Battery Chargers

Battery Chargers

However, once you have established which specific battery you have, you will likely have options. As well as the camera manufacturers’ battery chargers, there are a few third-party manufacturers who offer alternatives. In many cases, these chargers offer useful additional features, such as the ability to charge multiple batteries at once, LED readout screens that show current power levels, or their own integrated battery that allows them to operate as an on-the-go power bank.

The camera batteries themselves are generally charged via a charging plate rather than a plug-in cable. While this makes for a bulkier charging setup, it is much more robust than USB connections, which can become damaged from repeated plug-ins and lose their ability to connect reliably. Some third-party chargers offer swappable plates, meaning you can change which batteries they are compatible with. This is handy if you switch systems or upgrade your camera, as it means you don’t necessarily have to buy an entirely new charger, just a (much cheaper) new plate.

Some camera battery chargers offer additional plates for AA or AAA batteries, as well as USB outputs that mean you can charge other devices like smartphones simultaneously. Most are powered via standard AC plugs, while some newer chargers are powered via USB (and therefore may need a separate adapter if you want to plug them into the mains). If you frequently drive to shooting locations, you may also want to consider a charger powered by a 12v DC car power port, which is available for some batteries.

When using a camera battery charger, always make sure it is plugged firmly into the wall, and that the batteries themselves have firmly clicked into place. This will ensure that the batteries charge correctly – there’s nothing worse than getting ready to leave for a shoot, only to discover that the batteries you left overnight have failed to charge.

It is normal for lithium-ion batteries to gradually lose their ability to store charge over time, though you can prolong a battery’s life cycle by charging and discharging it regularly. As a rule, try not to let the power level of a battery fall below 20%, and try not to leave it in the charger too long once it’s fully powered up.

Some cameras run on standard-issue AA or AAA batteries. In this case, a set of rechargeable batteries and a corresponding AA or AA charger is a sound investment. While there’s a higher cost upfront, you’ll save money over time compared to the mounting cost of repeatedly buying disposable single-use batteries – and it’s much better for the environment, too.

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