Digital Camera Battery Chargers
Aug 24th, 2005, 04:47 PM
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Digital Camera Battery Chargers
Hi all,
leaving in about a week and a half for Switzerland and France, and now DH says, Gee should we get a digital camera for this trip. So after much research, I think I have settled on the Canon A520. Looks easy to use, and I have always liked Canon. My question centers around the batteries and the charger - are most chargers dual voltage? The guy at Circuit City did not know. I am looking at a Rayovac 30 minute recharger (with 4 AA batteries). I guess I would buy an adaptor in France (Monoprix?). Any help is appreciated. (PS - I searched this forum and most of the digital camera topics are old)
Many thanks
leaving in about a week and a half for Switzerland and France, and now DH says, Gee should we get a digital camera for this trip. So after much research, I think I have settled on the Canon A520. Looks easy to use, and I have always liked Canon. My question centers around the batteries and the charger - are most chargers dual voltage? The guy at Circuit City did not know. I am looking at a Rayovac 30 minute recharger (with 4 AA batteries). I guess I would buy an adaptor in France (Monoprix?). Any help is appreciated. (PS - I searched this forum and most of the digital camera topics are old)
Many thanks
Aug 24th, 2005, 04:55 PM
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http://www.fodorstravel.com/forums/t...p;tid=34525079
that's a very current thread, started on 8/29/05...answers your questions, I believe.
that's a very current thread, started on 8/29/05...answers your questions, I believe.
Aug 24th, 2005, 04:57 PM
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I do believe that ALL chargers for digital camera batteries are dual voltage these days. Too funny that the guy at Circuit City did not know. All you have to do is look at the raised print on the charger (if it is included). If you see something like "110/220", it's dual voltage.
If it's an accessory, you should be able to find out on the website. Though I just looked and wasn't able to easily ascertain same at all.
Though, I'm sure you can pick up a battery charger at Radio Shack and don't need an OEM model.
I, personally, prefer lithium batteries. They last a lot longer between charges.
The battery that came with my Casio Exilim EX-Z55 is absolutely amazing. I used to buy a spare battery, but with this camera we don't need one.
I love the EX-Z55! Especially for the huge display. And, it could not be easier to figure out how to use.
If it's an accessory, you should be able to find out on the website. Though I just looked and wasn't able to easily ascertain same at all.
Though, I'm sure you can pick up a battery charger at Radio Shack and don't need an OEM model.
I, personally, prefer lithium batteries. They last a lot longer between charges.
The battery that came with my Casio Exilim EX-Z55 is absolutely amazing. I used to buy a spare battery, but with this camera we don't need one.
I love the EX-Z55! Especially for the huge display. And, it could not be easier to figure out how to use.
Aug 24th, 2005, 05:07 PM
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As for the adapter, you can get that at Radio Shack also, or any number of places (any store that sells luggage, travel accessories) or order online at www.magellans.com for example.
It's easiest to pick up one at home and bring it with you.
It's easiest to pick up one at home and bring it with you.
Aug 24th, 2005, 05:21 PM
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Doesn't surprise me that the guy at CC didn't know, I was shocked he knew anything about the camera 
Travelnut - thanks for the thread reference, it was from 2004 and I was looking for something more current. DJKbooks - Right - Radio Shack - they are usually pretty helpful and generally know their stuff. I'll check them
Travelnut - thanks for the thread reference, it was from 2004 and I was looking for something more current. DJKbooks - Right - Radio Shack - they are usually pretty helpful and generally know their stuff. I'll check them
Aug 24th, 2005, 05:53 PM
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The Canon A520 uses two AA batteries. It comes with two alkaline batteries, but you should not depend on alkalines, I doubt that you would even get a days worth of power from them on vacation. Do keep in mind though, that they are readily available in Europe, and in a pinch, can save you.
Before you go, you should buy a AA charger (of dual voltage), with four slots for batteries, the smaller the better, and one with folding prongs rather than with a cord. All you would need then is a $5.00 plug adapter.
Now for the batteries, get NiMH, the greater the milliamperage the better. NiMH will last all day and then some, especially if you get 15000 milliamps or better. Buy four, two in the camera, and two at the ready. Charge them overnight in the hotel. You can probably get away with a slower(cheaper) charger if you faithfully recharge overnight, everynight.
Also, once you get your charger and batteries, charge them at home, use them before you go. This serves several purposes; it begins conditioning the batteries, it reveals any defects, and it familiarizes you with your equipment.
Remember size and weight count when travelling. A slow charger will be cheaper, and usually smaller. You should be able to find one at Wal-Mart, Target, Circuit City or Best Buy about the size of a pack of cigarettes. They will all carry the NiMH batteries too; they usually come carded in a four pack. Remember to check the milliamperage (usually abbreviated mAh).
Good luck, let us know how you make out.
Before you go, you should buy a AA charger (of dual voltage), with four slots for batteries, the smaller the better, and one with folding prongs rather than with a cord. All you would need then is a $5.00 plug adapter.
Now for the batteries, get NiMH, the greater the milliamperage the better. NiMH will last all day and then some, especially if you get 15000 milliamps or better. Buy four, two in the camera, and two at the ready. Charge them overnight in the hotel. You can probably get away with a slower(cheaper) charger if you faithfully recharge overnight, everynight.
Also, once you get your charger and batteries, charge them at home, use them before you go. This serves several purposes; it begins conditioning the batteries, it reveals any defects, and it familiarizes you with your equipment.
Remember size and weight count when travelling. A slow charger will be cheaper, and usually smaller. You should be able to find one at Wal-Mart, Target, Circuit City or Best Buy about the size of a pack of cigarettes. They will all carry the NiMH batteries too; they usually come carded in a four pack. Remember to check the milliamperage (usually abbreviated mAh).
Good luck, let us know how you make out.
Aug 24th, 2005, 05:56 PM
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I too bought a new digital camera for my 17 day Paris trip. I also bought the adaptor that the camera shop sold me. Fortunately, I didn't depend entirely on it because the hotel we stayed in didn't use the same plug in outlet at all! It was round and had one prong sticking out. Mine would have had to have a hole to fit that prong, plus two round prongs to go into the outlet. The camera shop sold me a rectangular one with only two prongs, and no hole to accept the ... well ... it wouldn't fit!
However, I had brought with me 2 packs of 4 rechargeable batteries all completely charged. I used 6 of the 8. So I got away with not having to recharge the batteries there.
A fellow on our tour walked into a camera shop on Rue Cler and bought the converter I'd have needed for E8.50. So, my advice is take enough fully charged batteries to last until you can get to a camera shop in Europe. By then you'll have had a look at the outlets in your hotel and know what you'll need.
However, I had brought with me 2 packs of 4 rechargeable batteries all completely charged. I used 6 of the 8. So I got away with not having to recharge the batteries there.
A fellow on our tour walked into a camera shop on Rue Cler and bought the converter I'd have needed for E8.50. So, my advice is take enough fully charged batteries to last until you can get to a camera shop in Europe. By then you'll have had a look at the outlets in your hotel and know what you'll need.
Aug 24th, 2005, 09:13 PM
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I also own Canon A520. It does not come with a battery charger.
I bought a Panasonic dual voltage charger at Costco and take it to Europe along with a plug adaptor to fit into those European round hole outlets. I use 2300mAh Nimh batteries which seems to last forever. Unfortunately Costco no longer carries neither this charger nor the batteries.
Radio shack carries: "Fast Charger & Batteries Combo Pack" rated 100-240v for $29.99 Catalog #: 23-043
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...ct%5Fid=23-043
I bought a Panasonic dual voltage charger at Costco and take it to Europe along with a plug adaptor to fit into those European round hole outlets. I use 2300mAh Nimh batteries which seems to last forever. Unfortunately Costco no longer carries neither this charger nor the batteries.
Radio shack carries: "Fast Charger & Batteries Combo Pack" rated 100-240v for $29.99 Catalog #: 23-043
http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...ct%5Fid=23-043
Aug 25th, 2005, 01:32 AM
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Ironically, I am having the exact dilemma and have decided IF I do go for the digital, I too will get the Canon A520. I love my Canon 35mm Rebel but who wants to lug it everywhere?
Greg,
Costco does not carry the Panasonic charger they had as there was a recall on them.
I bought one of the last few left at Costco and rather than ripping open the package to check the charger for dual voltage and returning it ripped open I called Panasonic (their 800 # was on the package)
After reading off whatever #'s I was asked to read, I was told that that model had a recall. Returned it right away and let management know.
Went to Sam's Club, bought the Energizer rechargeables, called them and was told no dual voltage. I would need an adaptor and a convertor.
So, I was assuming that I could not get an inexpensive (but good) charger that had dual voltage. Can anyone tell me of a brand that does so that I only have to use an adaptor?
Thanks!
Greg,
Costco does not carry the Panasonic charger they had as there was a recall on them.
I bought one of the last few left at Costco and rather than ripping open the package to check the charger for dual voltage and returning it ripped open I called Panasonic (their 800 # was on the package)
After reading off whatever #'s I was asked to read, I was told that that model had a recall. Returned it right away and let management know.
Went to Sam's Club, bought the Energizer rechargeables, called them and was told no dual voltage. I would need an adaptor and a convertor.
So, I was assuming that I could not get an inexpensive (but good) charger that had dual voltage. Can anyone tell me of a brand that does so that I only have to use an adaptor?
Thanks!
Aug 25th, 2005, 02:32 AM
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In case you're having trouble finding products locally, look at the charger at http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/s.n...it.A/id.666/.f
A good battery would be
http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/s.n...it.A/id.242/.f
The plug adapter can be found at
http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/s.n...it.A/id.146/.f
A good battery would be
http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/s.n...it.A/id.242/.f
The plug adapter can be found at
http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/s.n...it.A/id.146/.f
Aug 25th, 2005, 05:43 AM
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12perfectdays
Costco carried at least two Panasonic chargers recently, BQ-390A and BQ-830A. According to the Panasonic customer support I talked, BQ-830A is the only model on recall. I have the former, which is still available from other photo stores.
Costco carried at least two Panasonic chargers recently, BQ-390A and BQ-830A. According to the Panasonic customer support I talked, BQ-830A is the only model on recall. I have the former, which is still available from other photo stores.
Aug 25th, 2005, 07:07 AM
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I bought my Olympus C-5500 at Circuit City a few weeks ago. It uses 4 AA batteries. At the same time we bought a Maxell one hour charger, Model P2004, which is dual voltage, for $34.99.
Later I saw it on Amazon for $24.99. I had some problems with Circuit City (other products) and when I went to settle them, I told the manager that the charger was $10 cheaper on Amazon and he deducted the $10 from my credit card.
My camera uses XD disks and those were considerabley cheaper on Amazon too.
I've charged and played around with two sets of batteries and they seem to last quite awhile.
It's amazing how many shots of stupid things I have taken while testing the new camera. I love it because they are 'free' and you can garbage can them.
So far I've taken 239 shots on my 256 chip and there are still more left.
Enjoy your new 'toy'.
Nina
Later I saw it on Amazon for $24.99. I had some problems with Circuit City (other products) and when I went to settle them, I told the manager that the charger was $10 cheaper on Amazon and he deducted the $10 from my credit card.
My camera uses XD disks and those were considerabley cheaper on Amazon too.
I've charged and played around with two sets of batteries and they seem to last quite awhile.
It's amazing how many shots of stupid things I have taken while testing the new camera. I love it because they are 'free' and you can garbage can them.
So far I've taken 239 shots on my 256 chip and there are still more left.
Enjoy your new 'toy'.
Nina
Aug 25th, 2005, 07:19 AM
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I have a Canon digital camera and always use the charger in Europe and Australia with no problem. I also charge my cell phone a nd Blackberry without a voltage converter. It works with any voltage but all you need is a plug adapter. I always buy a few extra batteries to take along. I also have an extra charger so i can charge 2 batteries at once. If you have any questions go to Canons websight and call them direct.
Aug 25th, 2005, 08:39 AM
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Those chargers use switching power supplies, which means they don't have a conventional transformer, hence lightweigth. Simply put, the current is fluctuating between 0 - 120 Volts in the US and 0 - 240 in Europe 60 or 50 times a second. The supply is designed to only let pass a certain voltage while blocking all other voltages. This way the same curcuit can be used for voltages between say 90 and 260 Volts. The output is then used to gererate DC currents.
Aug 25th, 2005, 11:49 AM
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To sum up:
If you're buying a camera as a traveler, it makes sense to limit your purchase to cameras that use AA batteries.
They may not "last" as long as trick lithium batteries, but you can pack a dozen drugstore AAs (or buy them enroute) and not worry abuot charging and chargers.
If you're buying a camera as a traveler, it makes sense to limit your purchase to cameras that use AA batteries.
They may not "last" as long as trick lithium batteries, but you can pack a dozen drugstore AAs (or buy them enroute) and not worry abuot charging and chargers.
Aug 25th, 2005, 01:45 PM
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I must disagree with the above post from metic. I have a Pentax digital that takes the lithium or AA batteries. The lithium will last more than the 9-11 day vacation (300 pix for sure) if fresh from Day 1. A pair of AA batteries can't make it through <i>one day</i>. I don't use/need a battery charger for the camera.
