USB powered chargers for Canon 50D BP-511A batteries

[Wild Tassie]

G'day all!!

My name is Allen and I'm new here! I was wondering if anybody knows of a USB powered charger for the BP-511A batteries for a Canon 50D. I'm doing a few treks and I have USB solar charger, but I need a USB charger for my batteries, which would be better than lugging five or six sets of batteries in the pack! Will be in hot and humid conditions to boot. Does anyone know of any chargers like this?

Thanks all!!

[ricktas]

They are available from third party suppliers but I wonder about the limits of the USB for charging camera batteries.

For USB 2.0 the limit is 500mA and for USB 3.0 the limit is 900mA

My guess is must available USB cables for charging etc are USB2. If you google "replacement canon BP-511 usb charger" some come up, but I would be concerned about their ability to supply enough power coupled with a Solar charger to give the batteries a decent charge.

[Kym]

USB was never intended for serious power operations, using a computer USB for charging can be risky. Use a proper charger.

Edit: Why?
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/charging_from_a_usb_port

With 5V and 500mA of available current, the USB bus can charge a small single-cell Li-ion pack, but there is a danger of overloading the USB hub when attaching too many gadgets. Plugging in a charger that draws 500mA along with other devices will exceed the port’s current limit, leading to a voltage drop and a possible system failure.

[arthurking83]

Also, I doubt they exist, and if they did then you'd have to question their ability to charge a (major sized)camera battery.

Most DSLR batteries are 7.2v and the USB system only delivers 5v, so you would want the USB charger to output a considerable amount of current to convert the lower 5v output up to 7.2v(actually about 8v to charge the battery properly) and with enough power to actually charge the camera's battery!
I think most DSLR chargers are in the order of 8v and 1.5A or so, so you'd need a USB charger in the order of 5v and 3A or so .. taking in account any efficiency losses.

In a nutshell, I'd say most likely not.

[Mark L]

A couple of alternative ideas came up in this thread ...... http://www.ausphotography.net.au/forum/showthread.php?122816-Solar-baterry-charger-info-required

[Roosta]

You can get a grip for the 50D (if you don't already have one) that can be loaded with re-chargeable AA batteries, might be a better option. This way you can charge up the AA's before you leave, and not have the worry of USB to higher than able/required for charging Canon standard batteries.

There's a site sponsor that sells Powerex batteries and charges Try this link (http://www.protog.com.au/buy/maha-powerex-mh-c9000-wizardone-aa-aaa-battery-charger-analyzer/9000?utm_campaign=C9000&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=ausph). I have a set and I'll get a good 1/2 to 3/4's of a day out of it on my 50D with medium use. Also very handy for decent flash units, as they recover very well.

[Arg]

This should answer your questions: http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/app_camera_Canon_bp-511_battery.html