out last year when I found it at the bottom of a drawer. I only actually used it two or three times. There is nothing new or kickstarter about this. I could plug one of my Godox battery packs into my camera via USB.

Oh, the one I had in 2002 cost about $30.00. I wish I could recall the brand.

I hope I'm wrong and this is more than it appears, I too dislike "battery grips"
I only keep one Portrait grip for my 5D4 for events when i am shooting 90% in portrait orientation. Otherwise the grip is home on a shelf.

mfingar wrote in post #19155995
Could’ve used these on a recent trip to Africa. I primarily use 1D bodies, unless I’m going to be hoofing it for a week in the bush, where I opt for my 5D bodies. Lighter and smaller is everything in a backpack. I hate grips...rather have a product like this 1000% times more than a bulky grip.

Yeah: Take camera use outside of the fixed studio setting, and a sudden realization
of weight/vs/performance/​vs/portability comes into the arena.

While I find this X-tra battery and its charging system to be quite expensive
compared to typical third-party offerings, it intrugues me nonetheless.
It's a battery which is double Canon's capacity, barely protrudes from
the camera body as compared to battery grips, and still costs far less
than MSRP of an OEM Canon battery grip, which are colossally overpriced.
It also wouldn't force someone to choose a more-stable tripod mount,
as I've read about some grips being less than stable.

Realistically, for shorter-term yet extended automated operations
of a camera, this battery, if proven, could show to be a boon
for the likes of Astrophotographers and Time-Lapse interests,
as well as LiveView and video shooters.

Consider the source behind the drive for it, as well:
A group of National Geographic photographers.
The photography of that caliber normally garners accolades worldwide,
so I'd like to believe they have good reason to wish for extended
battery life, and not to bilk consumers for excess cash.

While it seems initially expensive, I'd expect that if it really gets
off the ground, it'll eventually come down in cost as it penetrates
the market of third-party offerings.

On second thought, the price isn't really that bad. If it truly is double the capacity of a single OEM battery, it is also less than the cost of those two OEM batteries,. so there's that.

Sure it's pricey compared to two Wasabi, but it's affordable compared to two Canon.