Customer Reviews

Olympus HLD-4 POWER BATTERY HOLDER E-3

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I have been using the Olympus HLD-4 battery holder for about a week and I couldn't be more pleased. I have used a similar type of power pack on my Nikon 35mm cameras in the past, however this one is far superior to the ones I used in the past.

I really appreciate the comfortable feel. Even though it adds more weight, everything is well balanced. The addition of the optional AS-GS3 strap gives much added support and comfort.

The additional buttons on the battery holder really come in handy and they are very well placed for comfort and convenience. I use the extra shutter button often since I shoot a lot of portraits.

My power pack is still using the original batteries that I loaded last week. Although I shoot over 200 photos daily, I still have plenty of power in the unit. I shoot in the 5 fps mode often, and the camera is never slowed down by lack of power.

I believe that anyone with an Olympus E-3 should give the HLD-4 a try. Once you get used to the added weight, the extra power and comfort are well worth the price.

Very easy to use, i could shoot all day long over 500 shots and still going and going and going. Wish their was a better way to connect the cable, sometimes not comfortable to hold and sometimes found cable had been unplugged during alot of movement. Still very nice addition to my Olympus E-520.

I bought the HLD-4 for my E-30 for a better grip when taking portrait orientation photos. The unit fits nicely on the camera and works well for my use. I don't have a problem with the additional weight; I think the unit balances well with the E-30 body. My only issue is that my camera won't fit in my smaller camera bags with the HLD-4 installed. It's easy enough to remove so this isn't a big issue but because of the size I probably won't take it with me when I travel.

After buying the Olympus E-30 I hardly needed the battery holder.And I find it in Amazon.com.I'm very glad to get it.

I bought this battery holder for the two reasons - more power and the comfort of shooting at 90 degrees, especially when you have to tuck the arms in at the sides for stability. Couldn't wait to get it on my E3 when I got it. I love it. It gives the camera more balance especially when I am shooting with my Olympus Zuiko 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 Digital ED SWD Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras lens. If you have an E3 this is a must.

I have been wanting to buy the HLD-4 Power battery holder for my E-3 for a while. After checking around for about 2 months I checked back with Amazon.
I read many reviews on this item to make sure people were happy with the HLD-4. The item was described to the T everything I needed or wanted to know was there. The description was perfect I new what I was getting long before it arrived at my door. I bought my Olympus E-3 from Amazon and I have never been happier with this item. I have never used or for that matter really ever heard of a four thirds system. I'm along time user of Canon SLR. But when I started reading about the four thirds system I thought why not. The HLD-4 was the icing on the cake. Thanks Amazon

I had just ordered an Olympus E30 and Amazon had the grip at a lower retail price. I chose the HDL-4 as I have had two power grips on my other Olympus DSLR (E520 and an E1). The grip hold two functions: one is you are using dual batteries but are going to last longer because of the extra amp hour (remember amp hour IS not linear) because of this you will get a quicker response to focusing and such. Second you have other button for portrait mode.

I am very please with the quality.