Smart Guide: Universal Charger For Fuji Np-W126

If you're looking to charge your Fujifilm NP-W126 battery, there are several options for puniversal battery chargers. These chargers are compatible with various Fujifilm camera models, including the X-T2, X-T3, X-Pro2, and X-Pro3. Some chargers have features like compact, foldable designs, battery level indicators, and fast charging capabilities. You can explore different options offered by brands such as Digipower, Bower, Fujifilm, and Powerextra to find the best charger for your needs.

Best universal chargers for Fuji NP-W126 batteries

Universal chargers are a great option for those who want to charge multiple batteries at once, charge their batteries on the go, or simply serve as a replacement for their original Fujifilm charger. Here are some of the best universal chargers for Fuji NP-W126 batteries:

JJC Dual USB Battery Charger

This JJC dual USB charger is a practical and affordable option for charging Fujifilm NP-W126/S batteries. It is compact, like the Fuji charger, but with the added benefit of being able to charge two batteries simultaneously via USB. This makes it a convenient choice for travellers who want to charge multiple batteries at the same time while on the move. The charger also comes with overheat and overcharge protection to prevent damage to your batteries. It is widely available on Amazon across various international stores.

Digipower NPW126 Digital Camera Battery & Charger Kit

This Digipower charger is a good option for those looking for a replacement for their Fujifilm NP-W126 battery pack. It comes with an extra replacement NP-W126 battery, providing 200+ shots of continuous use. The charger includes a fold-away plug and a visible battery charging indicator. It is compatible with a range of Fujifilm mirrorless cameras, including the X-T2, X-T3, and X-T100. While this item is no longer available new from Best Buy, similar options may be available.

Powerextra NP-W126S Battery Charger

The Powerextra NP-W126S charger is a fast and portable option, allowing you to charge two batteries simultaneously via USB. It features a smart LCD display that shows the charging status of each battery, and it can be charged using a power bank, wall charger, or other USB devices. The charger is compatible with a wide range of Fujifilm cameras, including the X-T2, X-T3, X-T10, and X-T100. It has received positive reviews for its compact size, convenience, and value for money.

Fujifilm Battery Charger BC-W126S

This is the original replacement charger supplied with Fujifilm X series mirrorless cameras. It is designed to charge both NP-W126 and NP-W126S batteries and has received positive reviews for its performance and quality. While some users have mentioned that it is a bit expensive for what it is, others appreciate its functionality and auto shut-off feature after the battery is fully charged.

Bower CH-G129 Battery Charger

The Bower CH-G129 battery charger is a compact and portable option for charging your Fujifilm NP-W126 batteries. It features a foldable design and an indicator light for monitoring battery levels at a glance. This charger is available from Best Buy at a reasonable price and has received good reviews, with 100% of customers recommending it to others.

How to safely charge NP-W126 batteries

To safely charge NP-W126 batteries, you can use the official Fujifilm charger that comes with the camera. However, there are also third-party options available, such as the Wasabi Power KIT-BB-NPW126, which includes two batteries and one dual USB charger, or the ProMaster li-ion battery, which has a capacity of 1,150 mAh and features a built-in USB-C charging port.

When charging NP-W126 batteries, it is important to use a suitable charging method and to avoid non-standard USB ports, such as those found on keyboards, which may not provide sufficient power for charging. Additionally, be wary of cheap third-party batteries, as they may have lower capacities than advertised and may even damage your camera.

Charging your Fuji camera battery on the go

If you're looking to charge your Fuji camera battery on the go, there are a few options available to you. Here are some detailed instructions on how to keep your camera powered up while you're out and about:

• Use a universal battery charger: You can purchase a universal battery charger specifically designed for Fuji cameras that use the NP-W126 battery. These chargers are compact and portable, making them ideal for travel. They often feature fold-away plugs and battery charging indicators. Simply place your NP-W126 battery into the charger, plug it into a power outlet, and wait for the battery to fully charge before removing it.
• Charge via a computer: If you have access to a computer, you can also charge your Fuji camera battery by connecting your camera to the computer using a USB cable. Ensure that your camera is turned off and the battery is inserted before connecting the USB cable. The charging time is approximately 300 minutes, and it is not affected by the type of cable used. However, it's important to connect the camera directly to the computer and not through a USB hub or keyboard. Additionally, charging may not be supported by all computer models, depending on their settings and specifications.
• Use an external battery pack: If you don't have access to a power outlet or a computer, you can invest in a portable power bank and use it to charge your Fuji camera battery on the go. Some universal battery chargers, like the Powerextra NP-W126S charger, come with a USB cable that allows you to connect to a power bank for charging. This option gives you the flexibility to charge your battery anywhere, making it a convenient choice for travel photography.
• Consider third-party batteries: While it's recommended to use Fujifilm's original NP-W126 or NP-W126S batteries, there are third-party options available that are more affordable. Brands like Watson, Green Extreme, Patona, and ExPro offer batteries with similar performance and capacity to the original Fujifilm batteries. However, be cautious when using third-party batteries, as some lower-quality options may not perform as expected and could even damage your camera.

Remember to follow the safety precautions outlined in your camera's manual when charging your Fuji camera battery. Always use the recommended battery charger and avoid affixing labels or objects to the battery. By following these instructions and keeping your battery charged, you'll be able to capture all the moments that matter, even when you're on the move!

Extending the life of your NP-W126 battery

The NP-W126 is a rechargeable Li-ion battery used in Fujifilm X-System cameras. While the original Fujifilm batteries are quite expensive, there are many third-party alternatives available. However, it's important to note that some of these non-original batteries can swell in the camera and potentially damage it.

• Turn off your camera when not in use. The LCD screen can drain the battery in a matter of minutes, especially if it's large, brightly backlit, or has a touchscreen interface.
• Take out the battery when not in use and keep a spare one handy. Rechargeable batteries lose power over time, so it's a good idea to have a backup.
• Use the optical viewfinder instead of the LCD screen to compose your images. The LCD screen can be a real power drain, so keep it turned off whenever possible.
• Avoid using the flash. Instead, adjust the exposure and ISO settings to capture images in low-light conditions.
• Store your batteries in a cool, dry place. Exposing batteries to heat can cause a rapid loss of capacity.
• Charge your battery frequently. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to completely drain a Li-ion battery before recharging it. In fact, frequent charging can help extend its life.
• Keep your camera firmware up to date. Outdated firmware can lead to glitches and affect the overall performance of the camera, including battery life.
• Consider switching to a rechargeable battery pack. This can be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option in the long run.
• Avoid long exposures, video, and burst photography. These features require more processing power and can quickly drain your battery.
• Turn off fancy features like image stabilisation (IS) and autofocus (AF). These features use up a lot of power, especially in low-light situations.
• If travelling to a cold climate, keep your batteries warm. Cold temperatures can affect battery performance, so consider storing them in a pocket or bag, or invest in a heat pack.

Using NP-W126 battery clones

The original Fujifilm NP-W126 batteries are quite expensive, so it's understandable that you might want to look at clones or third-party options. However, it's important to be aware that there are many inferior products on the market that are sold as NP-W126 batteries, and some of these can even damage your camera.

Spotting Fakes

One of the biggest issues with NP-W126 clones is that they are often counterfeits. Fraudsters rebadge and repackage inferior batteries, passing them off as genuine Fujifilm batteries. These counterfeits are designed to look incredibly similar to the original product, sometimes even including the Fujifilm logo. However, there are ways to spot these fakes.

Firstly, check the packaging. The original packaging includes a box, instructions, and a plastic storage pouch for the battery. The box and instructions are specific to the NP-W126 battery type, so if you notice any generic packaging, this is a red flag. Another thing to look out for is the Fujifilm branding. The current logo features a distinctive font and a "cutting-edge" design on the letters I and F. If the logo looks different, it's likely a fake.

Next, examine the printing on the battery itself. Look for any misspellings or anomalies in the text and graphics layout. For example, one counterfeit version misspells "Panasonic" as "Panssonic". Pay attention to the spacing between text and graphics, and compare this to a genuine battery if you have one available. Also, note that the white print ink on genuine batteries is a pale silvery-grey off-white, while the orange ink is not a vibrant orange.

The outer case design can also be a tell-tale sign of a counterfeit. Check the anti-reversal notch, which prevents the battery from being fully inserted if it's the wrong way around. The shape of this notch should be a certain way, and the corners should be square, not rounded. Additionally, look for gate-marks, which are tiny spots (about a millimetre in diameter) that are remnants of the injection moulding process. The genuine Fujifilm battery has eight gate marks, four on each side, in specific positions. Non-genuine batteries may have a different number of gate marks or none at all.

Performance and Safety

When it comes to performance, some third-party batteries can deliver a capacity similar to that of OEM batteries. However, there may still be differences in the power delivery rate, self-discharge rate, and the ultimate rate of decline in the battery's State of Health.

One of the biggest concerns with NP-W126 clones is safety. All Li-ion batteries have at least two terminals, but the NP-W126S has four: +, -, Ⓣ, and Ⓢ. The Ⓣ terminal is for the thermistor, which allows the battery's charging and discharging temperatures to be monitored. This is important because if the temperature gets too high, charging can be terminated to prevent problems such as explosion or fire.

None of the third-party batteries tested by Jiri Hajek had a properly implemented thermistor. Instead, they only had a fixed 10kΩ resistor, which means the connected device doesn't have any information about the internal battery temperature. This could be a safety issue, especially during heavy-duty usage like 4K video recording or continuous shooting.

Recommendations

If you want to be absolutely sure about safety and performance, it's recommended to stick with the original NP-W126S battery. However, if you want to save some money, there are a few recommended third-party brands that offer good performance at a lower price. These include Watson, Green Extreme, Patona Platinum, Patona Premium, and ExPro White.

Final Thoughts

While NP-W126 clones can save you money, it's important to be cautious when purchasing them due to the prevalence of counterfeits and safety concerns. Always buy from reputable sellers, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Frequently asked questions