Sony NPFZ100.CE Z Series Rechargeable Battery Pack - Black

Product Information

Thanks to the UK going into lockdown, we have only used them for one wedding so the batteries have only been charged once. While it might not sound like much, it translated to around 20 more photos in our shoot or extended the video recording time by roughly 5 minutes. It just saves me time later in the day and removes the risk of me getting caught out when I'm trying to capture the perfect moment between the bride and groom!

In terms of doing what it’s supposed to, the SmallRig NP-FZ100 certainly ticks all the boxes and then some. The 2400mAh capacity, slightly higher than the Sony original, helps to extend shooting capabilities, allowing a few extra shots or minutes of video. Camera/USB selector enables switching between DC OUT destinations to let you choose to supply electrical power to either the camera body or other electronic devices connected via USB ports. Let's just say over the years I've learned that third party manufacturers can be 'generous' with their estimates.As I have mentioned though, our desire for longer battery life outweighs the extra cost we need to spend on the Sony batteries. When it comes to the extra 120mAh do make a difference, that 5% additional capacity which equates to roughly the same in recording time.

While only slightly higher than the Sony NP-FZ100’s 2280mAh, those extra 120mAh can make a difference during extended photo sessions or while filming. This battery adaptor provides three screw sockets on both top and bottom of the unit (a total of 6 sockets), allowing a flexible rig setup using a mounting plate and screws. However, where the SmallRig version excels is in its higher 2400mAh capacity, compared to the 2280mAh found in Sony’s own NP-FZ100, offering extra minutes for both video and stills. The way I conducted the test was firstly to completely drain both batteries by simply recording 4K video until both were exhausted. This battery adaptor can quickly charge up to four NP-FZ100 Z-series batteries via AC adaptor within about 480 minutes .First, the Direct USB Type-C charging is one of the biggest innovations for this battery type that I have come across. To make things as fair as possible, I used the same settings on both cameras, same memory card without any lenses attached. It would take a very brave (or foolish) person to let the battery indicator drop to below 0 and keep shooting.

So if you want to have minimum battery changes, the least amount of batteries to charge before a wedding then your choice is clear. Sony has confirmed that counterfeit rechargeable battery packs “NP-FZ100” are being sold, which bear the Sony logo and look very similar to the genuine Sony battery pack.

One of the biggest criticisms of early Sony mirrorless cameras was the fact the NP-FW50 battery did not have enough capacity for professional wedding photographers and videographers. This isn’t just a gimmicky add-on, and actually, from the outset that’s obvious; it’s a practical benefit that streamlines your workflow. This feature isn’t a gimmick; it allows you to connect the battery to any compatible power source, such as a BLUETTI AC180 power station, UGREEN 145W power bank or laptop, and reach a full charge in approximately two and a half hours. In our tests, the battery went from zero to full charge in roughly 2 hours 30 minutes when plugged into a UGREEN 145W power bank. SmallRig’s NP-FZ100 battery for Sony arrives as a direct replacement for the Sony NP-FZ100; however, unlike many other third-party replacements, the SmallRig offering betters the original in every way.

A point to note is that, unlike some other third-party batteries, you won’t get the warning messages that can often plague other brands. It slots into the camera, in this case, a Sony A7 III, as you’d expect, with the dimensions and designs exactly matching that of the branded version. Personally I think I'd rather just pay a bit more and have the longer life of an original Sony battery. I'd be nervously looking at the meter and fretting during groups and couples portraits about the remaining capacity.Sony cannot take responsibility product faults which may occur due to the use of counterfeit rechargeable battery packs. Genuine Sony lithium ion rechargeable battery pack as used in the Sony Alpha A7 Mark III, A7R Mark III and A9 digital camera models. The sticker on the Powerextra had quite a lofty claim of 2500mAh capacity, more than the Sony's claimed 2280mAh. In addition, please be aware that Sony will not exchange any counterfeit products for genuine ones, or repair any counterfeit products.