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.
Learn more about the X-Tra Battery at Kickstarter
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. Because the X-tra requires the camera’s battery door to be removed, you can quickly change out batteries with one hand without fumbling with a battery compartment door. When it is time to swap batteries, it’s a super fast and easy process. Just press up on the battery to release it and replace it with a fresh one.
Unless you have a foolproof personal battery charging system (dead batteries in a certain compartment, or if the battery cap is on its charged, etc.), it’s easy to get charged batteries mixed up with dead batteries in your bag. Anyone who has ever replaced a dying battery with a dead one (it happens to me every so often), knows it’s a pain in the butt and grinds your shoot to a halt. 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 a 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.
The X-tra utilizes the same technology as Tesla in its batteries, so the batteries are durable and stable in any environmental condition. X-tra also features ultra-low internal resistance to secure voltage stability and excellent performance for extended continuous shooting. Thanks to an integrated microchip, the X-tra keeps track of when the battery is fully charged and will prevent overcharging, extending the life of the battery.
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.
Learn more about the X-Tra Battery at Kickstarter
The X-tra is currently compatible with the following cameras by Canon, Sony, and Blackmagic with planned Nikon availability coming soon:
Canon Compatibility:
- Canon EOS R
- Canon EOS R5
- Canon EOS R6
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Canon EOS 5D Mark II
- Canon EOS 5DS
- Canon EOS 5DS R
- Canon EOS 6D
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- Canon EOS 7D
- Canon EOS 7D Mark II
- Canon EOS 90D
- Canon EOS 80D
- Canon EOS 70D
- Canon EOS 60D
Sony Compatibility:
- Sony α7 III
- Sony α7R III
- Sony α7R IV
- Sony α7S III
- Sony α6600
Nikon Compatibility:
- Nikon z 6
- Nikon z 6 II
- Nikon z 7
- Nikon z 50
- Nikon D500
- Nikon D600
- Nikon D610
- Nikon D750
- Nikon D780
- Nikon D7000
- Nikon D7100
- Nikon D7200
- Nikon D7500
- Nikon D800
- Nikon D800E
- Nikon D810
- Nikon D810A
- Nikon D850
- Nikon P520
- Nikon P530
- Nikon V1
Other compatible cameras:
- Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K/6KB
In designing the X-tra it seems like they thought of everything you could possibly want or need. Get ready to pack lighter, shoot longer, and enjoy a variety of conveniences thanks to a well designed, unparalleled piece of gear.
Third party batteries always seem to not accurately report battery levels in-camera, which is the level indicator that needs to be used or else another "reboot" is needed to properly recognize.
Mirrorless with USB-C built in that allows full charging with hot swap makes this product a lot less useful.
- How is the weather sealing? Dont want to put my $4000 camera at risk.
- The mechanism, is it secure or will there be a chance it can drop out?
- Will it fit with L-plates like the 3legged things? (wont fit with the ones that are cut out specifically for the model).
- How is it with colder temeratures?
- Will it give me high speed FPS with the R5/R6 like with the new batteries?
- This is not from a reputable company/person/organization that I trust or know making things.Only 10k wanted? hmm.
For me, there are waaaay to many "might not work" on this list. Like the dragons say in the Dragon's den: "I'm out".
Nevermind that X-tra out of Los Angeles is an art journal.
The CEO and CTO are unknowns.
They have no experience with batteries.
They only want 10k, would you trust your camera with ANYTHING produced that cheaply.
They provide really nothing new that isn't out there by...reputable companies.
Their press kit is a google drive, they have no website.
Other companies look very similar, like X-tra being a part of their name....that's not these dudes.
This looks like a larger scam than the Y35 by Yashica and everyone's eating it up...again...because they didn't look into it more..
Sheesh people. Nevermind the obvious sponsered content gods involvement. This sucker is going to walk off with your money.
Seriously, I know not everyone does tech or science.... But read this. Secret Recipe? I'm literally cracking up that people will eat this up.
I mean, common people. And all this at the low budget price of 10k? Seriously... Super Secret High Tech Battery Recipe created by people that like natgeo and photography and videography in the low time of 6 months ago....with what looks like 2 eneloop pro's in a battery case in at least one of their images...
So depressing.
We are a group of photographers and engineers who are into NATGEO photography and videography. EVERYTIME we are out shooting, our packs are loaded with tons of batteries, which are heavy and annoying. What's more, for certain mirrorless cameras, such as Canon, constantly inserting every single battery in the pack to check the leftover power is really “a pain in the ass". Thus, we created the X-TRA Battery (prototype about half a year ago), which helped us a lot during the creation process - Longer Battery Life, Easier Battery Indicator, Quicker Reloading, Better Grip and Faster Charging. Now, we want to share the "Secret Recipe" with all camera fanatics and we really hope the X-TRA Battery will boost your efficiency and make each trip much easier. NEVER MISS A STUNNING MOMENT!
I'll happily get along with 2 proven LP6 N Canon batteries...
If something similar (better) were offered by Canon, why not ?
It is a good concern to be aware of. I'm a big user of external batteries for the R series cameras. I put cameras out in the woods on triggers for wildlife. Consistent power delivery is my single biggest issue. Here are the hardest issues to address:
- Battery firmware on USB batteries that goes to sleep after a certain amount of time without power draw
- Not-quite-compatible in that Canon throws up a dialog box periodically to confirm that a non-Canon battery doesn't claim to be a battery, which requires user interaction in order to continue using the camera
I currently address those issues by using very large d-tap output batteries from Indipro, which completely fixes the first issue, and works on the second issue so long as I manually answer the dialog box questions initially. Because the batteries never "sleep," the dialog box doesn't come back.
If this company has figured out those two issues, then it'll be a hit. I will wait until it releases to find out before purchase, though. I have a boatload of batteries already whose firmware makes them not too useful for my purposes.
I'm doing an article on all of this in a few months, after the winter field season (porcupines and bobcats).
I'm looking for similar products at this time, could you name a couple?
The fact that I could power other devices on the camera is also realy great!
Count me in if this actualy arrives!