If your Canon Powershot battery is dead, don’t worry! This guide will help you find the best battery charger for your Canon Powershot camera, so you can get back to snapping photos without the hassle. We’ll look at safe, reliable options that won’t break the bank.
When your Canon Powershot camera flashes that dreaded low battery warning, it can stop your photo-taking fun right in its tracks. It’s a common frustration, especially when you’re out and about, ready to capture a special moment. But don’t let a dead battery hold you back! Finding the right battery charger for a Canon Powershot camera doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick a charger that’s safe, works perfectly with your camera, and keeps your adventures going. Get ready to power up and start shooting again!
Why You Need the Right Battery Charger for Your Canon Powershot
Every photographer, from a casual snapper to a seasoned pro, knows the pain of a drained battery. Your Canon Powershot camera relies on its battery to bring your creative vision to life. When that battery power runs low, your camera simply won’t turn on. This is where a reliable battery charger becomes your best friend.
Using the wrong charger, or a charger that isn’t designed for your specific Canon Powershot model, can cause more than just a missed photo opportunity. It can actually damage your camera’s battery or even the camera itself. Think of it like using the wrong kind of fuel in your car – it’s just not going to end well. You need a charger that delivers the correct voltage and current, safely and efficiently, to keep your power source healthy and ready for action.
This article will help you navigate the world of camera chargers. We’ll break down what makes a good charger for your Canon Powershot, show you the best options available, and explain why picking the right one is so important for the longevity of your camera and its battery. Let’s dive in and ensure your PowerShot is always ready to capture those memories!
Understanding Your Canon Powershot Battery Needs
Before we look at chargers, it’s important to understand what your Canon Powershot camera needs. Most Canon Powershot cameras use specific lithium-ion battery packs. These batteries are designed for efficiency and can hold a good amount of charge, but they also need specific charging conditions.
The key things to look for are compatibility and charging specifications. Your camera’s battery, often denoted by a model number (like NB-6LH, LP-E17, or similar), is designed to work with a charger that matches its voltage and current requirements. Canon typically uses chargers that are carefully calibrated to prevent overcharging, overheating, and other issues that can degrade the battery’s lifespan.
Why Compatibility Matters:
- Safety: Incorrect chargers can overcharge the battery, leading to overheating, swelling, or even fire hazards.
- Battery Health: Proper charging ensures the battery charges fully and safely, extending its overall life.
- Performance: A well-charged battery provides consistent power, ensuring your camera functions at its best.
- Camera Protection: A faulty charger could send incorrect power signals that damage your camera’s internal charging circuitry.
When you buy a new Canon Powershot camera, it usually comes with a compatible charger. However, chargers can get lost, damaged, or you might want a spare. That’s when you need to find a replacement or an alternative. The goal is to find a charger that acts just like the original, providing safe and effective charging for your specific battery model.
Types of Battery Chargers for Canon Powershot Cameras
When you’re looking for a new charger for your Canon Powershot, you’ll generally come across a few main types:
1. Original Canon Chargers
These are the genuine chargers made by Canon. They are specifically designed for your camera’s battery and offer the highest level of compatibility and safety assurance. If you want the most reliable option, this is it. However, original Canon chargers can sometimes be more expensive.
2. Third-Party Compatible Chargers
Many companies make chargers that are designed to work with Canon batteries. These are often more affordable than original Canon chargers. When choosing a third-party charger, it’s crucial to look for well-made products from reputable brands that explicitly state compatibility with your specific Canon Powershot battery model.
3. Universal Chargers
These chargers are designed to charge a wide range of battery types. Some have adjustable pins or come with different adapters. While convenient for people with many different devices, they require extra care to ensure you’ve selected the correct setting for your Canon Powershot battery. For simplicity and safety, dedicated or highly compatible chargers are often preferred for specific camera batteries.
4. Car Chargers and USB Chargers
Some chargers offer the flexibility of charging via your car’s 12V outlet or a standard USB port. These are fantastic for travel or situations where you don’t have access to a wall outlet. Many compatible chargers come with both wall and car adapter options, or even a USB cable.
How to Identify the Right Charger for Your Canon Powershot Camera
Finding the correct charger involves a bit of detective work, but it’s straightforward. The most important piece of information is your camera’s battery model number. You’ll usually find this printed on the battery itself.
Steps to Find the Right Charger:
- Check Your Camera Manual: The user manual that came with your Canon Powershot camera is the best place to start. It will list the exact battery model number and the corresponding official Canon charger model number.
- Inspect Your Current Battery: Look for tiny print on the battery itself. You should see a model number like “NB-10L,” “LP-E10,” “NB-13L,” “LP-E17,” etc. Note this down precisely.
- Look up the Camera Model: If you don’t have the battery handy, search online for your specific Canon Powershot camera model (e.g., “Canon Powershot SX740 HS battery”). This will usually bring up compatible battery and charger information. You can also check Canon’s official website for support pages.
- Match Battery and Charger: Once you have the battery number, search for chargers specifically designed for that battery. For example, if your battery is an NB-13L, search for “NB-13L charger” or “battery charger for Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III.
Example: Let’s say you have a Canon Powershot ELPH 360 HS. You check the battery and find it’s an NB-11L. You would then look for an “NB-11L charger” or a charger specifically listed as compatible with the “Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS.”
Top Recommended Battery Chargers for Canon Powershot Cameras
Navigating the market for a reliable charger can be a bit overwhelming. To help you out, I’ve identified some of the best types of chargers that are frequently well-reviewed and widely compatible with popular Canon Powershot models. Always ensure the charger you pick explicitly states compatibility with your specific battery model.
1. Official Canon Battery Chargers
Pros:
- Guaranteed compatibility and safety.
- Designed to optimize battery lifespan.
- Often come with protective features against overcharging and overheating.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than third-party options.
- May only include a wall adapter (no car or USB options).
Best For: Photographers who prioritize original equipment and guaranteed performance.
2. STK Accessories Power Chargers
STK is a well-known brand that offers reliable third-party camera accessories. Their chargers are often designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications and are typically much more affordable. They frequently come as kits, including a charger with both AC (wall) and DC (car) adapters, and sometimes even a USB charging option.
Example Product: STK Camera Battery & Charger Kit for Canon NB-11L / 11LH Batteries (Compatible with Canon Powershot ELPH 180, 190 IS, 340 HS, 350 HS, 360 HS, A2200, A2300, A2400, A2500, A2600, A3100, A3400, A3500, A4000 IS, IXUS 140, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 240 HS, 250 HS, 260 HS, 270 HS, 275 HS, 280 HS, etc.)
Pros:
- Excellent value for money.
- Often includes multiple charging options (wall, car, USB).
- Generally good build quality and performance.
- Wide compatibility with various Canon Powershot models.
Cons:
- As with any third-party product, slight variations in charging speed or indicators might exist compared to official chargers.
- Need to carefully verify the specific battery model compatibility.
Best For: Budget-conscious photographers, travelers, or those needing multi-option charging capabilities.
3. Wasabi Power Chargers
Wasabi Power is another highly respected brand in the camera accessory market. They are known for producing durable, high-quality chargers and replacement batteries. Their chargers often feature LED indicators for charge status (charging/fully charged) and are built with safety features.
Example Product: Wasabi Power Battery Charger for Canon LP-E17, NB-13L, NB-10L and more (Note: Wasabi often makes specific chargers for each battery type, so you’d search for the one matching your battery, e.g., “Wasabi Power Charger for NB-13L”).
Pros:
- Reliable performance and often include useful features like LED indicators.
- Good build quality, often more robust than generic brands.
- Kits usually include AC and DC (car) adapters.
- Generally well-rated by users for longevity and effectiveness.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point than generic brands, but still more affordable than OEM.
- Ensure you select the charger model specifically for your battery type.
Best For: Users looking for a balance of quality, features, and price from a reputable third-party brand.
4. Green Extreme Chargers
Green Extreme offers a range of camera batteries and chargers, often focusing on providing efficient power solutions. Their chargers are designed to work seamlessly with compatible camera batteries and often include safety certifications.
Pros:
- Often have sleek, compact designs.
- Include necessary safety certifications.
- Can sometimes be found in convenient dual-charger kits.
Cons:
- Availability might vary depending on your region.
- Generally priced between basic third-party and OEM options.
Best For: Those looking for a solid, often compact, third-party charger with a good reputation.
Table: Popular Canon Powershot Battery Models and Corresponding Charger Types
| Canon Powershot Camera Series | Common Battery Model | Recommended Charger Type |
|---|---|---|
| PowerShot ELPH Series (e.g., 180, 190, 360 HS) | NB-11L / NB-11LH | NB-11L/LH specific charger (e.g., STK, Wasabi Power) |
| PowerShot G Series (e.g., G7 X, G9 X, G5 X) | NB-13L | NB-13L specific charger (e.g., Wasabi Power, STK) |
| PowerShot SX Series (e.g., SX40, SX50, SX60 HS) | NB-10L | NB-10L specific charger (e.g., Wasabi Power, Green Extreme) |
| Entry-Level DSLRs (but may share batteries with some PowerShots) | LP-E10 / LP-E17 | LP-E10/LP-E17 specific charger (e.g., Wasabi Power, STK) |
Note: Always double-check your camera’s manual or the battery itself for the exact model number.
Key Features to Look for in a Battery Charger
Beyond compatibility, several features can make a charger more user-friendly and safe. Here’s what to consider:
- LED Charge Indicators: Most good chargers will have lights that show when the battery is charging and when it’s fully charged. This is a simple but essential feature.
- Overcharge Protection: This is a vital safety feature that automatically stops charging once the battery is full, preventing damage.
- Compact and Portable Design: If you travel a lot, a small, lightweight charger is ideal.
- Multiple Charging Options: As mentioned, chargers that come with wall plugs, car adapters, and/or USB cables offer the most versatility.
- Build Quality: Look for chargers from known brands that feel sturdy and well-made, not flimsy.
- Safety Certifications: While not always easy to find on third-party products, look for certifications like CE, FCC, or RoHS, which indicate the product meets certain safety and environmental standards.
Safe Charging Practices for Your Canon Powershot Battery
Using your charger correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. Here are some tips to keep your battery and camera safe:
- Use the Correct Charger: This is number one! Never use a charger not specifically designed for your Canon Powershot battery model.
- Charge on a Safe Surface: Always place your charger and battery on a hard, flat, non-flammable surface while charging. Avoid carpets, beds, or other soft materials where heat could build up.
- Monitor Charging: While modern chargers are safe, it’s still a good idea to check on your battery periodically, especially during the first few charges with a new charger. If it feels excessively hot, disconnect it immediately.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Don’t charge your battery in direct sunlight or in very cold environments. Room temperature (around 20-25°C or 68-77°F) is ideal.
- Inspect Battery and Charger: Regularly check your battery for any signs of swelling, leakage, or damage. Also, check the charger’s cable and connector for fraying or damage. If you see any issues, stop using them immediately.
- Don’t Leave Charging Unattended for Days: While overcharge protection is standard, it’s a good practice to remove the battery once it’s fully charged, rather than leaving it plugged in for extended periods (e.g., weeks).
- Use Only One Battery at a Time: If you have a dual charger, charge batteries one at a time, or ensure it’s a high-quality, certified dual charger designed for simultaneous use.
Following these simple steps will help ensure your battery charges efficiently and safely, providing you with reliable power for your photo shoots.
Troubleshooting Common Charging Issues
Sometimes, even with the right charger, you might run into problems. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Battery not charging:
- Ensure the battery is correctly seated in the charger.
- Check that the charger is plugged in securely.
- Clean the battery contacts and the charger contacts with a dry, soft cloth or a pencil eraser.
- Try a different power outlet.
- If using a car charger, ensure the car’s 12V socket is working.
- Try a different compatible battery if you have one.
- Charger light blinking erratically or not lighting up:
- This often indicates a fault with the battery itself or the charger. Try a different known-good battery in the charger, or try the battery in a different known-good charger.
- Check the charger’s power connection.
- Battery taking too long to charge:
- Ensure you’re using the charger designed for your battery. Some aftermarket chargers might charge slower to protect the battery.
- Extreme temperatures can affect charging speed.
- The battery may be old and reaching the end of its lifespan.
- Battery not holding a charge after charging:
- This is a
- This is a
