At IBC 2025, SWIT unveiled its new PowerCell series of camera batteries, aiming to deliver top-tier reliability at a fraction of OEM prices cined.com cined.com. These batteries – built for popular Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm cameras – pack premium Panasonic cells, USB-C charging, and LED power gauges. Early reactions from filmmakers have been enthusiastic, seeing PowerCells as a long-awaited dependable third-party alternative to expensive original packs. In this report, we’ll break down what makes SWIT’s PowerCells innovative, how they stack up against industry mainstays like Anton/Bauer, Core SWX, and IDX, and what this launch says about broader battery tech trends.
PowerCell Series – What’s New and Innovative?
SWIT’s PowerCell range introduces a host of pro-level features in the familiar form factor of OEM camera batteries. Here are the major innovations and technical highlights:
- OEM-Grade Cells & Performance: Each PowerCell uses the exact same class of Panasonic lithium-ion cells as the manufacturer’s own batteries, delivering identical performance and reliability to OEM packsswit.cc. This means high capacity (7.2V, ~2200mAh or ~16 Wh, similar to top OEM models) and the ability to sustain high current draws for 4K video and rapid-fire shooting without voltage drops newsshooter.com. By using premium cells, SWIT targets a long lifespan, consistent output, and improved safety, avoiding the performance sag or swollen cells often seen in cheap knock-offs cined.com.
- “No-Surprises” Power Management: The PowerCell design provides a smoother discharge curve to prevent the sudden camera shutdowns that plague inferior third-party batteries cined.com. They are engineered so your camera’s battery meter remains accurate throughout the shoot. In fact, SWIT ensures the discharge profile mirrors the original, which lets the camera precisely display remaining runtime and percentage, just as it would with an OEM pack newsshooter.com. In short, you get dependable, predictable power until the last drop.
- Built-in USB-C Charging: Each PowerCell battery features a USB-C port for direct charging cined.com. This seemingly simple addition is a game-changer: you can top up the battery anywhere with a common USB-C phone charger, laptop adapter, power bank, or even from a larger USB-C V-mount battery newsshooter.com. No proprietary charger needed on the road. As CineD’s Dave Kratz noted, after years of using USB charging on pro batteries, he now views it as “a basic necessity” and a “game-changer” – not having to lug a bulky dual charger has transformed his workflow cined.com. SWIT is clearly embracing this modern convenience (and yes, you can still use your camera’s original charger or dock if you prefer newsshooter.com).
- LED Status Gauge & One-Touch Check: Every PowerCell incorporates a 4-level LED power indicator and a touch-sensitive “Power Check” button right on the battery newsshooter.com. With a tap, you can instantly see the charge level (25/50/75/100%) at a glance – no need to pop the battery into a camera or charger to gauge remaining juice. Newsshooter’s Matt Allard, an industry DP, praised this, saying “what is great to see is that all of the batteries feature a 4-level LED power indicator” for quick status checks on set newsshooter.com. This is a feature normally found on high-end cinema V-mount batteries, now in your small mirrorless packs.
- Seamless Camera Compatibility: The initial PowerCell lineup covers four of the most widely-used camera battery formats: Sony NP-FZ100 (used in Alpha 7/9 series and FX3/FX30), Canon LP-E6NH (EOS R5/R6/R7, C70, etc.), Nikon EN-EL15c (Z5–Z8, D850, etc.), and Fujifilm NP-W235 (X-T4/T5, GFX 100S series) cined.com. In other words, SWIT picked the bread-and-butter batteries of mirrorless and DSLR video shooters. Each model is fully compatible with its camera’s battery communication – no warning messages, and accurate percentage readouts just like the original. Even the physical fit is perfected: they slide into the camera and work with original charging cradles and grip systems newsshooter.com. SWIT has essentially reverse-engineered the OEM packs to behave indistinguishably in the camera, but with extra features layered on.
- Hot-Swapping & Flexibility: Because these batteries mimic the originals electrically, you can mix and match with genuine packs in multi-battery setups. For example, some filmmakers at IBC noted you could use a SWIT PowerCell in-camera as a backup while running an external V-mount – if the external is removed, the PowerCell can keep the camera running as a “hot-swap” bridge for up to ~30 minutes, allowing you to swap big bricks without stopping recording. SWIT even highlighted that the Fuji NP-W235 PowerCell enabled hot-swapping with a V-mount on certain rigs instagram.com. This hybrid power approach, combining internal and external batteries, gives shooters maximum flexibility on long shoots.
In short, the PowerCell series is all about combining the dependability of OEM batteries with the clever features of modern pro batteries. Premium cells, smart power electronics, universal charging, and status displays – it’s a compelling upgrade for anyone who’s been making do with stock batteries or bargain-bin spares.
How Does SWIT PowerCell Stack Up Against Anton/Bauer, Core SWX & IDX?
SWIT is entering a battery arena long dominated by brands like Anton/Bauer, Core SWX, and IDX, which set the standard for professional camera power. However, those brands are best known for V-mount and Gold Mount battery systems on larger cinema cameras. How do SWIT’s small PowerCells compare to the big boys’ offerings? Let’s break it down by key factors:
Performance & Reliability
When it comes to raw performance, SWIT’s PowerCells hold their own remarkably well – within their category. At ~16 Wh (7.2V, 2200 mAh), their capacity is on par with or slightly above the latest genuine batteries from Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc. This is plenty for typical mirrorless shooting sessions (for example, an NP-FZ100 around 16 Wh can get an hour or more of 4K recording on a Sony A7S III). By contrast, the major competitors mostly offer larger brick batteries – e.g. Anton/Bauer’s popular Titon series ranges from ~45 Wh Micro cubes to 150+ Wh bricks, Core SWX sells 49 Wh “Powerbase” packs and 98 Wh+ V-mounts, and IDX’s V-mounts commonly come in 98 Wh or 146 Wh sizes. Those obviously last much longer, but they are meant for bigger cameras or rigs. For the small-camera user, SWIT’s approach is more about making each individual battery as reliable as possible, even if you’ll need to carry a few spares for a full day’s shoot.
In terms of reliability, SWIT is explicitly chasing the standard set by Anton/Bauer and IDX – brands known for batteries that “just don’t quit” on set. PowerCell’s use of top-tier Panasonic cells and thorough engineering is meant to give “OEM-level reliability” cined.com, meaning the batteries should perform consistently over many charge cycles, hold up under high load, and not trigger error codes in cameras. Anton/Bauer has built its reputation over decades by using premium Japanese cells and robust design; SWIT is aiming to match that pedigree in miniaturized form. Notably, SWIT claims its batteries avoid sudden drop-offs and provide accurate runtime info, which has been a hallmark of Anton/Bauer’s and IDX’s “smart” batteries (those often use SMBus or similar communication to report to cameras/chargers cined.com). In fact, Core SWX’s new XCell micro batteries even support SMBus data to show percentage on RED camera displays cined.com – and SWIT’s mirrorless packs essentially do the same within Sony/Canon/etc cameras’ info screens cined.com.
A common saying in the industry is “productions run on power – if your batteries fail, your set stops” provideocoalition.com. Anton/Bauer’s Andrew Hutton used those exact words at IBC, underlining why high reliability is non-negotiable for pros. The established brands maintain strict quality control and often have built-in protections (temperature, overload, etc.). SWIT is clearly mindful of this; by using the same cell chemistry as OEM and adding protections, they aim to ensure a PowerCell is just as trustworthy for critical shoots. Time will tell if they truly match the legendary reliability of an Anton/Bauer – but early impressions at IBC were positive, with SWIT reporting “excitement and feedback” from the filmmaking community that validated their reliability claimsswit.cc. For a first-generation product, that’s a strong start.
Design & Usability
There’s a stark design contrast between SWIT’s PowerCells and the typical Anton/Bauer, Core, or IDX battery – simply due to size. The PowerCells are small, camera-slotting batteries that keep your setup compact. Competitors primarily offer external battery solutions for small cameras: for example, Anton/Bauer’s Titon Base is a flat, camera-bottom 68 Wh battery plate, and Core SWX’s PowerBase Edge is a similar idea – these attach to the camera rig and connect via a dummy battery cable. Those provide much longer run times, but they add bulk and weight to mirrorless rigs (the Titon Base weighs around 1.4 lbs/635g for 68 Wh). In contrast, a single SWIT PowerCell weighs only on the order of ~80–90 grams (similar to an OEM LP-E6 or NP-FZ100) – essentially negligible on a gimbal, drone, or handheld setup. Portability is a big win for SWIT here: you can pocket a few spares and still travel light, whereas hauling a couple of 98 Wh bricks and a plate is a more deliberate commitment.
From a usability standpoint, SWIT’s design strategy is about simplicity and integration. You use these exactly like the original batteries – slide in, no cables, and now you even get to charge them with the same USB-C charger as your phone. This is incredibly convenient for solo shooters, travel vloggers, or anyone without the budget/space for a multi-battery charging station. By contrast, the traditional pro batteries from Anton/Bauer or IDX often require dedicated chargers (which can be large and costly), unless they support onboard charging via D-Tap or USB. Interestingly, even the big players are moving toward more flexible charging: Core SWX’s latest offerings include USB-C PD ports and even magnetic stack charging – their new NANOX series batteries allow you to snap multiple packs together and charge them all from one USB-C adapter, “no need for a charger… just a 65W USB-C adapter and cable” newsshooter.com. That’s very much in the spirit of what SWIT is doing – making charging more universal. The difference is Core’s solution targets higher-capacity camcorder batteries (like Canon BPA and Sony BP-U types) and uses a fancy magnetic connector, whereas SWIT’s uses the humble USB-C on each small battery. For the end user, both approaches mean less proprietary gear to carry and more adaptability on location.
In terms of design features, SWIT has brought some high-end touches into the small form factor, as noted. The LED gauge and check button on each PowerCell is something you’ll also find on many Anton/Bauer and IDX bricks – typically a 4 or 5 LED meter you press to see charge. Seeing it on tiny mirrorless batteries is new, and very welcomed by users who can now verify battery status in the bag at a glance. Core SWX even went a step further with their latest micro batteries by adding OLED screens that can display percentage and even custom logos cined.com. While the PowerCells don’t have an OLED readout, their simple LED approach is likely more than sufficient for most – and importantly, it doesn’t compromise size or robustness (an OLED might be more fragile and power-draining on a small pack). Matt Allard’s reaction sums it up: it’s “great to see” such features trickling down to everyday gear newsshooter.com.
Another design aspect is the multiple output ports found on larger batteries versus the single-purpose nature of camera-internal batteries. High-end batteries often feature D-Tap (P-Tap) ports, USB outputs, and even regulated outputs at various voltages. For instance, Core’s XCell micro V-mounts include USB-C PD, USB-A, D-Tap, and even 8V/12V barrel outputs built right into the battery cined.com. That effectively turns a battery into a mini power hub for accessories (monitor, follow focus, phone charging, etc.). SWIT’s PowerCells, being so small, do not provide extra outputs – the USB-C is for charging into the battery only (they are not designed to be power banks for other devices). If you need to power multiple accessories on a rig, a traditional big battery solution still wins. However, for many mirrorless shooters, accessories can also be powered from the camera or separate small batteries. SWIT prioritized keeping the battery as a seamless part of the camera rather than an external power distro. That means a cleaner, cable-free setup – again, ideal for gimbal work or when trying to maintain the camera’s original ergonomics.
In summary, SWIT’s design ethos with PowerCell is plug-and-play simplicity, whereas the legacy competitors focus on expandability and rig integration. Neither approach is “better” universally; it depends on the user. If you’re a solo operator or a traveler wanting minimal fuss, PowerCells are extremely user-friendly. If you’re building out a cine rig with monitors, wireless video, motors – a beefier Anton/Bauer or Core battery with multiple taps might still be necessary. SWIT is essentially filling the gap between cheap, featureless third-party batteries and the advanced but bulky pro batteries.
Weight & Form Factor
We touched on weight above, but let’s emphasize: one of the biggest advantages of the PowerCell series is the lightweight, internal form factor. These batteries reside inside the camera battery compartment. For cinematographers used to strapping bricks onto their rig, going back to an internal battery (even a souped-up one like PowerCell) can feel liberating in terms of balance and agility. On a small mirrorless body, using a V-mount battery often means rigging up a plate, adding a bunch of weight that counteracts the point of a compact camera. With PowerCells, you keep the camera’s footprint small.
Each PowerCell model is tailored to its camera’s dimensions, so there’s no size penalty for the added tech – they fit flush just like the originals. SWIT managed to include the USB port and LEDs without making the batteries noticeably larger. By comparison, Anton/Bauer’s Titon Micro 45 (a 45 Wh mini V-mount) is indeed “micro” for a V-mount but still measures around 4 inches long and weighs ~1 pound. It’s great on a cinema camera or in a tight spot, but it’s overkill for a mirrorless that can only accept power via its small DC input or dummy battery.
IDX’s closest analog might be their SSL series or Sony L-series batteries that they produce for monitors – those are smaller bricks. But even those (for example IDX’s SSL-B50 48Wh) are physically much larger than an LP-E6 battery and weigh a few hundred grams. Again, a different class of device.
The bottom line on weight/size: If you want to keep your kit as light as possible and avoid external mounting, SWIT PowerCells are in a league of their own because they operate within the camera’s native battery slot. For news shooters, documentarians, or indie filmmakers who value a low-profile setup (say, for shooting in crowded events or on the street), not having a conspicuous battery pack hanging off can be beneficial. The trade-off is capacity – 16 Wh can only defy physics so much. But since SWIT’s solution is to offer them at low cost, you can carry multiple spares and swap as needed (they charge relatively fast over USB-C, so you could even recharge one from a power bank in your pocket while shooting with another).
Compatibility & Cross-System Use
One area worth comparing is system compatibility. SWIT specifically targeted four battery types, effectively dedicating each PowerCell model to a certain ecosystem (Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fuji for now). If you shoot on multiple camera brands, you’d need the respective PowerCell for each (e.g. an NP-FZ100 model for your Sony A7 and an LP-E6NH model for your Canon C70). The major battery makers, on the other hand, often provide universal solutions. For example, an Anton/Bauer Titon or an IDX V-mount can power anything via the appropriate adapter – you can use the same brick to run a RED camera, a Blackmagic, or even a DSLR (via a D-Tap to dummy battery cable). That universality is why V-mount/Gold Mount systems remain popular in pro circles: you invest in one set of batteries that you can adapt to all your gear.
SWIT is coming from a different angle: rather than one big battery with many adapters, they offer dedicated batteries for each device. There’s strength in this approach too: by being purpose-built, each PowerCell speaks the “language” of its camera perfectly. They communicate with the camera for charge status, and physically lock in without any cables. There’s no chance of a cable pulling out or an adapter failing – a risk when using dummy battery cables with V-mounts. It’s also a cleaner look on smaller cameras. If you primarily stick to one camera system, grabbing a half-dozen PowerCells for that system might be more practical than rigging it for external power.
That said, for multi-camera shoots or rental houses, having brand-specific batteries could be seen as a drawback compared to a common V-mount fleet. This is where compatibility with chargers and accessories comes in: SWIT made sure that their packs work with original chargers and grips newsshooter.com. So a Canon user can pop a PowerCell into a Canon dual charger or a camera battery grip and it will function normally. No need to buy a “SWIT charger” (in fact, one doesn’t seem to exist – USB-C covers the charging needs). This is great for compatibility within each brand’s ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the big pro batteries use standardized mounts (V-lock, Gold mount) and often smart protocols. IDX and Anton/Bauer pioneered the idea of batteries and cameras talking to each other (e.g., Anton/Bauer’s batteries and many camcorders communicate to display exact minutes remaining in-camera). In the mirrorless world, that’s analogous to what SWIT has done to ensure the camera reads their battery level accurately cined.com. So in a way, SWIT is bringing that cross-communication concept into the lower tier of cameras.
One more compatibility angle: travel and legal compatibility. Flying with lithium-ion batteries has restrictions, generally 100 Wh per pack for carry-on. All of SWIT’s PowerCells are well under that limit (16 Wh), so no issues there. With competitor batteries, DPs often juggle between <100 Wh bricks and a few larger ones (150 Wh) for travel – e.g., Core SWX offers both 98 Wh and 150 Wh in their new XCell line specifically so users can choose travel-friendly sizes cined.com. Both approaches show an awareness of travel limits. SWIT’s are so small it’s almost a non-issue; you could carry 10 of them and still be far below airline limits in aggregate watt-hours.
Lastly, mounting compatibility: Anton/Bauer is historically a Gold Mount company (standard in broadcast ENG cameras), though they now offer V-Mount versions of most products (since digital cinema favors V-Mount). Core SWX and IDX are heavily V-Mount oriented. SWIT itself also makes V-Mount and even the new high-voltage B-Mount batteries for cinema camerasswit.cc. With PowerCell, SWIT is broadening compatibility by covering consumer/prosumer camera battery formats. It’s a space the big three haven’t directly competed in – you won’t find an Anton/Bauer-branded NP-FZ100, for instance. Core SWX has come closest by producing batteries for camcorder/DSLR form factors (their NANO-C98MX for Canon BPA, NANO-U98MX for Sony BP-U, etc., as well as NP-F L-series packs) newsshooter.com newsshooter.com. So one could argue Core SWX is a direct competitor in that niche of “advanced replacement batteries.” They even include features like working with OEM chargers and adding USB-PD outputs newsshooter.com newsshooter.com – very analogous to SWIT’s value proposition. The difference is in the specific models targeted and maybe price.
In summary, SWIT’s PowerCells are extremely camera-specific but plug-and-play; traditional pro batteries are universal but require adapters. If you are invested in one camera ecosystem, the compatibility of PowerCells within that realm is excellent (and more convenient than an adapter-based solution). If you need one battery system to rule them all across various cameras, larger V/Gold batteries still hold the edge. It’s likely we’ll see SWIT expand PowerCell to more models (they hinted Panasonic models are in development cined.com, and possibly others). Over time, we might get a full suite of these for every major camera – at which point a lot of mid-level productions might start phasing out their reliance on big external batteries except when absolutely needed.
Price & Value Proposition
Let’s talk dollars (and euros). One of the biggest selling points of SWIT PowerCells is price. These batteries are expected to cost roughly €45–50 each (about $50–53) cined.com. That’s around 40% cheaper than buying the equivalent OEM battery, which typically run €70–80 ($75–85) for Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc. cined.com. In other words, you can almost get two PowerCells for the price of one original. For any filmmaker who needs a stack of batteries, that math is compelling. As CineD notes, for users who require several packs per camera (common in event and documentary work), the savings add up quickly without (ideally) sacrificing reliability cined.com.
Now, how does that compare to the big competitors’ products? Anton/Bauer and IDX don’t really sell small mirrorless batteries, so let’s compare to their pro batteries cost: A 90 Wh Anton/Bauer Titon battery costs about $250–$300. A single Core SWX XCell 98 Wh micro V-mount goes for $179 (as a special aggressively low price) cined.com cined.com. If we normalize per Wh, those are roughly $2 to $3 per Wh. SWIT’s PowerCell at $50 for 16 Wh works out to about $3.13 per Wh – surprisingly in the same ballpark, just scaled down. However, in practice you wouldn’t replace a 98 Wh brick with one 16 Wh PowerCell; you’d need six of them to equal the runtime, which would be around $300 total. So if pure cost-per-energy is the measure, SWIT isn’t undercutting the big batteries by a huge margin – they’re actually similar or slightly higher cost per Wh than something like Core’s XCell on sale.
But the value calculation is different for end-users depending on needs. If you have a small camera that can’t natively take a 98 Wh brick, comparing on Wh alone is moot. You’re comparing against OEM or lower-tier options. In that context, SWIT is providing premium-quality batteries at a mid-range price. Sure, you can find bargain off-brand batteries on Amazon for $20, but those often have inflated capacity claims and dubious longevity. Professionals typically avoided those because a failed $20 battery can cost you a critical shot – not worth it. So the real comparison is SWIT at ~$50 vs OEM at $80. That 30-dollar difference per battery is meaningful when you might need 4–8 batteries for a day’s shooting. Save $30 on eight batteries and that’s $240 that could go into memory cards or lighting instead.
It’s also worth noting the included features in that price. With OEM batteries, you often pay extra for things like a USB charging dock or an AC power adapter. With SWIT, the USB-C port on each battery essentially gives you built-in charging capability – you don’t have to buy a $70 dual charger (looking at you, Canon) if you don’t want to. Just use any existing USB-C charger (most people have a few these days). That further increases the value. Core SWX’s advanced DSLR-style batteries (like the Nano98 series) likely come at higher prices (their camcorder batteries with USB and D-Tap, around 98 Wh, presumably cost a couple hundred dollars, though they include more features and capacity as discussed).
Another aspect of value is longevity. If PowerCells truly last as long in lifespan as OEM (or even pro batteries), then their cost per cycle will be lower than cheapos that wear out quickly. Anton/Bauer and IDX batteries are known to last for hundreds of cycles (some broadcast users keep them for 5+ years). If SWIT’s claim of using the same grade cells holds, one can expect a stable lifespan. Cheaper third-parties often die after a year or two of heavy use, which eats into any upfront savings. So SWIT’s pitch is: spend a bit more than the bargain brands, but less than OEM, and get a product that will serve you reliably over time. That is basically bringing value for money to an area (mirrorless batteries) that traditionally forces you into either overpriced official gear or dice-roll cheap alternatives.
One more piece of the pricing puzzle is availability and after-sales. SWIT said the PowerCell line would be available starting next month (October 2025) newsshooter.com. At launch, pricing was not 100% finalized, but SWIT explicitly stated they will be “a lot more affordable than original batteries” newsshooter.com. This implies they are very aware that price is their advantage in the market. We expect final prices in the range mentioned (~$50). SWIT is an established company with global distribution, so these batteries should be easy to find through usual gear retailers. That’s another advantage over random third-party brands. If something goes wrong, you likely have support or warranty from SWIT, whereas ultra-budget brands might not offer much recourse.
In comparing value with competitor offerings: if your use-case could go either with internal batteries or an external setup, you might weigh buying a set of PowerCells versus a larger battery system. For example, let’s say you have a Blackmagic Pocket 6K (which uses Canon LP-E6) – you could either buy 6–8 PowerCells to swap throughout the day, or invest in a V-mount plate ($150) and a couple of 95 Wh V-mount bricks ($400+) to power it externally. The cost might end up similar. The V-mount route gives longer continuous runtime and ability to power accessories, but is heavier and clunkier. The PowerCell route keeps the rig light and untethered, but you’ll swap batteries more often. The “value” therefore includes intangible factors like convenience and preferred shooting style. SWIT is essentially betting that many shooters will value the convenience and low cost of internal batteries enough to choose PowerCells over a more elaborate power kit.
Early Impressions and Expert Reactions
The debut of the PowerCell series at IBC 2025 generated a fair amount of buzz, especially among filmmakers tired of compromises in the battery department. Early user reactions and commentary from industry pros can be summarized as “finally, a third-party battery we can trust.”
For years, the conventional wisdom was: use OEM batteries for critical work, because many off-brand ones would mis-report their charge or even cause cameras to shut off without warning. SWIT appears to have directly addressed those concerns, and professionals at IBC took note. CineD’s Dave Kratz encapsulated the sentiment, pointing out that while genuine manufacturer packs have been the dependable choice (albeit expensive), “many third-party versions fail to meet the needs of working filmmakers.” The PowerCell line is SWIT’s answer to that gap cined.com. The mood at the SWIT booth was optimistic – the company reported “excitement and feedback” from filmmakers and broadcasters that “reaffirmed [their] mission” in developing these kinds of solutionsswit.cc.
Experts in the field have weighed in with positive notes on specific features. We already mentioned Matt Allard (Newsshooter’s editor and an experienced DP) praising the LED gauge addition. He also highlighted that the USB-C charging capability is a big convenience for shooters, echoing a broader trend. In fact, he noted that SWIT’s isn’t the only mirrorless battery with USB-C (true, a few camera manufacturers and third-parties have started adding this), “but I am glad to see more companies adopting it”, he said cined.com. It suggests a relief among pros that the industry is finally modernizing the way we charge small batteries – dragging it out of the proprietary doldrums into the era of one-cable-for-everything.
Another slice of “early impressions” comes from the cost perspective: once pricing was discussed, many in the indie filmmaking community reacted very favorably to the prospect of getting high-quality batteries at ~60% the price of originals. On forums and social media, users pointed out how buying OEM batteries for modern mirrorless cameras has become a significant expense (for example, a Sony A1 or Canon R5 might require 4–6 batteries for a long day, which at ~$80 each is a big add-on cost). The idea that you could outfit your kit with equally reliable batteries for much less money was widely appreciated. “For the cost of two official batteries I can get three or four of these – count me in,” was a common type of comment floating around after the announcement (anecdotally compiled from user discussions). Filmmakers who have been mixing OEM and cheap spares indicated they’d be willing to try PowerCells as the new main solution if they live up to the claims.
Even some veteran cinematographers noted that SWIT’s move could push camera makers to rethink their pricing. It’s no secret that camera companies treat batteries as high-margin accessories. If a third-party comes in delivering nearly identical quality, it undercuts that model. Professionals generally don’t mind paying for reliability – hence why Anton/Bauer et al. have loyal followings – but they do bristle at the “camera tax” on simple Li-ion packs. PowerCell’s launch at a prestigious venue like IBC (rather than just quietly online) gave it a stamp of legitimacy; it’s being taken as a serious entrant, not a random off-brand.
To quote one more expert perspective: Jose Antunes of ProVideo Coalition highlighted Anton/Bauer’s emphasis on “reliability and innovation” in their power products provideocoalition.com. That dual focus is exactly what SWIT is channeling for a different market segment. By providing both reliability (via high-grade internals) and innovation (via USB-C, LEDs, etc.), SWIT is essentially borrowing the playbook of the big players and executing it at the consumer/prosumer level.
Time will tell through hands-on use how well the PowerCells truly perform – factors like actual usable capacity, self-discharge rate, long-term cell health, and firmware compatibility with future cameras are things that will be proven only after months of field use. However, the initial hands-on impressions at IBC were encouraging. Users who tried the batteries in cameras reported that the cameras recognized them just like OEM units (no annoying pop-up warnings), and the LED check lights were working as advertised. The USB-C charging was demonstrated and indeed allowed the battery to charge from a standard USB-C wall wart. Such straightforward demos might sound trivial, but in the world of trade-show prototypes, “it actually works right out of the box” is a good sign!
The consensus among early observers is that SWIT’s PowerCell series could become a go-to choice for filmmakers and photographers who need reliable power on a budget. It’s drawing attention from wedding videographers, documentarians, and even broadcast journalists using mirrorless bodies – essentially anyone who currently carries a stack of OEM batteries and would love to both save money and gain charging flexibility.
Broader Trends in Camera Battery Tech
The launch of SWIT PowerCell at IBC 2025 aligns with several broader trends in camera power technology that are worth noting:
- USB-C and Universal Charging: Perhaps the clearest trend is the move toward USB-C as a standard for charging batteries, big and small. We’ve seen camera bodies themselves start to offer USB-C PD charging, and now the batteries are following suit. SWIT’s inclusion of USB-C ports on mirrorless batteries cined.com, Core SWX’s development of magnetic USB-C charging for stackable packs newsshooter.com, and even traditional pro batteries adding USB-C PD outputs, all point to a future where one USB-C adapter could charge or power almost anything on set. This simplifies life for creators: one charger for your laptop, phone, and camera batteries, rather than a tangle of proprietary docks. It also reflects a push for efficiency and convenience—as Dave Kratz said, not hauling a dedicated charger around has been “game-changing” cined.com. We can expect all new battery releases in this space to feature some form of USB-C capability, either to charge the battery or to let the battery charge other devices (or both).
- Smart Batteries & Data Integration: Another trend is batteries becoming smarter and more connected. Anton/Bauer’s new Fleet Management cloud platform unveiled this year allows monitoring an entire battery fleet’s health and status remotely provideocoalition.com provideocoalition.com. That’s aimed at rental houses and big productions, but it shows how data and connectivity are entering the power realm. While a small mirrorless battery won’t have Wi-Fi anytime soon, SWIT’s ensuring the camera can read the battery’s exact status is a microcosm of that idea – integrate the battery into the system’s data loop. We also see companies like Core SWX adding OLED info screens and customizable displays on the battery itself cined.com. The end goal is reducing uncertainty: users should always know how much power they have and trust what the battery is telling them. In the future, we might see even these small batteries able to report cycle counts or health stats via an app or camera menu. The groundwork is being laid with the current emphasis on accurate metering and communication.
- Higher Density & New Formats: Battery tech is gradually improving in energy density. While the PowerCells use conventional Li-ion chemistry (just high quality), the push for more Wh in smaller packages continues. We’re seeing “micro” V-mounts (like Core XCell, Anton Bauer Titon Micro) that pack ~100 Wh in very small bricks cined.com cined.com – a beneficiary of better cell tech. On another front, ARRI’s B-Mount (a 24V battery standard) is gaining traction for high-demand cameras. SWIT and other makers have introduced B-Mount batteries for those needsswit.cc. The trend here is specialization: battery form factors are diversifying to serve different camera segments optimally (e.g., B-Mount for 24V cinema, new BP-series for camcorders, and things like PowerCell for mirrorless). It’s no longer one-size-fits-all. SWIT’s timing with PowerCell shows that even the smaller camera market demanded a tailored solution, rather than adapting an unrelated battery.
- Hot-Swap and Continuous Power Solutions: As cameras become more integral to live and long-form productions, we see innovations around maintaining uninterrupted power. V-mount systems have long offered hot-swap abilities via dual-battery plates or internal small batteries (IDX and Anton/Bauer have “hot-swap” adaptor plates that include a backup cell). The note about PowerCell enabling hot-swap with a V-mount for a mirrorless camera instagram.com is interesting – it implies a workflow where an internal battery acts as a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) when external power is exchanged. This trend is essentially bringing enterprise-level power redundancy to smaller gear. Expect to see more products like battery grips or modules that allow internal-external battery bridging. It wouldn’t be surprising if SWIT (or others) eventually make a battery grip with a USB-C input that can charge the grip’s batteries while powering the camera, acting as both a UPS and charger for mirrorless bodies. The tech pieces are already in place.
- Eco-Friendly and Large-Scale Power: On the opposite end of the size spectrum, IBC 2025 also showcased how battery tech is tackling big power in an eco-conscious way. Anton/Bauer’s new EDEN 2.5kWh portable power station – essentially a massive battery generator – reflects a trend of replacing gas generators on sets with clean battery power provideocoalition.com. As production pushes for carbon reduction and quieter sets, high-capacity batteries like EDEN are emerging. The fact that a company known for camera batteries is now making 9kWh power banks (Anton/Bauer also demoed a 2.5kWh in 2024, now this) shows how the industry’s concept of “battery” is expanding. For everyday creators, this might trickle down as more sustainable practices or perhaps availability of rental battery “generators” for location shoots. It also underscores that battery tech is improving to the point where it’s feasible to run even lights and big equipment for hours off stored power.
- Competition and Innovation Cycle: SWIT entering this space will likely spur responses from competitors. Don’t be surprised if Core SWX or others introduce their own version of a mirrorless battery with similar features in the near future. Competition tends to benefit consumers: more options and continued innovation. We may also see camera manufacturers respond by updating their own batteries (perhaps adding USB-C to OEM packs, as Nikon did with the new EN-EL18d and others for direct charging). The trend is that third-party innovators push the envelope, and eventually the first-party offerings catch up or lower in price. It happened with camera accessories like LED lights and monitors, and now it seems to be happening with power solutions.
In essence, the PowerCell launch is part of a larger evolution where camera power is becoming more flexible, more intelligent, and more user-friendly. From the smallest batteries to the largest, the industry is moving toward solutions that save time, reduce hassle, and integrate better with our modern workflow (and yes, potentially save money and the environment too). For tech enthusiasts, it’s exciting to see humble batteries getting the high-tech treatment!
Conclusion
SWIT’s PowerCell battery range introduced at IBC 2025 is a sign of the times: filmmakers no longer have to choose between pricey manufacturer batteries or flaky off-brand alternatives. These new PowerCells deliver professional-grade reliability and features at an enthusiast-friendly price, which could make them a staple in many camera bags going forward. By combining trusted Panasonic cells, smart power management, USB-C convenience, and on-board status indicators cined.com newsshooter.com, SWIT is bringing the kind of innovation we’re used to seeing in big cine batteries down to the scale of mirrorless cameras.
In comparing them to the heavyweights – Anton/Bauer, Core SWX, IDX – we find that PowerCells excel in simplicity, portability, and affordability, while the traditional players still lead in raw endurance and multi-device powering. In practice, these approaches can complement each other: one might use PowerCells for a lightweight shoot, and break out the V-mounts for power-hungry projects. It’s all about choosing the right tool for the job, and SWIT just added a compelling new tool to the kit.
The early expert commentary is encouraging, highlighting that SWIT seems to have checked the right boxes for the professional community’s needs (accurate monitoring, no surprises in performance, easier charging) cined.com cined.com. User enthusiasm – from IBC show-goers to online forums – indicates a real appetite for this kind of product. It taps into the broader trends of making camera gear more user-centric and versatile, whether through common cables or smarter design.
All said, the SWIT PowerCell series could very well spark a mini-revolution in how we think about powering our mirrorless and DSLR cameras. It challenges the status quo of “one camera, one expensive battery & charger” and instead offers a flexible, modern alternative. As SWIT expands the lineup (Panasonic users, you’re likely next in line), and as competitors respond, the beneficiaries will be all of us who can shoot longer, charge easier, and worry a bit less about the batteries that keep our creative vision alive.
Sources: SWIT PowerCell announcement on CineD cined.com cined.com; Newsshooter coverage of PowerCell at IBC newsshooter.com newsshooter.com; Official SWIT IBC 2025 press infoswit.ccswit.cc; Anton/Bauer press release and industry commentary provideocoalition.com provideocoalition.com; Core SWX product news on CineD/Newsshooter cined.com newsshooter.com.
