It appears that there is a significant global shortage of the batteries that feed the RED Komodo camera, which are the Canon BP-900 series batteries (BP-955 and BP-975). Should Komodo shooters be worried?
RED Komodo batteries: Options
The RED Komodo has two battery slots for Canon BP-900 series batteries. The left battery slot (facing the back of the camera) has priority over the right battery slot. Furthermore, the camera charges the batteries when the camera is off and a power cable is connected. Recharging two batteries takes approximately eight hours. The recommended models of Canon batteries include Canon BP-955 and Canon BP-975. However, there is also an option to use 3rd party batteries manufactured by various companies. Also, there are solutions for using V-Mount or G-Mount batteries on the Komodo via adapter plate, but here you are sacrificing one of Komodo’s main advantages which is the low weight and compact form factor to utilize it as an action cinema camera.
Canon BP-900: Worldwide stock and supply issues
It appears that the main (and only) batteries that feed the RED Komodo are very hard to get due to some worldwide stock and supply issues. For instance, the BP-975 and BP-955 can only be back-ordered on B&H. Also, the BP-900 series are out of stock on Amazon, but most worryingly that they are out of stock on Canon websites as well (explore the screenshot below from the Canon website). There is a rumor that Canon has stopped manufacturing the BP-900 series, however, we couldn’t confirm that. Furthermore, those supply issues can be caused due to COVID.
Update:
We got a response from B&H regarding this status: “Both batteries are in back order status with no known date of availability. We imagine the situation is similar with other dealers. We would say most of this situation is due to the current pandemic affecting not only shipping but manufacturing as well”.
This product is designed to achieve optimum performance when used with genuine Canon BP-955 and BP-975 batteries. RED shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as malfunction, fire, etc., caused by the failure of non-genuine Canon batteries.
RED Digital Cinema
Canon BP-900 as the only authorized option
According to the RED Komodo Operation Guide, the Canon BP-900 is the only authorized option, which means you take a risk by using 3rd party batteries. As states in the guide: WARNING: This product is designed to achieve optimum performance when used with genuine Canon BP-955 and BP-975 batteries. RED shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as malfunction, fire, etc., caused by the failure of non-genuine Canon batteries (e.g., a leakage and/or explosion of a battery pack). Please note that repairs arising out of the malfunction of non-genuine batteries will not be covered by the warranty for repairs. Using the batteries with an incompatible battery charger or product may result in malfunction or accidents for which RED cannot be held liable”.
Explore the relevant RED Komodo Operation Guide page below:
[pdf-embedder url=”https://ymcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/RED-KOMODO-Operation-Guide-1-1.pdf” title=”RED Komodo Operation Guide: Authorized batteries”]
Conclusion
The shortage of Canon BP-900 batteries can be a major issue for RED, since Komodo users need to recalculate their route regarding optional power sources for Komodo, especially before ordering the production (black) models. The only option, for now, is utilizing RED approved V-Mount or G-Mount batteries, but then you are missing the main advantage of this camera. As explained, this product shortage can be caused by the pandemic, or not. Nonetheless, RED should be addressing that issue to its users with some engineering solutions that can allow other batteries to be utilized (and authorized) by the Komodo.
