IDX E-HL9 Battery review

Bob Pank#

Author: Bob Pank#

Published 1st January 2015


Author: Jon Boast
Manufacturer: IDX
Model: E-HL9 Battery
Short Description: 88Wh Li-ion V-Mount High Load Battery with PowerLink & Digi-View.
Why was it needed and what did it replace: I'd had my IDX E-10 batteries for a long time and so I needed to re-invest in new batteries to power my cameras, monitor and glidecam.
What other systems did you consider? I considered Anton Bauer, Hawks Wood and Pag systems
Why did you choose it? I have always been impressed by IDX products and their range of accessories, and being able to piggy back these batteries was still a big attraction. V-lock is also the standard connection on so many industry products, particularly cameras; so in my opinion why use another system where adaptor plates are needed? Give yourself more options on location!
Did you buy new or used? New.
Who did you buy it from (direct from manufacturer or through a dealer)? I obtained my batteries at the time direct through IDX which isn't normal, and was lucky enough to get the first supply of UK E-HL9 when they came out.
What price did you pay? Approx. £350 per battery (6 Batts)
Were you happy with the sales service? I have a very good relationship with IDX and amvery impressed with their support.
What major projects have you used it (or plan to use it) for? I use these batteries on a daily basis, along with some of my older E10 batteries which I kept I have a kit totalling 8. I regularly use them on my HDCAM and XDCAM cameras, Glidecam, transvideo monitor and recently Canon 5D; across a variety of shows.
Does it perform as expected? They perform better than expected. I know that the HDCAM HDW750 is a power heavy camera and I get about 3 hours from one battery with the camera in standby, often powering a Litepanel, 2.4G transmitter and sometime my soundman's wireless kit. I was skeptical as these batteries are 88Wh, compared to 98Wh of the E10; however I think these are generally a more hardy cell.
Pro's: They are V-lock, considered by many to be the industry standard power connection. The piggy back power link is often invaluable for powering the camera for long periods or swapping a battery whilst still shooting. The batteries hold a lot of information about charge cycles, capacity etc etc
Con's: I would say the only Con is the lower watt-hour compared to the IDX E10, but I can't say I have noticed a massive difference!
What would your brief summary be on this product? A battery system which has already a good industry reputation, and now made with hard wearing cells, so hopefully I will get more life from these in the long run. Since their release many years ago, this battery system has very much become an industry leader as far as I can see and hopefully these Endura HL9 will keep the same reputation.

Jon Boast is a London based Freelance Lighting Cameraman, with extensive HD and SD kit, lighting and support.

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