Olympus Pen Camera Battery: Charging Time Explained

The Olympus PEN E-PL10 is an entry-level mirrorless camera that uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, sports a 16 Megapixel sensor and in-body image stabilization. Its compact body and easy-to-use touch-based interface make it ideal for beginners and families, while a flip-down LCD and 4K video make it an option for vloggers. The camera is available in three colours: kuro (black), mocha (brown-ish) and shiro (white). It carries a list price of $599 for just the body and $699 when bundled with the how-did-they-make-it-so-small? 14-42mm power zoom lens.

The E-PL10's BLS-50 battery allows the camera to take roughly 350 shots per charge according to the CIPA standard, which is above average for this class. And, in the real world, you'll be able to do better, especially if you limit flash and Wi-Fi use. The camera is one of the few that lacks USB charging, which is a disappointment. If you're out and about you can't plug into a car to charge up. You'll either need to carry a spare battery or bring the clunky external charger with you and hope for a power outlet.

According to a user on Flickr, the BLS1 battery and BCS-1 charger take between 3 and 4 hours to charge.

Charging time

The charging time of the Olympus Pen camera battery varies depending on the model of the camera and the type of charger used.

According to a user in a forum, the usual charging time with a BLS-1 battery and a BCS-1 charger is between 3 and 4 hours.

The BLS-50 battery allows the camera to take roughly 350 shots per charge according to the CIPA standard, which is above average for this class of camera.

The charging time for the BLN-1 battery is between 1 and 4 hours.

Factors affecting charging time

It is important to note that the charging time can be affected by various factors such as the age of the battery, the temperature, and the charging method. Additionally, it is recommended to use the charger that comes with the camera to ensure optimal charging performance. Using a different charger may result in longer charging times or even damage the battery.

Tips for faster charging

To reduce charging time, consider the following tips:

• Use a spare battery: Instead of waiting for the battery to charge, always carry a fully charged spare battery with you. This will allow you to continue shooting while the other battery is charging.
• Use a different charger: Some chargers may be faster than others. Consider investing in a fast charger or a portable charger that can be used on the go.
• Charge before the battery is fully drained: Regularly charging your battery before it is completely drained can help prolong its life and reduce charging time.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Extreme temperatures can affect the performance of the battery and may increase charging time. Try to charge your battery at room temperature for optimal results.
• Turn off the camera: If you are charging the battery through the camera, make sure to turn off the camera to direct all the power to the battery.

By following these tips and understanding the factors that affect charging time, you can optimize the charging process for your Olympus Pen camera battery.

Charging methods

The BLS-50 battery used in the E-PL10 can be charged in-camera or via an external charger. The camera is supplied with an external battery charger, but there are also third-party options available.

In-camera charging

The E-PL10 can be charged via USB, but only when the camera is turned off. This can be done using the USB cable supplied with the camera, or any other USB cable with a compatible connection.

External charging

The supplied external battery charger can be used to charge the battery outside of the camera. This is useful if you want to continue shooting while a second battery is charging, or if you want to charge the battery on the go without having to carry the camera with you. The supplied charger can be powered via a wall outlet or car charger.

There are also third-party external chargers available, which may offer faster charging or additional features such as a fold-out design or the ability to charge multiple batteries at once. Some third-party chargers also support USB charging, allowing you to charge your batteries on the go using a power bank or similar USB power source.

Battery life

The battery life of the Olympus Pen camera is quite good, allowing users to take roughly 350 shots per charge according to the CIPA standard. In real-world usage, this number can be improved, especially if you limit the use of flash and Wi-Fi. However, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which can be inconvenient when out and about, requiring you to either carry a spare battery or bring along the external charger.

The BLS-50 battery used in the E-PL10 model takes around 3-4 hours to fully charge. This is a considerable amount of time, and it is recommended to have a contingency plan with a charger or extra battery if you intend to do a lot of shooting.

Charging on-the-go

Portable Chargers

Portable chargers are a great option for on-the-go charging. These chargers typically have a USB output, allowing you to connect your camera's USB cable and charge the battery. Some portable chargers come with built-in solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to charge your devices. This can be especially useful when you're outdoors or travelling in remote areas without access to power outlets.

Car Chargers

If you're on a road trip or have access to a car, consider investing in a car charger. Car chargers typically plug into the cigarette lighter socket in your vehicle and provide a USB output to connect your camera's charging cable. This option keeps your battery charged while you're on the move, making it ideal for long drives or road trips.

Power Banks

Power banks are portable batteries that can be charged beforehand and then used to charge your devices when you're on the go. They usually have USB outputs, so you can connect your camera's charging cable and top up your battery. Power banks come in various capacities, so choose one that suits your needs.

Battery Chargers

While not as portable as the other options, bringing an extra battery charger can be useful when you have access to power outlets during your travels. This way, you can charge one battery while the other is in use, ensuring you always have a fully charged battery on hand.

Tips for On-the-Go Charging

• Always carry the necessary cables: Remember to bring the USB cable that connects your camera to the power source, whether it's a portable charger, car charger, or power bank.
• Plan ahead: If you know you'll be travelling to areas without power outlets or sunlight (for solar chargers), make sure your batteries are fully charged before you set out.
• Consider investing in spare batteries: Having a few fully charged spare batteries can give you extra shooting time, especially if you're in an area without immediate access to charging options.
• Be mindful of charging times: Keep in mind that charging times may vary depending on the power source and the capacity of your battery. Plan your charging accordingly to ensure you don't run out of power at crucial moments.

Battery charging issues

Charging time

The BLS-1 battery for the Olympus PEN E-P3 can take a long time to charge, with some users reporting charging times of 2-4 hours. This is much longer than the 1-1.5 hours that users were used to with their Canon systems.

Charging methods

The BLS-1 battery cannot be charged via USB through the camera. This is a disappointment to some users, who would like to be able to charge their camera while travelling, either via solar panels or through the cigarette lighter in a car.

There are some third-party chargers available that can be powered via USB, but these are not supplied by Olympus.

Battery life

The BLS-50 battery for the Olympus PEN E-PL10 allows the camera to take roughly 350 shots per charge according to the CIPA standard, which is above average for this class of camera. In the real world, you'll be able to do better, especially if you limit flash and Wi-Fi use.

Charging on the go

The lack of USB charging is a disappointment to some users, who feel that they will need to carry a spare battery or the external charger with them when out and about.

Frequently asked questions