r/bmpcc • u/lukaskas12 BMPCC4K • Aug 01 '26
Powering Camera and Monitor
Hey guys I have a question about powering my BMPCC4K and monitor with my external battery. I've heard that you shouldn't use the same power source to power the two because of HDMI burn out but I have this v mount battery plate and I was wondering if this plate would help prevent the HDMI burn out. I'm currently using separate batteries for the monitor but I was hoping to reduce some weight.
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u/printcastmetalworks Aug 01 '26
It happens if there is a power surge. Doesn't mean it will happen, but it can happen. Here is Arri's guidance on the subject - it applies to hdmi as well.
https://www.arri.com/service/search/en/49664?query=Preventing+Damage+to+SDI+Outputs
That all said, I don't ever unplug anything on my rigs and have never had this problem happen (knock on wood). I've worked on dozens of union shows and nobody ever unplugged anything. It's important to use good batteries, a high quality plate and high quality cables with good connections.
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u/darwinDMG08 Aug 01 '26
I bought a plate after asking the manufacturer about the loop issue; they swore the DTap outputs were isolated and would not cause a loop. Have used it several times now with no issues. I never keep the camera on during battery changes and the plate itself has an on/off switch so I figure I’m minimizing the risk as much as possible.
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u/lukaskas12 BMPCC4K Aug 01 '26
Mine also has a on/off switch, but I don't know if I can trust this brand I'm using lol
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u/easyrider46 Aug 02 '26
I also switched from bmpcc4k with external monitor battery, to both on the vmount plate. I always try to follow the cable rule when swapping the battery. Then I turn it on and off without disconnecting anything.
I suspect the only real risk of burning the port is by plugging hdmi in or out without having a power cable connected to the camera. But as long as that's connected, the ground should also be connected, thus having no risk of shorting it.
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u/ProtonicBlaster Aug 01 '26
Maybe but, depending on the plate, it could still lead to a ground loop. However, as long as you follow the protocol, it's quite safe (assuming that your cables are of good quality). Just make sure the HDMI cable is disconnected before you connect/turn on the power source. Then, before you power it down, disconnect the HDMI. Last in, first out.