Charging Your Fujifilm Camera: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are several ways to charge a Fujifilm camera, including via AC power, USB power sources, power banks, solar chargers, and more. The Fujifilm BC-W126, which comes with every Fujifilm X camera, can be used for charging, but it is bulky and not ideal for travel. The camera can also be charged by connecting it to a computer using a USB cable. This method takes about 300 minutes. Additionally, some newer Fujifilm cameras, such as the X-T2, offer in-camera charging via a USB cable.

Charging via a computer

Charging your Fujifilm camera via a computer is a convenient option, especially for photographers on the go. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure that your camera can be charged via a computer. Refer to your camera's handbook or manual to confirm this. Some cameras, such as DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, have higher power requirements and may not support this charging method.

Once confirmed, turn off your camera. It is important to note that the camera will not charge if it is turned on. Also, make sure your camera has a memory card installed, as some cameras will not charge without one.

Next, connect your camera to the computer using a USB cable. It is recommended to use the USB cable that came with your camera. Ensure that the connectors are fully inserted and that you are connecting the camera directly to the computer and not through a USB hub or keyboard.

If your computer goes into sleep mode while charging, charging will stop. To continue charging, disable sleep mode on your computer and disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.

Depending on your computer's specifications, settings, or conditions, charging may not be possible. Additionally, charging times may vary, and your camera may take around 2-3 hours to fully charge.

When the camera is fully charged, the charging indicator light will turn off. At this point, you can disconnect the USB cable and turn on your camera.

It is important to note that you should not leave the camera connected to the computer for an extended period once it is fully charged, as this can damage the battery and reduce its lifespan.

By following these steps, you can conveniently charge your Fujifilm camera via a computer, ensuring you're ready for your next photography adventure.

Charging via a power bank

To charge your Fujifilm camera via a power bank, you will need a USB power bank with a USB-C port.

Firstly, ensure your camera is turned off. Charging via a power bank will not work if your camera is on.

Then, connect the power bank to your camera using a USB cable. The USB cable should be a USB Type-C cable, sometimes called a USB-C cable. Connect the USB-C end of the cable to the power bank and the other end to the USB port on your camera.

Once connected, your camera will draw power directly from the power bank. You can now use your camera as normal.

Note that the power bank will not recharge your camera's battery. If you want to charge your camera battery, you will need to connect your camera to a power source using the supplied AC power adapter and USB cable.

Charging via a solar charger

Solar chargers are a great option for charging your Fujifilm camera when you're off the grid and spending time in the wilderness. They are a cool and reliable way to recharge your camera batteries.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a solar charger. Firstly, solar chargers are usually either small and don't generate much power, or large and quite heavy. If you opt for a small one, like the Sunkingdom 5W 5V USB Solar Charger, you can cut off the excess plastic to reduce its weight. This model is a good option for backpacking, as it weighs only 126g and can produce a current of nearly 1 Ampere in direct sunlight.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you'll need a USB battery charger to pair with your solar charger. The STK NP-W126, for example, is a good alternative to the original Fujifilm BC-W126 charger that comes with every Fujifilm X camera. It's smaller, comes with a car adapter, and doesn't need an AC cable.

When it comes to USB chargers, you can choose between models with an LCD or an LED charging indicator. The LCD model is recommended as it charges faster and shows the battery status, but it may not work well with some solar chargers due to current instability.

To ensure the best results when using a solar charger, invest in a good-quality USB cable that can handle bending without damaging the wires. A short cable, around 30cm, is ideal to avoid clutter when travelling.

For added safety, consider travelling with two single USB chargers instead of one dual charger, as chargers can sometimes break.

By following these tips, you can effectively charge your Fujifilm camera using a solar charger, making your outdoor photography adventures last longer.

Charging via a car adapter

Charging your Fujifilm camera via a car adapter is a convenient option when you're on the go. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure that you have the correct charger for your specific Fujifilm camera model. The camera typically comes with a dedicated charger designed to work with its battery. Confirm the compatibility between the battery and the charger before proceeding.

Once you've confirmed compatibility, connect the charger to your car's power outlet, often known as the cigarette lighter socket. Some Fujifilm chargers may come with a USB cable, which can be plugged into a USB port in your car if it has one. Make sure the charger is securely connected to the power source.

Now, insert the battery into the charger. Ensure that the battery is correctly oriented, with the positive and negative terminals aligned properly. The charger should have a slot or compartment designed to hold the battery securely.

The charger will indicate that the battery is charging, usually through an indicator light. This light may change colour or blink to signal the charging status. It's important to let the battery charge fully; the charging time will depend on the battery capacity and the charger's output. Most Fujifilm camera batteries take around 2-3 hours to charge fully.

Once the battery is fully charged, remove it from the charger and insert it back into your Fujifilm camera. Remember not to leave the battery in the charger for an extended period after it's fully charged, as this can reduce the battery's lifespan.

It's important to use a compatible charger designed specifically for your Fujifilm camera model to ensure optimal performance and safety. Additionally, always charge the battery in a well-ventilated area, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture.

Charging via a universal Li-Ion charger

If you have different types of batteries to charge, such as those for a Fuji X100s, other brands, or even a mobile phone, a universal Li-Ion charger is a good option. This is also useful if you need to charge AA and AAA NiMh batteries for devices like headlamps.

The CamCaddy 2 is a good choice for a universal charger. It's compact, lightweight at 61g, and can charge from either a 12V source or USB. While it's quite slow for 7.2V batteries, charging at 400mA, it's still a good option if you need a universal device. Another option is the Ansmann PhotoCam Vario, which is also a good choice, especially if you need to charge AA or AAA batteries.

It's worth noting that only the original Fujifilm charger has four pins, allowing it to detect the internal battery temperature and turn off charging if needed. Other chargers don't have this protection feature.

When using a universal Li-Ion charger, make sure to follow the same precautions as with other chargers. Ensure that the connectors are fully inserted and that the camera is turned off during charging. Keep the battery terminals clean and free of dirt, and avoid affixing labels or other objects to the battery to prevent issues with battery removal.

Frequently asked questions