Charging Camera Batteries: Power Bank Essentials

Charging your camera battery from a power bank is a great way to ensure your camera stays powered up when you're on the go. Many modern cameras can be charged via USB, and power banks are small, portable batteries that can be used to recharge your devices via a USB charging cable. However, it's important to check your camera's voltage and current requirements to ensure compatibility with your chosen power bank. Some power banks have multiple USB ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. When purchasing a power bank, consider factors such as capacity (measured in mAh), output speed, durability, and weight. Additionally, you may need to purchase a separate charger that can connect to your power bank if your camera doesn't support direct USB charging.

Check your camera's voltage/current requirements

Checking your camera's voltage and current requirements is crucial before connecting it to a power bank. Voltage and current are fundamental electrical parameters that govern the operation of your camera.

Voltage

Voltage, expressed in volts (V), is the pressure exerted by an electrical circuit's power source to move charged electrons (current) through a conducting loop, enabling them to perform work, such as powering your camera. It is like a ditch that traps your enemy, with the size of the ditch representing the voltage. The bigger the ditch, the greater the voltage, and the more potential it has to trap your enemy.

When it comes to camera batteries, the voltage can be either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). DC power is commonly used in camera batteries, while AC power is typically supplied by portable AC generators or mains electricity. The voltage requirements of your camera will be specified in its user manual or on a label attached to the device. Make sure to note the correct voltage requirements, as supplying the wrong voltage can result in irreversible damage to your camera and may void the warranty.

Current

Current, measured in amperes (A), represents the strength of an electric current flowing past a point in a circuit over a given time period. It is like the flow of water in a river, with the amperage indicating the amount of water flowing past a certain point in a given time.

When considering current requirements, it is important to distinguish between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC current is commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, as it can travel longer distances without significant power loss, making it ideal for large installations with spread-out cameras. On the other hand, DC current is typically used for smaller, more localized installations and is favored for its simplicity and ease of integration with CCTV cameras in residential or small business environments.

To determine the current requirements of your camera, refer to the camera's label, installation manual, or user guide. This information may be provided in amperes (A) or milliamperes (mA), where 1A is equivalent to 1000mA.

By checking the voltage and current requirements of your camera, you can ensure that you select a suitable power bank that can safely meet the power demands of your device. This is crucial to avoid damage to your equipment and ensure optimal performance.

Use a USB power bank with a 5V output

Using a USB power bank with a 5V output to charge your camera battery is a convenient option, especially when travelling or shooting on location. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for this method:

Choosing the Right Power Bank

First, select a suitable power bank. Look for one with a standard USB port and a 5V output. The capacity of the power bank, often listed in mAh, will determine how many charges it can provide. For example, a 10,000mAh power bank might offer around three times the life of a 1,200mAh camera battery.

Using the Power Bank

To charge your camera battery, connect the power bank to your camera using a USB cable. Ensure that your camera is turned off before beginning the charging process. Some cameras may not function properly if you attempt to use them while they are connected to a power bank.

Charging Time

Keep in mind that charging your camera battery via a power bank may take longer than using a dedicated charger. The charging time will depend on the power bank's output current and the capacity of your camera battery.

Safety Considerations

Always use caution when handling and charging lithium-ion batteries. Do not expose the battery or power bank to extreme temperatures, and avoid placing them in direct sunlight. Do not leave your battery or power bank unattended while charging.

Alternative Methods

If you are concerned about the charging time or safety, you may want to consider purchasing additional camera batteries and a dedicated external charger. This will allow you to charge multiple batteries simultaneously and swap them out as needed.

Additionally, some cameras may support alternative charging methods, such as solar chargers or AC adapters for long-term timelapse shoots.

By following these instructions and considerations, you can effectively use a USB power bank with a 5V output to charge your camera battery and extend your shooting time.

Use a 5V input charger

If you want to charge your camera battery using a 5V power bank, you will need to purchase a separate charger that is designed for this purpose. This is because the camera battery's charging circuitry is in the device itself, and the power bank is simply a power supply.

You can find these chargers at a relatively low cost from third-party sellers. They will allow you to charge your battery using a 5V power bank, via a micro USB connector.

It is important to note that you cannot use your camera while it is charging, and charging times can be slow. Additionally, some cameras use proprietary connectors, so be sure to check that your camera uses the standard micro USB connection.

Using a power bank to charge your camera battery may not be the most efficient method, as it will require recharging itself, and it will take up more space than extra batteries and a charger. However, if you are set on using a power bank, be sure to purchase one with enough capacity to get you through the day.

Use a solar power bank

Solar power banks are a great eco-friendly way to charge your camera battery on the go. They are perfect for adventurers, photographers, and remote workers, ensuring your essential gadgets stay powered up in any situation.

There are a few things to consider when choosing a solar power bank for your camera battery. Firstly, you need to make sure that the power bank has enough capacity to charge your camera battery. The capacity of a power bank is measured in milliamp hours (mAh). For example, the BLAVOR Solar Power Bank has a capacity of 10,000mAh, which is enough to charge an iPhone 8 3.6 times.

Secondly, you need to consider the output of the power bank. Most camera batteries have a voltage of around 3.6V to 4.2V, so you need to make sure that the power bank can output enough voltage to charge your camera battery. The BLAVOR Solar Power Bank, for example, has a USB-C output with 20W fast-charging capability, which can charge an iPhone 15 to 65% in just 30 minutes.

Another thing to consider is the size and weight of the power bank. If you're taking it on a hike or camping trip, you'll want something small and lightweight that can easily fit in your pocket or backpack. The BLAVOR Solar Power Bank, for example, is the smallest and lightest portable charger on the market.

Finally, you may want to look for additional features that could be useful in outdoor situations. For example, some solar power banks come with a built-in flashlight, compass, or carabiner. The BLAVOR Solar Power Bank has a dual super-bright flashlight and a compass carabiner, making it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts.

To charge your camera battery from a solar power bank, simply connect the two using a USB cable. If your camera battery has a different connector, you may need to use an adapter. Once connected, place the solar power bank in direct sunlight to charge your camera battery. It's important to note that solar charging can be slower than charging from a power outlet, so it's recommended to use a power cable as the primary charging method and solar energy as a backup.

Use a dummy battery and an inexpensive 5v USB to 9v cable

If you want to charge your camera battery from a power bank, you can use a dummy battery and an inexpensive 5v USB to 9v cable. This method is a lot cheaper than commercial USB power solutions like the TetherTools Case Relay.

To do this, you will need to insert the dummy battery into your camera. Then, plug the 9v end of the USB cable into the dummy battery, using an adapter if necessary. Finally, plug the other end of the cable into the USB power bank.

It is important to make sure that the cable you use outputs no more than 9v. Some cables go up to 12v, which could fry your camera. Most internal batteries in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are 7.4v, but cameras can usually handle anywhere between 7-9v.

You can also mount the battery on top of your camera using a SmallRig Cheese Plate, 1/4-20 Cold Shoe Adapter, and self-adhesive Velcro to keep it out of the way.

Frequently asked questions