4
\$\begingroup\$

I will go on an three-week camping trip around Iceland. My primary power sources will be the 12V socket of the mini camper (while the engine is running) and a 62Wh power bank (charged via the 12V socket with a USB charger). The camper itself has no 220V supply, so even if there is a "regular" power supply on camp sites, it might not be very convenient to use that (let's say it is raining).

Which charging equipment would you recommend in that situation?

I came across USB battery chargers like this one for the Nikon EN-EL15 battery (I have a Nikon D7000). I could use it with the 12V car USB charger and the powerbank (and also with a USB wall charger if I come across a usable 220V outlet). Also, it is small and I would not need to carry the original MH-25 charger (and cable) which is quite bulky.

The reviews I read are quite mixed (as with many cheap 3rd party accessories). Some claim that a 2-pin charger may even damage the battery, opposed to the original 5-pin charger.

Are there any (verified) objections against such chargers?

Side note: I am also thinking about buying a second battery. From my travelling experience, going with two fully charged batteries should (almost) be sufficient for three weeks. It increases the likelihood to have access to a 220V socket before both batteries are empty. I would have to carry the original charger but I would not have to rely on cheap equipment. What do you think?

Update 2022 (for the record)

I went with an RP-PB057 (dual EN-EL15 USB-Charger from RAVPower) and have used it ever since without problems. Turned out I was worrying a bit too much beforehand. The only issue was that the powerbank ran a bit low on occasions having to charge two smartphones and two camera batteries throughout the journey, draining more power than the car charger could supply. However, I could usually use regular 220V outlets in communal areas of the campsites (the rally point of the 21st century outdoor traveller 😉️).

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
2
  • \$\begingroup\$ How much shooting do you plan to do over three weeks? \$\endgroup\$
    – Blrfl
    Apr 11, 2018 at 10:59
  • \$\begingroup\$ I guess I will shoot around 2000+ images. Depending on whether I also buy/carry an action cam, I also intend to shoot some film footage with the camera (maybe a few hours at most). \$\endgroup\$
    – code_onkel
    Apr 11, 2018 at 11:03

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3
\$\begingroup\$

I use an inverter plugged into my cig lighter in my Jeep. Its a mini transformer. Which ups the current to normal 110 household current. I plug my Nikon charger into that so I do my charging while I drive. Works great. I do have 2 batteries. One to use. One to charge. Never had a problem. I bought mine at Home Depot. It's a Black and Decker product.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ Technically speaking, it increases the potential (volts) and decreases the current (Ampere) - e.g. from 12VDC @ 10A to 110VAC @ 1.1A. \$\endgroup\$
    – flolilo
    Apr 12, 2018 at 18:31
0
\$\begingroup\$

First:

Neewer is a company you can trust in, I have several Neewer products, working fine. So, I don't have a bad feeling about this

More generally speaking:

Basically yes, a cheap charger can damage the cells, because they may not have the proper safety functions as the original one and thus overcharging the cells or following not the correct CV/CC phase for charging. This will most likely only reduce battery lifetime.

Things you should check:

  • Does the charger have a proper CE certificate or similar?

  • Does the company provide other tools from the same spectrum which are rated positively?

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ When Li-Ion batteries are involved, overcharging very quickly leads to issues that are much more serious than reduction in battery lifetime! \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Apr 11, 2018 at 16:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.