Block Battery Protean Camera Battery 14V or 28V
The Block Battery Protean is a professional 150Wh lithium-ion on-board camera battery that delivers three power solutions in one compact, lightweight package, making it ideal for modern digital cinema, broadcast, and location production workflows.
Designed for crews that routinely switch between 14V and 28V camera systems, the Protean lets you quickly reconfigure voltage while built-in failsafe protection safeguards sensitive 14V gear and simplifies global travel with lithium battery regulations.
Key Features at a Glance
- 3-in-1 switchable 150Wh lithium-ion on-board battery (14V, 28V, and travel mode).
- Fast mechanical reconfiguration between 14V and 28V to support multiple camera platforms on the same shoot.
- Integrated failsafe design that prevents 28V output from being connected to 14V-only equipment.
- Travel mode separates the pack into two isolated 75Wh sections to comply more easily with airline and shipping requirements.
- Compatible with Three Stud" mounts; 14V mode supports all Three Stud mounts, 28V mode supports 26V Three Stud mounts.
- D-Tap accessory output available when configured for 14V operation for powering monitors, wireless video, and other on-board accessories.
- Long-life lithium-ion chemistry rated for over 1000 recharge cycles under normal use.
- Works with Block Battery Protean universal chargers regardless of configuration.
Why the Protean Battery Is Different
Traditional camera batteries lock you into a single voltage, forcing you to carry separate 14V and 28V packs and complicating travel and on-set logistics. The Protean solves this by integrating switchable modules, so one battery can support 14V digital cinema cameras, 28V high-draw systems, and airline-friendly transport needs with one standardized form factor.
This design reduces the number of batteries and chargers a crew needs to manage, cutting weight in your kit while maintaining robust capacity, professional connectors, and safety features tuned to high-end production environments.
Three Configurable Operating Modes
14V Output Module
In 14V configuration, the Protean delivers a voltage range of approximately 13 VDC to 16.8 VDC with a total capacity of 150Wh, making it a strong fit for digital cinema cameras, LED fixtures, and on-board accessories that operate around the standard 14V nominal voltage. This mode includes a D-Tap output and supports currents up to around 12A continuous, limited by the battery mount, enabling reliable power delivery to camera and accessories through one compact pack.
The 14V module is compatible with all standard Three Stud mounts, letting crews integrate the Protean into existing plate ecosystems without re-rigging or replacing mounting hardware on cameras and accessories.
28V Output Module
In 28V configuration, the Protean operates in a voltage range of about 26 VDC to 33.6 VDC at the same 150Wh capacity, aimed at 2428V cinema cameras, high-power accessories, and advanced imaging systems that benefit from higher voltage for efficiency. In this mode there is intentionally no D-Tap output and the battery is compatible only with 26V Three Stud mounts, forming a built-in failsafe to prevent accidental connection of the higher 28V output to 14V-only gear.
This higher-voltage mode supports currents up to around 10A continuous (limited by the mount) while maintaining stable, regulated power for demanding camera rigs and on-board systems.
Travel Mode (Shipping & Airline Friendly)
For shipping or air travel, the Protean can be configured into a travel mode where the pack becomes two mechanically and electrically isolated 75Wh batteries, each treated as a lower-capacity unit for compliance with many airline and ground shipping guidelines. This configuration gives crews an efficient way to move a 150Wh system between locations while staying within typical watt-hour limits for carry-on or shipment without changing to different batteries.
Because the two halves are isolated in this mode, the design helps optimize safety and handling during transport while preserving the convenience of returning to full 150Wh operation on set via the standard modules.
Physical Specs & Durability
- Capacity: 150Wh lithium-ion battery pack for extended run times on professional cinema cameras and accessories.
- Weight: Approximately 1 lb 13 oz, balancing high capacity with a compact and lightweight housing suitable for handheld and gimbal setups.
- Dimensions: Approx. 4.7 in (H) × 3.5 in (W) × 3.2 in (D), designed to integrate cleanly on camera backs and mounting plates.
- Cycle life: Rated for more than 1000 recharge cycles under normal operating conditions, helping maximize long-term investment value.
What Comes in the Box
Each Block Battery Protean camera battery package includes one 150Wh battery pack, a 14V output module with D-Tap, a 28V output module, and a dedicated travel module, giving crews everything needed to adapt the same battery to multiple voltage and transport scenarios. All Protean configurations are compatible with Block Battery Protean universal chargers, simplifying your charging workflow across the entire kit.
Configuration Instructions
- Remove the four machine screws on the back of the battery using an appropriate screwdriver, taking care not to strip hardware or damage the housing.
- Attach the desired module (14V, 28V, or travel) as specified and re-secure the screws, ensuring the module is fully seated and properly aligned before use.
For additional technical support or configuration guidance, Block Battery offers direct assistance by phone to help crews get the most from the Protean system in studio or on location environments.
Ideal Use Cases
- Cinematographers and camera assistants working with both 14V and 28V cinema cameras across different shows or rental packages.
- Owner-operators who want to standardize on a single battery ecosystem that can adapt to new camera bodies and higher-voltage accessories over time.
- Traveling production teams that need to fly or ship batteries frequently and want a streamlined path to comply with watt-hour limits.
- Rental houses looking for flexible, durable batteries that cover multiple camera families while simplifying inventory and charger management.