Olympus HLD-4 POWER BATTERY HOLDER E-3

by Olympus

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.7 x 4.3 inches ; 11.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000Y9KIOK
• Item model number: 260253
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

The Olympus HLD-4 Power Battery Holder for the E-3 Digital SLR Camera houses one or two BLM-1 battery packs. Now you can experience all the performance that the E-3 has to offer at full capacity. This high-powered external battery power grip conveniently and easily attaches to the base of the camera while supplying an extensive power supply so you can shoot all day long without hesitation. Much more than just extra power, the HLD-4 also improves focus tracking speeds in Continuous AF Mode, allowing you to track faster moving objects, and it is equipped with a shutter release button and other essential dials for easy operation during vertical-format shooting. When attached, the HLD-4 also includes a space to store the E-3's body battery cover door so it is not lost or a hindrance to carry, and like other Olympus E-System components, the HLD-4 is dustproof and splashproof.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essentially a necessity for a fast E3, November 30, 2007

By 

HMMWV "God, Country, Corps" (santa clara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Olympus HLD-4 POWER BATTERY HOLDER E-3 (Electronics)

The E3's fast focus, rapid cycle time, SWD focus system all consume power - the HLD-4 like its previous battery holders allows you to parallel two BLM-1's Olympus BLM-01 Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery for C7070, C8080, E1, E300 & E500 Digital Cameras for twice the shooting time, exposures, or simply a longer timeout so your camera is always ready. You can also charge one battery while still using the camera on the other one if you charge before they both go dead. As before, you get the portrait shutter button which I do use when holding 90 degree rotation. One difference is this can use 6 AA's which is a first for me personally. Olympus's glossy sheet quotes that this will improve focus times - this is generally due to the paralleling of the two batteries and thus the higher voltage when charging flash, running focus motor, logic, etc. 6AA's @ 1.2 V (assuming NIMH) is 7.2V in line with the lithium, or 9V using 1.5V alkaline. There is always a debate here because alkaline cells quickly develop internal impedance and thus don't give you 9V through the life of the cell, while NiMH cells do run 1.2 V or higher for the useful life of the cell. Some experimentation is needed to compare actual voltage delivered to the camera with 2 li-ion vs 6 NIMH cells in the HLD-4. The higher the voltage under load, the faster the camera will operate. In either case, I'm sure the power flexibility it adds will please all E3 shooters. At 199, I'm a bit shocked (no pun intended) at the price as I just paid 84 bucks for my last HLD-3 for the E300 back I picked up off ebay for $170. Getting 2 additional megapixels is not cheap if you want to run the bleading edge; all E3 owners will still find Olympus hardware a great value compared to Canon equivalent backs & lenses as they always have.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good news for E-30 owners, February 18, 2009

By 

David Hanson "Dave in Colorado" (Aurora, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olympus HLD-4 POWER BATTERY HOLDER E-3 (Electronics)

The good news is that this grip is fully compatible with the E-30. The dials and buttons fully replicate the functions of the buttons on the body. Battery life is terrific; I shot over 1,000 frames at an athletic event and the charge indicator didn't budge from "full." Be aware that zooming your lens can create a lot of torque and might cause the electrical contacts to lose connection. This will cause the camera to freeze, but this is quickly and easily fixed by removing and reconnecting the grip. Overall, this is a very useful accessory for those who do a lot of vertical shooting.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Have E-3? Must buy!, March 27, 2011

By 

James M. Bailey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Olympus HLD-4 POWER BATTERY HOLDER E-3 (Electronics)

Unlike others who spew praise with windy, over detailed reviews, all I have to say is that if U have an E-3, E-5, or E-30, this is a must-have. Yes it adds weight to already-weighty cameras, but the comfort and the fact U can use AA's (Lithium recc.) in the included battery holder for emergencies makes it the perfect compliment to these cameras in the field away from mains power. Plus it's best for vertical shots with the shutter button and function dials duplicated, and like the high-end Es it's also weather sealed. So just get it already!