Trip with G1 but no electricity?

Hi folks! I'm hoping you knowledgeable forum readers can help me out.

I'm taking a month-long trip through Africa beginning in June. I would really like to purchase and use a G1 on this trip, my only concern is that I will be in areas without access to electrical power for many days at a time (stretches of up to a week with nights camping and days in a 4WD which may or may not have a cigarette lighter socket handy). I'm already planning on a 1GB Microdrive as to not worry about storage.

Is it feasible to carry multiple spare batteries (1500MAh AC Delco is what I have found by searching through this forum) and charge them when power is available? How long does it take to charge these in the camera or with an external charger? My big concern is that I will run out of juice right when I come across the most spectacular photo opp. Perhaps I should bring my non-digital camera as a backup? Unfortunately luggage space is a big concern since I am limited to 1 bag, so I would prefer to bring one camera or the other, not both.

Another idea might be to look into another digital camera which accepts disposable batteries as to not have to worry about recharging. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips!

-Derek

Carrying enough disposable batteries for a month might require a separate suitcase! There is an easy answer: call the tour company and ask if the vehicles have cigarette lighters. If they don't know, you are already in trouble! But, quite frankly, it would extremely unlikely not to have some sort of electrical outlet.

The G1 batteries can be charged in an external charger that can be attached to the truck.

Derek J. Mendez said:

Hi folks! I'm hoping you knowledgeable forum readers can help me out.

I'm taking a month-long trip through Africa beginning in June. I
would really like to purchase and use a G1 on this trip, my only
concern is that I will be in areas without access to electrical
power for many days at a time (stretches of up to a week with
nights camping and days in a 4WD which may or may not have a
cigarette lighter socket handy). I'm already planning on a 1GB
Microdrive as to not worry about storage.

Is it feasible to carry multiple spare batteries (1500MAh AC Delco
is what I have found by searching through this forum) and charge
them when power is available? How long does it take to charge
these in the camera or with an external charger? My big concern is
that I will run out of juice right when I come across the most
spectacular photo opp. Perhaps I should bring my non-digital
camera as a backup? Unfortunately luggage space is a big concern
since I am limited to 1 bag, so I would prefer to bring one camera
or the other, not both.

Another idea might be to look into another digital camera which
accepts disposable batteries as to not have to worry about
recharging. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips!

-Derek

Click to expand...

Derek,

If you expect to go up to a week w/o power, pick up about 10 batteries. I know this is outrageously expensive, and you will never again require more than two or three batteries, but since space is also a factor this is your only alternative. Come to think of it, it would probably be cheaper just to bribe a travel mate to carry a spare film camera (and film) for you, and you can get a really nice one for lots less than the cost of 10 G1 batteries! If you can pull this off, you could probably get by with three or four batteries and avoid using the LCD as much as possible. I would also carry a couple of 128MB CF cards just in case you have trouble with the MicroDrive. It has altitude and humidity limitations that you may run into. I have both, but use the 1GB MD almost exclusively. There has been only one time that I had to fall back to the 128MB CF card, but it was critical.

I have found that with judicious use of the LCD I can get about 400+ shots per battery charge (1100 MAh), using the MD. I would think that this is probably a couple of days' worth of shooting on a trip like yours. With a Lenmar or Delco battery with a larger capacity you should do better than this, and with a cigarette lighter adapter you should be OK. You probably won't find 110-volt AC very often anyway.

Don't forget to share your photos with those of us that need to live vicariously through you!

--rhb

Derek J. Mendez said:

Hi folks! I'm hoping you knowledgeable forum readers can help me out.

I'm taking a month-long trip through Africa beginning in June. I
would really like to purchase and use a G1 on this trip, my only
concern is that I will be in areas without access to electrical
power for many days at a time (stretches of up to a week with
nights camping and days in a 4WD which may or may not have a
cigarette lighter socket handy). I'm already planning on a 1GB
Microdrive as to not worry about storage.

Is it feasible to carry multiple spare batteries (1500MAh AC Delco
is what I have found by searching through this forum) and charge
them when power is available? How long does it take to charge
these in the camera or with an external charger? My big concern is
that I will run out of juice right when I come across the most
spectacular photo opp. Perhaps I should bring my non-digital
camera as a backup? Unfortunately luggage space is a big concern
since I am limited to 1 bag, so I would prefer to bring one camera
or the other, not both.

Another idea might be to look into another digital camera which
accepts disposable batteries as to not have to worry about
recharging. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips!

-Derek

Click to expand...

You don't need a cigarette lighter socket, go to your local radio shack or smilar store and buy four small alligator clips. $2.oo tops. and two wire three to four feet long. Now all you have to do is clip on end of the wire to the + & - of the battery and the other to your lighter adapter on your batter charger. Let it sit over night. Have a great trip.

Derek J. Mendez said:

Hi folks! I'm hoping you knowledgeable forum readers can help me out.

I'm taking a month-long trip through Africa beginning in June. I
would really like to purchase and use a G1 on this trip, my only
concern is that I will be in areas without access to electrical
power for many days at a time (stretches of up to a week with
nights camping and days in a 4WD which may or may not have a
cigarette lighter socket handy). I'm already planning on a 1GB
Microdrive as to not worry about storage.

Is it feasible to carry multiple spare batteries (1500MAh AC Delco
is what I have found by searching through this forum) and charge
them when power is available? How long does it take to charge
these in the camera or with an external charger? My big concern is
that I will run out of juice right when I come across the most
spectacular photo opp. Perhaps I should bring my non-digital
camera as a backup? Unfortunately luggage space is a big concern
since I am limited to 1 bag, so I would prefer to bring one camera
or the other, not both.

Another idea might be to look into another digital camera which
accepts disposable batteries as to not have to worry about
recharging. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips!

-Derek

Click to expand...

Hi Derek.

Another possibility is to seek out a solar camcorder battery charger (the G1 uses a camcorder battery). These are expensive for a one-off trip, but probably no more so than 10 batteries. One place to try is:
http://www.greenculture.com/pr/solar.html

At least you wouldn't have to worry about there not being enough sun for it to work! Probably too extravagant, but it's going to cost a bit whatever you get.
Regards,
Alan

Richard said:

I have found that with judicious use of the LCD I can get about
400+ shots per battery charge (1100 MAh), using the MD. I would
think that this is probably a couple of days' worth of shooting on
a trip like yours. With a Lenmar or Delco battery with a larger
capacity you should do better than this, and with a cigarette
lighter adapter you should be OK. You probably won't find 110-volt
AC very often anyway.

Don't forget to share your photos with those of us that need to
live vicariously through you!

--rhb

Derek J. Mendez said:

Hi folks! I'm hoping you knowledgeable forum readers can help me out.

I'm taking a month-long trip through Africa beginning in June. I
would really like to purchase and use a G1 on this trip, my only
concern is that I will be in areas without access to electrical
power for many days at a time (stretches of up to a week with
nights camping and days in a 4WD which may or may not have a
cigarette lighter socket handy). I'm already planning on a 1GB
Microdrive as to not worry about storage.

Is it feasible to carry multiple spare batteries (1500MAh AC Delco
is what I have found by searching through this forum) and charge
them when power is available? How long does it take to charge
these in the camera or with an external charger? My big concern is
that I will run out of juice right when I come across the most
spectacular photo opp. Perhaps I should bring my non-digital
camera as a backup? Unfortunately luggage space is a big concern
since I am limited to 1 bag, so I would prefer to bring one camera
or the other, not both.

Another idea might be to look into another digital camera which
accepts disposable batteries as to not have to worry about
recharging. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips!

-Derek

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Hi Derek,

You must visit Kenya where you will fully exploit the potential of the G1 with contrasting scenery, wildlife, etc. You will need a proper dust-proof kit as well! Have an enjoyable holiday!

Regards.

jgitz said:

Carrying enough disposable batteries for a month might require a
separate suitcase!

Click to expand...

Good point!

jgitz said:

There is an easy answer: call the tour company
and ask if the vehicles have cigarette lighters. If they don't
know, you are already in trouble! But, quite frankly, it would
extremely unlikely not to have some sort of electrical outlet.

Click to expand...

I tried to get through to them briefly but got put on hold. I'll try back later. In any case, even if the truck has cigarette lighters, I would have to share them I'm sure (I have to believe other people will be in a similar situation with cameras and other electronics).

jgitz said:

The G1 batteries can be charged in an external charger that can be
attached to the truck.

Click to expand...

Any idea how long it takes to charge a battery from an adapter like this?

Thanks for the response,
Derek

Richard said:

Derek,
If you expect to go up to a week w/o power, pick up about 10
batteries. I know this is outrageously expensive, and you will
never again require more than two or three batteries, but since
space is also a factor this is your only alternative.

Click to expand...

I think 10 would be overkill, even in my case. Any idea if there are chargers which can charge multiple batteries at once? That way I could make the most of my electrical availability (and minimize multiple chargers & power converters/plug adapters).

Richard35285 said:

I would also carry a couple of 128MB CF cards just in
case you have trouble with the MicroDrive. It has altitude and
humidity limitations that you may run into. I have both, but use
the 1GB MD almost exclusively. There has been only one time that I
had to fall back to the 128MB CF card, but it was critical.

Click to expand...

Great suggestion, thanks!

Richard35285 said:

I have found that with judicious use of the LCD I can get about
400+ shots per battery charge (1100 MAh), using the MD. I would
think that this is probably a couple of days' worth of shooting on
a trip like yours. With a Lenmar or Delco battery with a larger
capacity you should do better than this, and with a cigarette
lighter adapter you should be OK. You probably won't find 110-volt
AC very often anyway.

Click to expand...

I think this sounds like a good plan for 3-5 batteries. Unfortunately not using the LCD means I can't tell right away if I got a decent shot, but I'd be in the same boat with a film camera.

Richard35285 said:

Don't forget to share your photos with those of us that need to
live vicariously through you!

Click to expand...

But of course!

Thanks for the response!
-Derek

Alan said:

Hi Derek.
Another possibility is to seek out a solar camcorder battery
charger (the G1 uses a camcorder battery). These are expensive for
a one-off trip, but probably no more so than 10 batteries. One
place to try is:
http://www.greenculture.com/pr/solar.html
At least you wouldn't have to worry about there not being enough
sun for it to work! Probably too extravagant, but it's going to
cost a bit whatever you get.
Regards,
Alan

Click to expand...

Holy cow! That's cool!
An expensive option, but I'll consider it!

Thanks for the response,
Derek

Carsten said:

You don't need a cigarette lighter socket, go to your local radio
shack or smilar store and buy four small alligator clips. $2.oo
tops. and two wire three to four feet long. Now all you have to do
is clip on end of the wire to the + & - of the battery and the
other to your lighter adapter on your batter charger. Let it sit
over night. Have a great trip.

Click to expand...

A good suggestion, but I don't think the tour operator will want me under the hood of the 4WD ;^)
If it was my own car that would be another story...

Thanks for the response,
Derek

Mutungi said:

Hi Derek,

You must visit Kenya where you will fully exploit the potential of
the G1 with contrasting scenery, wildlife, etc. You will need a
proper dust-proof kit as well! Have an enjoyable holiday!

Regards.

Click to expand...

Unfortunately Kenya is not on my itinerary this time. I am splitting time between Egypt and Namibia, Botswana and Zambia (ending up with 4-5 days around Victoria Falls). A dust-proof/cleaning kit is now on my list, good tip!

Thanks for the response,
Derek

Derek J. Mendez said:

I'm taking a month-long trip through Africa [...] use a G1 [... no]
access to electrical power for many days at a time [...] Is it feasible
to carry multiple spare batteries.

Click to expand...

I looked into just that scenario, myself. It depends, of course, on how
many pictures you take. When I'm gone for a month, I usually take
about 300-400 pictures and, for me, I calculated that 3 batteries would
last me. I haven't yet determined whether this is accurate.

Here's what I did. Many people on the net suggest that you can get
about 250 shots with a microdrive on a single battery. I called Canon
and they told me that a fully-charged battery that is not in a camera
will discharge at a rate of about 1/365th of the battery capacity per
day. It also turns out that the batteries discharge worse while remaining
unused in the camera (I don't, unfortunately, remember that rate). I
then figured 500 shots in a month (some wiggle-room, here) means
about 17 pictures a day. I calculated the battery discharge to get (as
I remember) about 520 shots in that month.

You could contact Canon to verify these numbers, figure your number of
expected pictures, and calculate the number of batteries you'd need to
do this.

Good luck!

--
Wade

Wade Guthrie said:

Here's what I did. Many people on the net suggest that you can get
about 250 shots with a microdrive on a single battery. I called Canon
and they told me that a fully-charged battery that is not in a camera
will discharge at a rate of about 1/365th of the battery capacity per
day. It also turns out that the batteries discharge worse while
remaining
unused in the camera (I don't, unfortunately, remember that rate). I
then figured 500 shots in a month (some wiggle-room, here) means
about 17 pictures a day. I calculated the battery discharge to get
(as
I remember) about 520 shots in that month.

Click to expand...

Great idea to do the math, Wade! Using the capacity of a 1GB Microdrive and an additional 128MB CF card (as mentioned earlier in this thread as a good idea in case of MD problems), I come up with a theoretical limit of approximately 627 pictures shooting at 2048 x 1536 Super-Fine (average file size 1,800 KB from the G1 review on this site). Since I won't have a laptop to offload to, I guess I can work backwards from that figure to figure out how many batteries to use. I'll plan on building in some extra battery life for LCD use and in case I want to review/delete pics.

Thanks for the response!
-Derek

Get a cigarette lighter adapter.

Derek J. Mendez said:

Hi folks! I'm hoping you knowledgeable forum readers can help me out.

I'm taking a month-long trip through Africa beginning in June. I
would really like to purchase and use a G1 on this trip, my only
concern is that I will be in areas without access to electrical
power for many days at a time (stretches of up to a week with
nights camping and days in a 4WD which may or may not have a
cigarette lighter socket handy). I'm already planning on a 1GB
Microdrive as to not worry about storage.

Is it feasible to carry multiple spare batteries (1500MAh AC Delco
is what I have found by searching through this forum) and charge
them when power is available? How long does it take to charge
these in the camera or with an external charger? My big concern is
that I will run out of juice right when I come across the most
spectacular photo opp. Perhaps I should bring my non-digital
camera as a backup? Unfortunately luggage space is a big concern
since I am limited to 1 bag, so I would prefer to bring one camera
or the other, not both.

Another idea might be to look into another digital camera which
accepts disposable batteries as to not have to worry about
recharging. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips!

-Derek

Click to expand...

More searching the forum and spinning the wheels in my brain...

What do you guys think about switching to 2 128MB CF cards and a 6GB Digital Wallet for storage on this trip vs. the 1 GB microdrive?

How much longer could I potentially get out of the G1 by using CF instead of Microdrive? The digital wallet might need to be charged up once or so along the trip, but I think I can manage that. Another advantage would be that I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket if the MD fails (or even 1 of the CF cards in the new scenario). Knowing my luck of course, the Digital Wallet or the G1 itself of course could fail!

So here's what I'm looking at:
FOR SURE:
G1
travel tripod
2 extra AC Delco batteries 1500 mAh w/car charger
Camera Bag
Electrical transformers/converters for trip

PRETTY SURE:
Lensmate + filters

WAFFLING:
1GB Microdrive and 128MB CF card
-or-
2 X 128MB CF card and Digital Wallet

Whaddya think?

Thanks,
Derek

Hello,

I've read this thread and I must admit I wouldn't dare to go with my G1 in a month trip without power supplies... AND I wouldn't dare to take just 1 Gb ...

I took a 4W trip to the Egypt western desert, sleeping in the middle of nowhere, with stars shining above and so... I took about 20 rolls of 36 slides, mainly pictures of people in the osasis... so you will need a lot of space for your pictures, I think you should buy the Digital Wallet no doubt!!!

About your 1 month trip with just batteries...

I wouldn't dare, I went to the Zoo to weeks ago with my battery full charged and it worked until 2 p.m., ok, I was with the LCD on most of the time since I was shoting a lot of animals and choosing the pictures I liked most to make space for shoting more animals, and again... but I decided I will by another battery for my weekend "escapes"...

That means, for me, a battery works half day at full work, and maybe two days with caution and low LCD usage, but I wouldn't dream of a month shoting and reviewing and deleting and reshoting...

Another idea I thought of: What about FLASH? I use to fire it mainly as a filling-flash system, to reduce the shadows cast by the sun... and flash means consuming a LOT of power; I would sugest you to buy an external flash if you want to want to use filling-flash (and, I think, everybody MUST use fill flash, mainly in sunny places like Africa).

I hope you have a nice trip, enjoy yourself, take a lot of pictures and share them with us ;-)

Good luck!

Hi,

If there is a specialist to work this out for G1 , look what http://www.pocketpcpassion.com does with sunenergie: http://www.pocketpcpassion.com/iPAQ/HartW/SolarCharger.htm

Miel

Derek J. Mendez said:

Hi folks! I'm hoping you knowledgeable forum readers can help me out.

I'm taking a month-long trip through Africa beginning in June. I
would really like to purchase and use a G1 on this trip, my only
concern is that I will be in areas without access to electrical
power for many days at a time (stretches of up to a week with
nights camping and days in a 4WD which may or may not have a
cigarette lighter socket handy). I'm already planning on a 1GB
Microdrive as to not worry about storage.

Is it feasible to carry multiple spare batteries (1500MAh AC Delco
is what I have found by searching through this forum) and charge
them when power is available? How long does it take to charge
these in the camera or with an external charger? My big concern is
that I will run out of juice right when I come across the most
spectacular photo opp. Perhaps I should bring my non-digital
camera as a backup? Unfortunately luggage space is a big concern
since I am limited to 1 bag, so I would prefer to bring one camera
or the other, not both.

Another idea might be to look into another digital camera which
accepts disposable batteries as to not have to worry about
recharging. Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and tips!

-Derek

Click to expand...

Hi again, Derek,

Going the CF card route would also save you some precious power, so that's worth thinking about. I'm not sure if the 6Gb digital wallet is still available - according to a news item on Steve's Digicams, it's been replaced by three models, 3Gb, 10Gb and 20Gb. The 3Gb would probably satisfy your needs for this trip and has a list price of $349; perhaps you might get it discounted if you shop around. See:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/diginews.html#wallet

Steve also gives details of another product called the Image Bank, although I'm not sure whether this is available yet. Also, didn't notice that anyone mentioned it yet, but the G1 battery (charged in camera) takes up to 3 hours to charge from flat to full (green light) using the mains. You can do a partial charge with these batteries, but when I have tried that (to 90%), the battery didn't last very long at all, so you have to charge until full in my opinion. Perhaps someone who has charged one up with a car adaptor could tell you how long it takes with that. Another thing to consider, although I rarely see it mentioned, is a lens hood. I think you can still get those rubber ones (used to use one on my SLR) that fold back when not in use and do offer some protection against knocks, etc. Might be useful in the land of bright sunshine..
Regards,
Alan

Derek J. Mendez said:

More searching the forum and spinning the wheels in my brain...

What do you guys think about switching to 2 128MB CF cards and a
6GB Digital Wallet for storage on this trip vs. the 1 GB microdrive?

How much longer could I potentially get out of the G1 by using CF
instead of Microdrive? The digital wallet might need to be charged
up once or so along the trip, but I think I can manage that.
Another advantage would be that I'm not putting all my eggs in one
basket if the MD fails (or even 1 of the CF cards in the new
scenario). Knowing my luck of course, the Digital Wallet or the G1
itself of course could fail!

So here's what I'm looking at:
FOR SURE:
G1
travel tripod
2 extra AC Delco batteries 1500 mAh w/car charger
Camera Bag
Electrical transformers/converters for trip

PRETTY SURE:
Lensmate + filters

WAFFLING:
1GB Microdrive and 128MB CF card
-or-
2 X 128MB CF card and Digital Wallet

Whaddya think?

Thanks,
Derek

Click to expand...

Derek: I hate to say this on a digital photogaphy site, but the kind of trip you describe is the Achilles heel of current digital camera technology. For the kind of money you are looking to invest in a G1 and all the extras, you could get a really nice SLR system and a lot of film. You'll have fewer worries about battery life and you don't have to worry about putting all your pictures in one device (would be a disaster if it failed!).

Another option would be to borrow an SLR system from a friend or relative. That way you can still buy your G1 when you get home.

You might want to go to photo.net and do a search for "safari" or "Africa." I seem to recall seeing some discussion of this topic there.

Have a good trip---sounds like it will be a blast.

Chris

if you want to be economical, definately carry a regular camera if you already have a decent camera. I'm sure it'll cost you more for the extra rechargeable batteries than it would to just buy and develop the film.

that is, unless you have large solar panel you could use to charge the batteries