Charging Your Lumix Camera: Usb Guide

If you're looking to charge your Lumix camera with a USB, it's important to know that not all models support this feature. While some modern Lumix cameras have USB charging capabilities, certain older models like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 do not. To determine if your camera can be charged via USB, check its model number and refer to the list of compatible models. If your camera is compatible, you can use a USB cable to connect it to a power source, such as a laptop, power bank, or phone charger. However, it's recommended to use the original charger and adapter provided with your camera to avoid any potential issues.

Check your Lumix model supports USB charging

To check if your Lumix model supports USB charging, you can refer to the user manual or the manufacturer's website. Alternatively, you can look for your specific model in the list below:

Lumix Models that Support USB Charging:

• Panasonic Lumix DC-S5
• Panasonic Lumix G100
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS45
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX80
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ02
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ27
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ31
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ55
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ60
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ61
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS19
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40

Lumix Models that Do Not Support USB Charging:

• Panasonic Lumix G80 / G85
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30
• Panasonic Lumix TZ100
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-Gf6

If your Lumix model is not listed above, you can refer to the user manual or the manufacturer's website for more information. Additionally, newer models of Lumix cameras are more likely to support USB charging, so keep that in mind when checking.

Purchase a USB cable (C-Type for fast charging)

When purchasing a USB cable, it is important to ensure that you are getting the right type of cable for your Lumix camera. The first thing to check is the USB type – for fast charging, you will need a C-Type cable. This is especially important if you are a LUMIX FZ1000 user or have another modern camera model.

The next thing to check is the version of the cable. It is recommended to get a cable that is at least 3.1. You can check this by looking at the packaging or product description of the cable.

Once you have confirmed that you are getting a C-Type cable with a version of 3.1 or higher, you can purchase the cable. This type of cable will allow you to charge your Lumix camera quickly and efficiently.

It is worth noting that not all Lumix cameras support USB charging. For example, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 camera does not support charging through its USB port. So, before purchasing a USB cable, make sure to check that your specific Lumix camera model supports USB charging.

Additionally, when purchasing a USB cable, you may want to consider the length of the cable. If you need to move around a lot while charging your camera, a longer cable might be more suitable. On the other hand, if you plan to keep your camera in one place while charging, a shorter cable might work just fine.

In terms of where to purchase a USB cable, you can find them at many electronics stores or online retailers. When purchasing online, be sure to read the reviews to ensure that the cable you are buying is of good quality and compatible with your Lumix camera.

Connect to a power source

To charge your Lumix camera with a USB connection, you will need to purchase or borrow a USB cable. Ensure that your Lumix model supports USB charging, as some older models do not.

For the Lumix FZ1000 and other modern camera models, you will need a C-type cable for fast charging. For older models, such as the Lumix DMC-LZ20K, you will need a B-type cable.

Once you have the correct cable, follow these steps:

• Check that your camera supports USB charging.
• Connect the USB cable to the camera and a power source.
• Ensure that the power source is turned on and functioning.
• Allow the camera to charge.

You can use any power source that is available to you, such as a generator if you are in a rural area without electricity. If you are in a location with access to electricity, you can use a standard electrical outlet.

It is important to note that you should only use the supplied USB cable that came with your Lumix camera. Using other USB cables may cause malfunction. Similarly, only use the supplied AC adapter to connect to an electrical outlet.

When charging your Lumix camera, the charging light will blink red, and once charging is complete, the light will turn off. Charging time may vary depending on the battery's usage and the temperature of the battery and surroundings.

Always use genuine Panasonic batteries to ensure the best performance and avoid any potential issues.

Charging with a computer

If you want to charge your Lumix camera with your computer, you'll need to make sure you have the right USB cable. The cable you need will depend on your camera model.

For example, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8, DMC-FS45, DMC-FX80, DMC-LZ40, DMC-SZ1, DMC-SZ02, DMC-SZ5, DMC-SZ7, DMC-TZ27, DMC-TZ30, DMC-TZ31, DMC-TZ55, DMC-TZ60, DMC-TZ61, DMC-ZS19, DMC-ZS20, DMC-ZS35, and DMC-ZS40 Digital Cameras can be charged with a USB cable that is also used for image transfer.

Other models, such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-F2, DMC-FH4, DMC-FH5, DMC-FH6, DMC-FH7, DMC-FH8, DMC-FH25, DMC-FP5, DMC-FP7, DMC-FP8, DMC-FS3, DMC-FS5, DMC-FS7, DMC-FS12, DMC-FS14, DMC-FS16, DMC-FS18, DMC-FS20, DMC-FS22, DMC-FS25, DMC-FS28, DMC-FS33, DMC-FS30, DMC-FS35, DMC-FS37, DMC-FS40, DMC-FS41, DMC-FS45, DMC-FS62, DMC-FT3, DMC-FT5, DMC-FT20, DMC-FT25, DMC-FX01, DMC-FX2, DMC-FX3, DMC-FX7, DMC-FX07, DMC-FX8, DMC-FX9, DMC-FX10, DMC-FX12, DMC-FX30, DMC-FX33, DMC-FX35, DMC-FX37, DMC-FX40, DMC-FX48, DMC-FX50, DMC-FX55, DMC-FX60, DMC-FX65, DMC-FX66, DMC-FX77, DMC-FX78, DMC-FX80, DMC-FX90, DMC-FX100, DMC-FX150, DMC-FX500, DMC-FX550, DMC-FX580, DMC-FX700, DMC-FZ1, DMC-FZ2, DMC-FZ3, DMC-FZ4, DMC-FZ5, DMC-FZ7, DMC-FZ10, DMC-FZ15, DMC-FZ18, DMC-FZ20, DMC-FZ28, DMC-FZ47, DMC-FZ48, DMC-FZ50, DMC-FZ60, DMC-FZ62, DMC-FZ70, DMC-FZ72, DMC-FZ150, DMC-FZ200, DMC-G1, DMC-G2, DMC-G3, DMC-G5, DMC-G6, DMC-G10, and DMC-GF1, can only use a USB cable for image transfer, not for charging.

Once you have the correct cable, simply plug the USB cable into your camera and computer, and select "power only" mode on your device. It's recommended that you power off your camera before charging and that you select "safely remove hardware" on your computer once charging is complete.

Please note that not all Panasonic Lumix cameras can be charged via USB. For example, the Lumix DMC-FT30 and Lumix DMC-G80/G85 cannot be charged this way.

Charging with a phone charger

You can charge your Lumix camera with a phone charger, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, make sure your Lumix model supports USB charging. Some older models, like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30, are not compatible with USB charging. If you have one of these models, you'll need to use a different charging method.

Now, if your Lumix model does support USB charging, you can use a phone charger. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Check the USB Type

Before you begin, check the USB type that your camera requires. Most modern Lumix cameras use a C-Type USB for fast charging. However, older models like the Lumix DMC-LZ20K use a B-Type USB.

Step 2: Prepare the Charger

If you're using an iOS charger, you'll need at least a 20-watt charger, although 30-watt is recommended. For Android chargers, a 40-watt charger will provide the fastest charging, but a 15-watt charger will also work, albeit more slowly.

Step 3: Connect the Charger

Turn off your camera. This is important because Lumix cameras cannot charge while they are turned on. Now, connect your phone charger to a power outlet. Then, attach the USB charging cord to the camera.

Step 4: Monitor the Charging Process

Keep an eye on the charger during the process. If it's getting too hot, unplug it, as this could be a sign of exhaustion or malfunction. Once the charging is complete, the charging light on your camera should turn off.

Step 5: Remove the Battery After Charging

Finally, remember to remove the battery from the camera after it's finished charging. Leaving the battery in for too long after charging can cause it to exhaust more quickly.

And that's it! You've successfully charged your Lumix camera using a phone charger. Just make sure to follow the specific instructions for your Lumix model, as charging procedures may vary slightly between different models.

Frequently asked questions