ZGCINE has recently introduced a new sharkfin V-mount plate, the VM-HS2. It allows you to use two micro V-mount batteries to power your camera rig and offers hot-swap capabilities to reduce downtime on set. It is now available for $179. Let’s take a closer look!We first heard of the Chinese brand ZGCINE back in 2022 when the company launched their ZG-V series of pocket-sized V-mount batteries. Over time, their offering grew to include even more power solutions, like their NPF-02 Multipurpose Power Adapter or the MD-P4 D-Tap splitter with rotatable connector.However, oftentimes, using a single V-mount battery is not ideal, and you want to rely on a hot-swappable power solution to keep your camera running without having to turn it off and then back on. And here’s where a sharkfin plate can come in handy!ZGCINE VM-HS2 – featuresThe ZGCINE VM-HS2 is a V-mount battery plate with a “sharkfin” design, meaning it has two slots to accommodate two V-mount bricks. These can be hot-swapped to continuously power your camera and accessories, and the plate automatically chooses whether it’s better to use the two batteries simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the power load.ZGCINE VM-HS2 Hot-Swap Sharkfin Dual Micro V-Mount Battery Plate. Source: ZGCINEThe plate weighs approximately 520g/1.14lbs. and is 80mm wide, 110mm tall (119mm when attaching the included 15mm dual rod clamp at the bottom), and 120mm long. Also, keep in mind that this model is meant for use with micro V-mount batteries, so full-sized bricks won’t fit. I couldn’t find any figures on the maximum size for micro V-mount batteries, but ZGCINE claims that the plate is compatible with “most V-mount batteries on the market”.ZGCINE VM-HS2 Hot-Swap Sharkfin Dual Micro V-Mount Battery Plate. Source: ZGCINEOn top of the hot-swap capabilities, the plate is populated with a large number of outputs to supply power to camera accessories, such as monitors, wireless video transmitters, or follow-focus motors, for example. These include:1x USB-C PD (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 12V/3A, 15V/3A, 20V/5A)2x 2-pin LEMO ports (14.8V/6A)4x D-Tap ports (14.8V/10A)ZGCINE VM-HS2 power outputs. Source: ZGCINEMoreover, there’s an on/off switch on the left side of the plate to cut power to the camera and accessories, plus the device is claimed to feature short circuit, current, and voltage protection.ZGCINE VM-HS2 Hot-Swap Sharkfin Dual Micro V-Mount Battery Plate. Source: ZGCINEFinally, the plate has ten 1/4”-20 mounting points (2 at the top, 3 at the back, and 5 at the bottom). This means that it can be attached straight to your cinema camera’s V-mount for direct power, but it can also be mounted on rods using the included 15mm dual rod clamp, which can be useful when working with a DSLR/mirrorless rig.ZGCINE VM-HS2 mounted on 15mm rods. Source: ZGCINEPrice and availabilityThe new ZGCINE VM-HS2 Hot-Swap Sharkfin Dual Micro V-Mount Battery Plate is now available to purchase from the manufacturer’s website. It retails for $179. The plate comes with a USB-C cable, a dual 15mm rod clamp, and a hex screw.For more information, please visit ZGCINE’s website here.Do you often use a sharkfin plate? What do you think of this solution by ZGCINE? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
