B-Mount

Representation of the battery plate, a 24 volt camera and a lighting system.

24 V open-standard battery system

The B-Mount battery interface is an open industry standard endorsed by ARRI and the wider industry. Providing high-capacity 24 V power, but also able to support 12 V, B-Mount offers more efficiency and improved data communication over previous systems. Cross-compatible with camera, lighting, and stabilizer equipment from manufacturers worldwide, it enables productions to streamline their power requirements.

B-Mount offers decisive advantages

Anton Bauer battery represented at ARRI lighting and camera products.

One solution for all

One industry standard for cameras, lights and stabilizers
Worldwide availability of B-Mount batteries from multiple manufacturers
Adaptable to existing products and battery standards
Brand agnostic, with tech spec standards published openly
B-Mount products available from most major equipment manufacturers

Camera battery supply on ARRI camera in action.

Rock-solid mounting interface

Adapting to the new industry standard of 24 V
Sturdy connection to cameras and lights
Designed for camera operators who grip the battery
Side-loading interface for easier on-set workflows
One-handed release operation
Resistant to vibrations on stabilizer rigs

24 volt camera system in close-up during usage.

High-powered and efficient

High-power specification for next-gen cameras and LED lighting
Future-proof for on-set power needs, specified to a minimum of 15 A at 24 V
24 V allows for more efficient power delivery and compact product design
12/24 V bi-voltage batteries support adapting to V-Mount or Gold Mount
Robust electrical contacts avoid damage to contact blocks

battery plate being used on camera by third party.

Next-gen data and diagnostics

Advanced SMBUS communication
Accurate information on run time and charge time, even with stackable batteries
Battery identification in camera metadata
Battery max. load info avoids overload shutdown of camera equipment
Fleet management diagnostics ensure quality control for rental houses

camera battery supply lies on the table.

Ideal for compact camera setups

Smaller mounting interface allows use with more compact devices and accessories than existing 12 V systems
Release mechanics are now inside the battery, resulting in a thinner battery plate design
Batteries that support bi-voltage can be adapted to V-Mount or Gold-Mount 12 V

B-Mount explained

ARRI TechTalk about the B-mount (camera battery supply) with Sean.

Major players back B-Mount

Leading battery manufacturers have got behind the B-Mount system, ensuring it becomes an international industry standard.

FAQ

Today’s 12 V Lithium-ion batteries read 14.4 V nominal with 4s designs (using four cells in series in the battery pack). 24 V Lithium-ion batteries read 26.5 V nominal with 7s designs and 28.8 V nominal with 8s designs.

Yes, all existing ARRI digital cameras are compatible with the 24 V B-Mount battery system. A list of B-Mount power plates for cameras is available below.

No, most B-Mount batteries will only deliver 24 V. Some manufacturers may choose to offer batteries supporting both 12 V and 24 V for further compatibility with legacy products.

Yes, any 24 V B-Mount battery can power any 24 V device with a B-Mount power plate, regardless of the manufacturer.

No, while all B-Mount devices share the same mechanical interfaces, different battery manufacturers may use different methods to charge the batteries. Therefore, B-Mount batteries and B-Mount charger should be from the same manufacturer or designed to be used together. This is the case currently with traditional 12 V systems as well.

Some manufacturers offer 12 V B-Mount power plates, which will only pass 12 V through from the battery to your device. A dual-voltage B-Mount battery that supports 12 V and 24 V is necessary to do this; a 24 V-only B-Mount battery will not deliver power on a 12 V power plate, for safety reasons.

B-Mount 24 V batteries come in different designs, with different power capabilities. However, B-Mount is specified to a minimum of 15 A at 24 V.

The SkyPanel B-Mount battery adapter plate with one 24 V B-Mount battery can power SkyPanel S30, S60 or S120 lights. The S60 and S120 draw half their normal power when using a battery instead of a power supply unit, and the maximum brightness is lower. However, the S30 can run at full power draw and brightness with a B-Mount battery.

Not now, but later. With the current B-Mount single-battery adapter, the output of 24 V is not enough to power up Orbiter. ARRI is planning another B-Mount battery adapter that takes two B-mount batteries and will power the Orbiter, as well as the SkyPanel S60 and S120 at full power.

Become part of the new standard

If you are a manufacturer of cinema equipment, batteries or accessories and would like to be a part of the B-Mount revolution, then we would love to share all the details with you.