Charging Your Sp815uz: Battery Power Basics

If you're looking to charge your SP815UZ Olympus camera battery, there are a few options available. You can either charge the battery in the camera or use an external charger. To charge the battery in the camera, simply connect your camera to a power source using the provided USB cable and ensure that the camera's power switch is turned off. The camera should then start charging, and you'll see a small orange light come on at the back of the camera.

Alternatively, you can purchase an external battery charger, which is sold separately as an optional accessory. Official external chargers are available from Olympus, but there are also aftermarket alternatives produced by third-party manufacturers that are often more affordable. These external chargers can be powered by USB or a DC car charger.

It's worth noting that some Olympus cameras use proprietary USB cables for charging, so ensure you have the correct cable before attempting to charge your camera.

Charging the battery in-camera

To charge the battery in-camera, make sure the camera's power switch is set to OFF. When the camera is powered off, a small orange light will come on. Plug the camera in using the micro-USB cable, and this light should be visible on the back of the camera, at the bottom right next to the trash button.

It is important to note that the micro-USB and micro-HDMI ports on the camera are located right next to each other and look quite similar, so be careful not to accidentally put the USB cable into the HDMI port.

Additionally, the in-camera charging method is also possible using a USB AC power adapter. This allows you to connect your camera to a wall power jack for charging. This method is useful for saving battery power while downloading pictures, using webcam mode, or connecting to a printer.

Using an external charger

The Olympus SP-815UZ camera uses the LI-50B digital camera battery. While the camera does not come with an external charger, there are several options available for purchase.

An external charger is a convenient way to charge your camera battery, especially if you have a spare battery to use while the other is charging. External chargers are sold by both Olympus/OM System and third-party manufacturers.

Official Olympus/OM System External Charger

The official Olympus/OM System external charger is the BCS-5 model. It is a single-dock cradle charger that can charge one battery at a time and is designed to be plugged into a wall AC power outlet. This charger is specifically designed for the BLS-5 battery and will not charge the BLS-1 battery.

Aftermarket External Chargers

Aftermarket external chargers produced by third-party manufacturers offer a few advantages over the official Olympus/OM System charger. They are often significantly cheaper, and you can find them in different configurations, such as dual chargers that can charge two batteries simultaneously. Some chargers are also powered by USB or a DC car charger (cigarette charger style), providing more flexibility in how you charge your camera battery.

When choosing an aftermarket external charger, it is important to consider the quality and compatibility of the product. While OM System recommends using only their official batteries, good-quality aftermarket versions are often available at a more affordable price. Look for reputable brands, such as Wasabi Power, Powerextra, and Watson, to ensure reliable performance.

Battery and Charger Bundles

Another option to consider is purchasing a battery and charger bundle. These bundles typically include a replacement battery for the Olympus SP-815UZ camera, along with a compatible charger. This can be a cost-effective way to ensure you have a spare battery and a dedicated charger, allowing you to keep shooting while your other battery is charging.

Online Shopping Options

You can find external chargers and battery bundles for the Olympus SP-815UZ camera on various online shopping platforms, including Amazon and Aliexpress. These platforms offer a range of options from different brands, allowing you to compare prices, read customer reviews, and make an informed purchase decision.

In conclusion, using an external charger with your Olympus SP-815UZ camera can be a practical solution, especially if you want to have a spare battery always ready to go. Both official and aftermarket options are available, providing you with flexibility in terms of price, charging configurations, and compatibility. Remember to consider your specific needs and budget when making your choice.

Using a USB cable

To charge your SP815UZ Olympus camera battery using a USB cable, you can use either the in-camera charging method or an external charger.

In-Camera Charging

The SP815UZ comes with a micro-USB cable and a wall AC charger that you can use to charge the battery while it's inside the camera. Make sure the camera's power switch is set to OFF, as it won't charge if it's on. When you plug in the camera using the micro-USB cable, a small orange light should come on at the back of the camera, near the trash button.

It's important to note that the micro-USB and micro-HDMI ports on the camera look similar, so be careful not to force the USB cable into the wrong port.

External Charger

You can also charge your SP815UZ battery using an external charger, although this is sold separately and is not included with the camera. Official external chargers are available from Olympus/OM System, but there are also aftermarket alternatives produced by third-party manufacturers that are often more affordable. These aftermarket options may offer different configurations, such as dual chargers for charging multiple batteries simultaneously or chargers powered by USB or a DC car charger.

Other Options

In addition to the above methods, you can also purchase a USB AC power adapter battery charger cord specifically designed for Olympus cameras, such as the SP-810UZ and SP-820UZ models. This allows you to connect your camera to a wall power jack for charging, saving your battery power while downloading pictures, using webcam mode, or connecting to a printer.

Another option is to invest in a battery and charger kit that includes a replacement battery, charger, and other accessories like a microfiber cleaning cloth and screen protectors.

When charging your SP815UZ Olympus camera battery via USB, ensure you use a compatible cable and power source that meets the voltage and current requirements.

Using an AC power adapter

To charge your SP815UZ Olympus camera battery using an AC power adapter, you will need to purchase an AC power adapter that is compatible with your camera. You can find these adapters sold by third-party retailers online.

Once you have purchased a compatible AC power adapter, you can follow these steps to charge your camera battery:

• Make sure your camera is turned off. The camera will not charge if it is turned on.
• Connect the AC power adapter to a power outlet.
• Use the USB cable that came with your camera to connect the camera to the AC power adapter. The USB cable should have a micro-USB connector on one end that plugs into your camera and a standard USB connector on the other end that plugs into the AC power adapter.
• Ensure that the small orange charging light on the back of your camera comes on. This indicates that your camera is charging.
• Leave the camera to charge until the battery is fully charged. The charging time will vary depending on the capacity of your battery and the output power of the AC adapter.

It is important to use only compatible and approved chargers and batteries with your camera to avoid damaging the device. Using incompatible or unapproved chargers or batteries may void your warranty and could potentially be dangerous.

Some AC power adapters may also allow you to charge a spare battery externally. This can be convenient if you want to keep shooting while your spare battery charges. External chargers are usually sold separately as optional accessories and may be available from the camera manufacturer or third-party suppliers.

Using a power bank

Step 1: Choose the Right Power Bank

Before you begin, make sure you have a suitable power bank. Look for one that has a standard USB port, as you will need this to connect to your camera. The capacity of the power bank is also important—a higher capacity will provide more charges. For example, a 10,000mAh power bank can provide multiple charges for a phone, camera, or tablet.

Step 2: Connect the Power Bank to Your Camera

Use the USB cable that came with your camera to connect the power bank to your camera. Ensure that you are using the correct cable and that it is plugged in securely.

Step 3: Turn on the Power Bank

Once the power bank and camera are connected, turn on the power bank. The camera should now be charging.

Step 4: Monitor the Charging Process

Keep an eye on the charging process. Depending on the power bank and camera, charging times may vary. Some cameras will indicate when the battery is fully charged.

Step 5: Disconnect and Store

Once the camera battery is fully charged, disconnect the power bank and store it safely.

Frequently asked questions