About two months ago, I posted a question about how NPN members charge camera batteries while in the field, away from electrical outlets. With help from the responses, I developed and just field-tested what I think is a workable solution.
I started by evaluating portable solar chargers. The best reviews - focusing on portability, durability, power and watts - were for the Brunton folding solar panels. They are available through REI and probably elsewhere. There are a wide variety of wattage outputs. I settled on the 12 watt model. There's a 24-watt model, but it's seriously spendy.
Battery adapters were more of a challenge. I use an Olympus E-3, which uses a Li Ion battery. I settled on the PS-BLM1-AC-charger, which is smaller than Olympus's own product, works in a car's power plug (formerly cigarette lighter) as well as 110/220VAC, and even includes a European adapter. It's available from Batteries.com and elsewhere. I'm certain there are other, similar adapters for Nikon and Canon.
The Brunton 12-watt has two outlet plugs, and the battery chargers were only $20, so I bought two.
In bright sunlight, the 12-watt rig could charge both batteries in about 3.0-3.5 hours. Under cloudy skies, two batteries took about 8 hours. The results are more impressive than they might seem: temperatures were in the 25-45 degree range the entire time. I get about 6-8 hours on a set of two batteries, so this really was an effective solution. The whole rig fits in the Brunton-supplied nylon sack and fits nicely in my camera pack.
Your mileage may vary, of course, but I couldn't be happier.
Posted by Zack Schnepf on June 16, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Very cool, thanks for the write up.
Posted by Joyce Harman on June 22, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Thanks a million for the summary, I have been contemplating something similar.
Joyce
I have been considering this solution for a while - specially for a hiking trip in Peru. But ultimately decided to buy a bunch of batteries as I hiked all day and no time to stay in one place for even 3-4 hrs in full sunlight to charge. In future, I envision a backpack with fitted solar cell on the outside for hikers - I am just dreaming
I've never had to change a battery on my Wisner while out backpacking.
Despite the fact DSLR camera manufacturers are climbing over each other putting out their latest models with the latest media buzz features, they all seem to prefer to ignore development of serious battery re-charging accessories necessary when one is working beyond utility grid or vehicle electrical outlets. Thus the biggest headache shortcoming for some of we outdoor photographers with digital is the continued lack of effective battery strategies in the field.
NPN member David Shaw drapes his solar charger over the top of his backpack when he hikes; seems to work for him.
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 16, 2008 at 3:21 PM
Please don't take this as a knock on this system. I do actually think the solar charging system is really cool.
The cost associated with these chargers was kinda startling to me. In addition, there is a weight penalty to carry them.
Instead, I opted to get a bunch of batteries for my camera and charge them at home before my trip. Li-ion batteries are relatively light, hold their charge well and can be very cheap. I've bought 4 batteries for my camera through sterlingtek for $40. I've gone a 9 days in the field with a set of 5 batteries and I never taxed a battery to the point where the camera stopped working. I would guess that there was another week worth of charge in them, especially if I cut out reviewing photos in the field (easier these days since flash memory is so cheap).
I think the trick would be to find the balance between the weight of the charging system plus the batteries to be charged and the weight of extra batteries by themselves. Of course if you were to work in the field for a month straight with no opportunities to charge up, then I think the solar option is the only option.
Discussion
6 repliesI started by evaluating portable solar chargers. The best reviews - focusing on portability, durability, power and watts - were for the Brunton folding solar panels. They are available through REI and probably elsewhere. There are a wide variety of wattage outputs. I settled on the 12 watt model. There's a 24-watt model, but it's seriously spendy.
Battery adapters were more of a challenge. I use an Olympus E-3, which uses a Li Ion battery. I settled on the PS-BLM1-AC-charger, which is smaller than Olympus's own product, works in a car's power plug (formerly cigarette lighter) as well as 110/220VAC, and even includes a European adapter. It's available from Batteries.com and elsewhere. I'm certain there are other, similar adapters for Nikon and Canon.
The Brunton 12-watt has two outlet plugs, and the battery chargers were only $20, so I bought two.
In bright sunlight, the 12-watt rig could charge both batteries in about 3.0-3.5 hours. Under cloudy skies, two batteries took about 8 hours. The results are more impressive than they might seem: temperatures were in the 25-45 degree range the entire time. I get about 6-8 hours on a set of two batteries, so this really was an effective solution. The whole rig fits in the Brunton-supplied nylon sack and fits nicely in my camera pack.
Your mileage may vary, of course, but I couldn't be happier.
Joyce
Despite the fact DSLR camera manufacturers are climbing over each other putting out their latest models with the latest media buzz features, they all seem to prefer to ignore development of serious battery re-charging accessories necessary when one is working beyond utility grid or vehicle electrical outlets. Thus the biggest headache shortcoming for some of we outdoor photographers with digital is the continued lack of effective battery strategies in the field.
NPN member David Shaw drapes his solar charger over the top of his backpack when he hikes; seems to work for him.
The cost associated with these chargers was kinda startling to me. In addition, there is a weight penalty to carry them.
Instead, I opted to get a bunch of batteries for my camera and charge them at home before my trip. Li-ion batteries are relatively light, hold their charge well and can be very cheap. I've bought 4 batteries for my camera through sterlingtek for $40. I've gone a 9 days in the field with a set of 5 batteries and I never taxed a battery to the point where the camera stopped working. I would guess that there was another week worth of charge in them, especially if I cut out reviewing photos in the field (easier these days since flash memory is so cheap).
I think the trick would be to find the balance between the weight of the charging system plus the batteries to be charged and the weight of extra batteries by themselves. Of course if you were to work in the field for a month straight with no opportunities to charge up, then I think the solar option is the only option.