Digital camera batteries in Europe
Jul 7th, 2004, 09:05 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Digital camera batteries in Europe
We're getting ready to head to Italy this fall, and are very close to buying a digital camera before leaving. However, the camera we want to buy only uses the manufacturer's rechargeable batteries. Will we need to buy an adapter for the battery charger? I used such an adapter in Spain and it wound up frying my electric razor.
Jul 7th, 2004, 09:17 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think almost all digital cameras include a multi-current charger, so they can sell them world-wide, but it is something you should check. I have been using a Canon for about two years, and I bought a second battery, just to be sure. I recharge the camera overnight. In the two years of heavy use, I have only needed the backup battery once, and that was way up in the mountains where there are so many pictures to take, but the cold weather weakens the battery.
Jul 7th, 2004, 09:52 AM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The battery charger will have a place on the plug that says "output". If it says 110V - 220V, or something close to it, you're all set. All you will need is an adapter for the plug. Otherwise, you'll need something to convert the electricity.
Jul 7th, 2004, 10:18 AM
#5
Most of them use 110 to 240, so an adapter is all that is necessary. We just picked up a new Nikon for my son in Sorrento (even with tax, it turned out to be about $40 cheaper than at home), which also takes two AA batteries so you can continue to use the camera while the batteries are recharging. It is great!
Jul 8th, 2004, 04:30 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,514
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mebanese-
actually, it is the INPUT on the transformer that one must check to be sure that it will accept up to 220V (European standard), not the output. One must also check the output to be sure that it is in the acceptable range for the device you are charging.
Geeklawyer-
An adaptor simply makes the plug fit into the round pin shaped European socket, it does nothing to alter the strength of the local current. This is likely what happened to your electric razor in Spain. It requires a converter (aka transformer) to change the 220 volt current in order to safely charge a US (110 volt) device.
As advised above, check your owner's manual carefully to see if the power cord/charger you received will work worldwide (or at least in Europe), because if you try to use a non-conforming charger you will very likey irrevocably fry your device. Some devices come with a built-in transformer, some do not.
actually, it is the INPUT on the transformer that one must check to be sure that it will accept up to 220V (European standard), not the output. One must also check the output to be sure that it is in the acceptable range for the device you are charging.
Geeklawyer-
An adaptor simply makes the plug fit into the round pin shaped European socket, it does nothing to alter the strength of the local current. This is likely what happened to your electric razor in Spain. It requires a converter (aka transformer) to change the 220 volt current in order to safely charge a US (110 volt) device.
As advised above, check your owner's manual carefully to see if the power cord/charger you received will work worldwide (or at least in Europe), because if you try to use a non-conforming charger you will very likey irrevocably fry your device. Some devices come with a built-in transformer, some do not.
Jul 14th, 2004, 06:51 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Postscript:
We got out camera through a refurb company, and it was the European model (different color with European battery charger). The charger also works with American outlets, so problem solved!
We got out camera through a refurb company, and it was the European model (different color with European battery charger). The charger also works with American outlets, so problem solved!
