BM Premium VW-VBT190 Batteries & Charger Review
- Extended recording time
- Includes 2 batteries + charger
- Smart LED indicator
- Wide camcorder compatibility
- 1-year warranty
- Rare reports of DOA battery
1940mAh Capacity
Fully Decoded Chip
Foldable Charger
Multi-Circuit Protection
Check PriceAs a long-time videographer, I’ve relied on external power for my Panasonic camcorders for years. The OEM batteries often fall short for extended shoots, which is why I tested the BM Premium 2-Pack of VW-VBT190 batteries and charger for my Panasonic HC-V770. This kit promises double the shooting time and a more versatile charging solution than the stock setup.
During my 30-day trial, these batteries proved to be a reliable and affordable alternative. They fit my camcorder perfectly and, as other users like “Les” noted, delivered a comparable 90-minute runtime to the original Panasonic battery with their 1940mAh capacity. Having two spares meant I could film for an entire afternoon without worrying about power.
Performance and Capacity
Each BM Premium VW-VBT190 battery provides 1940mAh of energy at 3.6 volts (7.0 Wh). In my field tests, each battery consistently delivered around 90 minutes of continuous recording time on my HC-V770. This matches the performance of the single battery that originally came with my camcorder.
The fully decoded chip ensures that your camcorder displays accurate “time remaining” information, just like the original battery. I never experienced any compatibility issues or error messages.
The Included Charger
The external charger is a significant upgrade over Panasonic’s in-camera charging method. Its foldable A/C plug makes it travel-friendly, and I appreciated the quick charge capability. Christopher M. Prazak, another user, highlighted its superiority, noting it was “faster and easier to see that the batteries were fully charged due to the color changing LED.”
I found the LED indicator especially useful, clearly showing charging status with a simple color change. This is much more convenient than relying solely on the camcorder’s on-screen display.
Build Quality and Safety
BM Premium states these batteries are built with multiple circuit protection features, including over-charging, short-circuit, high-temperature, and surge protection. The construction feels solid, and the fire-resistant casing adds a layer of confidence.
While most of the 381 reviews are positive, I did note one report from “Kyle” where “one of the batteries didn’t work right of the box.” This appears to be an isolated incident, but it’s worth considering the one-year warranty if you encounter any issues.
Who It’s For
This 2-pack is ideal for anyone with a compatible Panasonic camcorder (such as the HC-V380, HC-V770, HC-VX870, or HC-WXF991) who needs extended recording time. It’s particularly useful for events, travel, or any situation where frequent battery changes or a dedicated external charger are beneficial. “James Martinez” captured it well, saying they are “perfect for the price” to keep memories going.
What I Liked
- Extended Recording: Two batteries effectively triple your camcorder’s uptime compared to the single stock battery.
- Superior Charger: The standalone charger is fast, portable, and provides clear charging status.
- Full Compatibility: The decoded chip works flawlessly with Panasonic camcorders, showing accurate battery life.
- Safety Features: Multiple protection circuits give peace of mind.
- One-Year Warranty: A solid warranty backs the product.
What Could Be Better
- Consistency: While rare, a non-functional battery out of the box is an inconvenience. However, the warranty should cover such issues.
Alternatives
For direct Panasonic replacements, you could opt for the official Panasonic VW-VBT190 battery, but it usually comes at a higher price and often doesn’t include an external charger. Other third-party brands like Powerextra or Wasabi Power offer similar kits, but I found the BM Premium charger’s design and clear LED indicator to be a slight edge in usability over some competitors I’ve tested.
Conclusion
The BM Premium 2-Pack of VW-VBT190 batteries and charger is an excellent investment for Panasonic camcorder users. It provides reliable, long-lasting power and a convenient charging solution that significantly enhances the camcorder’s usability for extended shoots. Based on my tests and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from other users, I confidently recommend this kit.