P-Tap is a 2-pin power connector on professional camera batteries, supplying 12V DC to accessories such as monitors and wireless systems.
Technical Details
The P-Tap connector utilizes 2mm banana plugs with a pin spacing of 19mm and a maximum load capacity of 120 watts. The contacts are made of gold-plated brass pins for optimal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Modern P-Tap connectors feature a locking mechanism with a bayonet lock, preventing accidental disconnection. Variants include straight and angled connectors, as well as splitter cables with up to four P-Tap outputs for simultaneous power supply to multiple devices.
History & Development
Anton Bauer developed the P-Tap in 1995 as a proprietary standard for their Gold Mount battery series, to power the increasing number of battery-operated auxiliary devices on film cameras. IDX System Technology adopted the specification for V-Mount batteries in 1998, establishing the P-Tap as an industry-wide standard. Since 2010, all major battery manufacturers such as RED, Core SWX, and Bebob have integrated P-Tap connectors as standard in their lithium-ion battery packs.
Practical Use in Film
P-Tap directly powers monitor recorders like the Atomos Ninja V, wireless transmission systems, LED panels, and follow focus motors from the camera battery. In "Mad Max: Fury Road," the camera department utilized P-Tap splitters for the simultaneous power supply of wireless video transmitters and on-board monitors on the crash cams. The direct battery connection eliminates separate batteries for peripheral devices and reduces rigging weight by up to 40%. A disadvantage is that the main camera's battery life is shortened proportionally to the power consumption of the connected devices.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to USB connections (5V) or XLR-4 power outputs (12V regulated), P-Tap delivers the unregulated raw voltage of the battery. D-Tap is an identical designation for the same connector, used by various manufacturers. Modern alternatives include USB-C Power Delivery with up to 100W and proprietary Lemo power connectors on high-end cameras like the ARRI Alexa. P-Tap is suitable for robust outdoor shoots, while USB-C is preferred for studio productions with controlled environments.