Dummy batteries are a great solution for powering your camera without worrying about constantly charging or changing batteries. For starters, the best dummy batteries are reliable and require relatively little maintenance to function optimally.

But that’s only half of it. Not all dummy batteries are perfect or made the same. You can still find some bad apples, but that’s not the plan. Your choice of a dummy battery can be detrimental or complement your efforts with a camera, which is why getting the right one is vital.

Find out all you need to know about these essential accessories and what to look for in the best dummy batteries.

5 Best Dummy Batteries for Your Camera

	Compatible with	Included in the kit	Warranty
F1TP AC-PW20	Sony	AC PW20 Power Adapter, NP-FW50 Dummy Battery, US Plug AC Cord	30-day refund, 18-month warranty
TKDY ACK-E10	Canon	ACK-E10 AC Adapter; US AC Cord; DR-E10 DC Coupler	12-month warranty
Gonine AC-PW20	Sony	AC PW20 AC to DC Adapter; US Plug AC Power Cord; PW-20 DC Coupler; Manual	24-month warranty
Raeisusp EH-5A	Nikon	DC step-down cable; DC Coupler EP-5B (EN-EL 15 dummy battery input female plug:4.0mm*1.7mm); Free cable (male to male)	N/S
Gonine DMW-DCC8	Panasonic	DMW AC8 / DMW AC10 AC power adapter, DMW DCC8 DC connector (coupler), US ac power cord, Storage bag, Cleaning Cloth, Instruction manual	24-month warranty

F1TP AC-PW20 – Best for Sony Alpha A Series

Compatible with: Sony Alpha A6500 A6400 A6300 A6100 A6000 A5100 A5000 ZV-E10, A7, A75, A7R, A7 II, A75 II, A7R II, NEX-5 NEX 6 NEX 7, SLT-A33 A35 A37 A55 A55V, DSC-RX10 II III IV Cameras Included in the kit: AC PW20 Power Adapter, NP-FW50 Dummy Battery, US Plug AC Cord Warranty: 30-day refund, 18-month warranty

The F1TP AC-PW20 is a great choice for a dummy battery, and it’s designed to work with most Sony Alpha digital cameras, including A7/A7R/A7S/A7II and NEX series.

It is made from high-quality materials, so it is durable and reliable. The F1TP AC-PW20 has a capacity of 6.3V, offering a power output of 4.2V, which is enough to power your camera when you’re out in the field.

This dummy battery is also designed to be very lightweight, so it won’t add too much bulk or weight to your gear. As if that wasn’t enough, the F1TP AC-PW20 is made with your convenience in mind. It has a USB port for charging, so you can easily charge the dummy battery without needing extra cables or power adapters.

Pros:	Cons:
Compact and durable design Relatively affordable	Short lifespan

TKDY ACK-E10 – Best for Canon

Compatible with: Canon EOS Rebel T7 T3 T5 T6, Kiss X50 X70 X80 X90, EOS 1100D 1200D 1300D 1500D 2000D cameras Included in the kit: ACK-E10 AC Adapter; US AC Cord; DR-E10 DC Coupler Warranty: 12 months

The TKDY ACK-E10 is made from durable plastic and specifically designed for Canon EOS Rebel cameras and similar models.

This powerful battery pack can last up to 4 hours, so you won’t have to worry about running out of power too soon. It also has an LED indicator light, so you know when the battery is charged or not.

The TKDY ACK-E10 also features overcharge protection, so it will automatically shut down to prevent overcharging. Furthermore, this dummy battery also comes with a USB port, which allows you to charge it through your computer or laptop.

Overall, the TKDY ACK-E10 is a great choice for any photographer looking for a reliable dummy battery for their camera.

Pros:	Cons:
Compatible with multiple cameras Reliable and compact build	Low power capacity

Gonine AC-PW20 – Best for Sony Alpha NEX Series

Compatible with: Sony Alpha NEX-5 NEX-5A NEX-5C NEX-5CA NEX-5CD NEX-5H NEX-5K NEX-3 NEX-3A NEX-3C NEX-3CA NEX-3CD NEX-3D NEX-3K (see the full list in specs) Included in the kit: AC PW20 AC to DC Adapter; US Plug AC Power Cord; PW-20 DC Coupler; Manual Warranty: 24 months

The Gonine AC-PW20 is a perfect fit for the Sony Alpha NEX-5 series camera and the rest of the series lineup.

This dummy battery is highly reliable and durable, perfect for all photographers who want to save money and get the same results as a standard battery. It features high-quality plastic construction that will stand up to repeated use and features two different voltage settings to help ensure you get the best performance possible from your camera.

The Gonine AC-PW20 dummy battery also has an impressive 4,400mAh capacity which means it can last up to 6 hours of continuous use. The warranty is also reassuring, with the manufacturer warranty lasting as much as 24 months from the purchase date.

Pros:	Cons:
Relatively minimal heating Compatible with multiple devices	Low charging cycles

Raeisusp EH-5A – Best for Nikon

Compatible with: Nikon V1 D850 D810 D800E D750 D610 D600 D500 Z6 Z7 cameras Included in the kit: DC step-down cable; DC Coupler EP-5B (EN-EL15 dummy battery input female plug:4.0 mm); Free cable (male to male) Warranty: N/S

The Raeisusp EH-5A is a high-quality dummy battery that works with select Nikon cameras. This dummy battery can be used as a substitute for your regular battery and can help you take longer shots without worrying about battery power running out.

The dummy battery is made of durable ABS plastic and comes with an LED indicator to let you know when it’s running low on charge. The battery is lightweight, easy to carry, and requires no extra charger.

It also has overcharge and short circuit protection to protect your camera from any potential damage. As mentioned earlier, this dummy battery is compatible with select Nikon DSLR cameras such as the D3000, D5000, and D7000.

It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable dummy battery that will give you more power for longer shoots.

Pros:	Cons:
Excellent value proposition Built-in battery monitoring system Fast charging technology	Low power output

Gonine DMW-DCC8 – Best for Panasonic

Compatible with: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7, DMC-G85, DMC-FZ300, DMC-FZ2500, DMC-FZ200, DMC-FZ1000, DMC-GH2, DMC-G5, DMC-G6, DMC-GX8, DC-G90, DC-G95, DC-G99 Included in the kit: DMW AC8 / DMW AC10 AC power adapter, DMW DCC8 DC connector (coupler), US ac power cord, Storage bag, Cleaning Cloth, Instruction manual Warranty: 24 months

The Gonine DMW-DCC8 is a great dummy battery for your camera. This dummy battery is designed to be lightweight, with a slim design and a robust build. It suits Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7, G85, and the entire series. In terms of power, It has a 7.4V DC output and a capacity of 1800 mAh.

The battery is rated at a 10C discharge rate, which means it can support up to 10 times its maximum capacity. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers looking for a powerful dummy battery that won’t weigh them down.

It also has overcharge, over-discharge, and short circuit protection, which helps keep your camera safe from any potential damage. Additionally, the battery includes a LED light indicator that shows you how much power is left in the battery.

Without forgetting, the Gonine DMW-DCC8 comes with a one-year warranty and can be easily replaced if it becomes defective. It’s also one of the most affordable dummy batteries on the market today, making it an excellent option for those who want a reliable and affordable solution for powering their cameras.

Pros:	Cons:
Fast charging technology Durable build	Affects audio quality in recorded videos

What Is a Dummy Battery?

A dummy battery, also known as a dummy load, is an artificial electrical load used to simulate a camera’s or other device’s power needs. It is usually made up of a metal shell filled with resistors and connected to a connector, allowing it to be used in place of a real battery.

In practice, dummy batteries are used to test and simulate the operation of a device without requiring a real battery. They can also be used to power streaming devices such as cameras for long periods.

Dummy batteries are usually designed to look like real batteries so they can easily fit into the device’s battery compartment. The most common type of dummy battery looks like a standard AA battery, but instead of having chemical cells inside, there is an array of resistors. This allows the dummy battery to provide just enough voltage and current for the device to run properly.

Dummy batteries are also extremely convenient as they require no maintenance and can be reused repeatedly. This makes them ideal for use in applications where the device must be left on for long periods, such as live streaming. They are also much cheaper than real batteries, making them a great option for budget-conscious users.

What to Consider to Choose the Best Dummy Battery for You:

Having the best dummy battery can save you a lot of trouble, but it’s also hard to get it right with the numerous options available. Use these pointers to ensure you get only the best dummy battery.

Compatibility

This is a no-brainer but still worth the mention. The dummy battery you choose should not only fit into your device, but the voltage and power requirements should match exactly with the equipment you intend to use it on.

If you can get a dummy battery that works with an adapter, it would be better since it can be used with multiple devices/ equipment.

What’s Included in the Pack

Most packs come with the dummy battery and any accessories needed for installation. This could include an AC adapter, USB cables, mounting brackets, screws, or remote control.

Other accessories like travel cases or chargers may also be included. A dummy battery pack with all the necessary accessories means you’ll have an easier time setting up your equipment. It’ll also save you from extra out-of-pocket expenses getting necessary accessories for your setup.

Always check the product specifications to ensure you get the complete package. Also, verify and ensure the battery and all its parts are of the highest quality, not just knock-offs or cheap imitations.

Remember livestreaming isn’t just about the visuals. The right audio, and proper sync is necessary. This resource on the best audio mixers for live streaming should answer any questions you might have.

Safety Features

Almost all dummy batteries are made from lithium-ion, and these can be hazardous if not used properly or manufactured without safety in mind. To avoid nasty incidents, ensure it has all the necessary safety features.

In this regard, look for dummy batteries with built-in protection circuitry, which can help prevent overcharging, short-circuiting, and other potential problems. Also, look for models with an extra protective layer of insulation to keep the device from getting too hot.

Lastly, and unfortunately, it’s largely ignored; read all manufacturer’s instructions and follow the guidelines for proper use.

Cable Length

Mobility and your ability to maneuver your equipment depend on the cable length. Ideally, the dummy battery should have at least 6 feet of cable length, giving you plenty of room to move about.

Cable length is also important for ensuring you can easily get power from the wall socket or outlet to your camera. Longer cables are usually more expensive, but they can be very useful if you need to work in areas with limited access to power.

Warranty

A warranty is a show of good faith by the manufacturer attesting to the build quality of their products. It also protects you as a consumer should the product fail or perform at a subpar level.

Many dummy batteries will come with at least a one-year warranty, usually covering any manufacturing defects, and ideally, they should be transferable if you sell the battery.

Before settling on a dummy battery, ensure you’ve read and understood the warranty specifications carefully. The real deal is in the fine print. Also, getting an extended warranty period and additional coverage would be better.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using a dummy battery for streaming?

Dummy batteries are power sources specially designed to work with cameras, such as DSLRs or mirrorless models, and can provide long-lasting power without recharging. Here is a list of the best cameras for live streaming.

Using a dummy battery has several benefits when it comes to streaming. First, you don’t need to worry about running out of power in the middle of your stream. Since a dummy battery doesn’t require recharging, it’s always ready to go and can keep your camera running for hours on end.

Furthermore, dummy batteries are often smaller and more lightweight than other types of batteries. This makes them easier to transport and store when you’re not using them and helps keep your equipment’s overall weight down.

Additionally, some models come with features like temperature protection, short-circuit protection, and overcharge protection, giving you extra peace of mind that your device is being properly taken care of.

What is the average lifespan of a dummy batter?

Ideally, a high-quality dummy battery should last 5 to 10 years when used in normal conditions. That being said, there are some cases where a dummy battery may not last as long as its cheaper alternatives, so it’s always best to read customer reviews and compare prices before purchasing.

Ultimately, the lifespan of a dummy battery depends largely on how it is treated and maintained by its user.

Final Thoughts

The best dummy batteries are a great way to power and get the most out of your camera and creative adventures. An extensive range of options guarantees you can always find the right dummy battery for your needs, but this can sometimes be a source of confusion.

To avoid this, consider the battery’s lifespan, compatibility with your camera, warranty, and safety features, if any. With the right dummy battery, you’ll always be ready for any photo shoot, regardless of the setting. As you look for dummy batteries, here’s a guide with tips for making your videos look more professional.