I'm sure some of you have been there before: that little red battery indicator has been blinking for quite some time, but for one reason or another, you're nowhere near your DSLR batteries. Especially with live shooting, sometimes things happen fast, and you never want to be left wondering where your other batteries are. That's where Rhino -- maker of the successful Rhino Slider and Camera Stabilizer -- comes in with a battery holster that is designed to take 2 Canon LP-E6 batteries and help ensure that you've got batteries easily and painlessly accessible. Check out the Kickstarter launch video:
If you're wondering how the batteries don't fly out of the holster, here is an image showing the latch that holds them in place:
The batteries are held in place by 2 small ridges that they pass over when being pushed in. The holster design includes an adjustable tensioner that allows you to lock the batteries down as tight or as loose as you'd like depending on what you’re shooting.
I think for those who don't want to use battery grips or would rather not have 4 or 5 batteries rattling around in their pocket with the potential to fall out (I've done this more times than I can remember), this is a great idea. I actually think this is really useful even if you are planning on putting them in your pocket, as it is an easy way to differentiate between batteries that are ful and those that are empty or partially discharged. You could keep the charged batteries in a holster or multiple holsters, and stick the drained batteries in a bag or your pocket, whatever works for the situation.
While I see this being fantastic for live shoots which tend to be unpredictable and chaotic, this could also be good for ACs working on a film shoot who would like to keep their batteries readily available at a moment's notice. Everything that saves time on set is helpful, and with the holster you could have quicker and easier battery changes.
Right now the Rhino Battery Holster is made to work with Canon LP-E6 batteries, which includes cameras like the Canon 5D Mark II, 5D Mark III, 7D, 6D, & 60D. If they raise over $75,000, they will add a holster that takes a different type of battery -- and will continue doing that for each additional $50,000 they raise (you can vote on which ones over on the Kickstarter page). A single holster is $25, and the rewards go up to $100 which includes 5 holsters, two carabiners, and an exclusive invite to the Rhino Tribe:
Rhino Tribe will be a major part of our new website which is launching in a few months. It will be a place where devoted Rhino fans have access to:
- Pro-Deals from other camera gear makers
- Discounts on Rhino Camera Gear apparel
- Temporary promotions on Rhino Camera Gear products
- Google Hangouts for Rhino Product Design meetings
- Rhino Sponsored Events and After-Parties
- Portal to promote Rhino Camera Gear and earn 20% commission to spend on Rhino Camera Gear products
Speaking of Rhino, the Rhino Slider is now back in stock, so if you've been looking at purchasing one and didn't get in during the Kickstarter, head on over to the Rhino Gear website.
Links:
- Rhino Battery Holster -- Kickstarter
- Rhino Camera Gear
Disclosure: Rhino is a No Film School advertiser.
