Big Ga wrote:
alexisgreat wrote:
Big Ga wrote:
alexisgreat wrote:
Big Ga wrote:
alexisgreat wrote:
Big Ga wrote:
Chris R-UK wrote:
It is quite difficult to find cameras that use AA batteries nowadays and I am pretty certain that there are no current ILC cameras that use them.
Many cameras have battery grip options that have an AA holder as an alternative power source.
Yes indeed, I have that for the E-520. I might end up getting one of the larger OM-D bodies down the road to have this option available to me (I'd have to get the EM1 or EM5)
Hmmm. That one for the E520 must have been a 3rd party add on, yes? I don't recall Oly making a grip for that camera at all, let alone one with an AA cartridge.
In fact, thinking about it, the only one I can think of that DID have an AA cartridge was the grip for the E3 (and so I guess the E5 as well). However that was just a disaster. And in fact, the whole grip/camera design was so bad that I don't think rechargeable AA's worked in it! how stupid is that!!
Does the EM1/EM5 have an AA option? I don't recall it doing so.
Yes, both the E-520 and E-620 had a third party grip made by Ownuser. I shelled out $200 for that lol- but it takes 6 batteries and is on the heavy side (especially with the 6 AA batteries!)
Nikon have OEM grips that take 8 AA's ! I used to use this option when I shot with Fuji S5pro bodies. With a set of eneloops in there, they would last all day. I think some models like the D300/D700 also allow a faster FPS rate when using the AA method. Very nice.
The EM1 and EM5 do, but I think they only need 4 AA batteries? Not sure about that.
Hmmm. Just on spec I'm dubious about this. 4AA batteries would only be 6v for non rechargeable and around 4.8v for rechargeables (which is really the only sensible option).
Oly power management is bad at the best of times. I doubt any of their cameras would work with such a lowered voltage. I might be wrong though if they have a step up circuit in there. but again I'm dubious.
Can't say I recall seeing an AA cartridge though. I'm sure I've got an Em1 grip here somewhere as well ....
I was searching on google hopefully this works
http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/compati/pen_power.cfm
The other thing I like to see if there is no AA battery option is for the camera/grip is for there to be an AC adapter option. Most of my cameras have a "backup" option to Li Ion- either AA or AC adapter. I find either acceptable. Sorry, I think I might have confused AC adapter and AA battery adapter lol.
No problems. Language is such a complex thing
Here ... have a banana ...
I just remembered I have one of these and haven't tried this yet- do you think it could work? It uses up to 10 AA batteries.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ICP-Solar-22001-iSun-BattPak-Battery-Charger-/111126392989
- Charge up to 10 AA or AAA batteries anywhere
- Charge 10 batteries in as little as 4 hours
- Power source for your portable electronics
- Portable and convenient
I have the BattPak but have only ever used it to charge batteries. It can also be used as a power source, think it might work with the E-PL6? I assume the 10 AA batteries that it can charge can all be used to help power it also.
Check this out:
http://outdoors.magazine.free.fr/spip.php?article109
BattPak : The BattPak complements the iSun as a AAA/AA charger, but the most interesting feature is that it can be used also as a source of power, and with the universal connector, give power to any kind of equipment too. So, yes, it can be fed from multiple sources, but also can feed external equipment, even if the battery size is not right (car cigarlighter plugged equipment included). A clever way to stock energy too, and a nice buffer for the iSun raw output, into which it plugs without wires. It takes 10 batteries, so maximum output voltage is close to 15 volts, you must remove batteries for lower voltages. It takes NiMh (or CaNi) rechargeables, time to full charge from empty : 6/7/8 hours whether on DC (car battery, no more than 8 batteries (=12V)), AC (sector), or iSun, or whatever else you can invent.
* Based on 700mA battery capacity. ** DC charging (12V) is not recommended for more than 6 batteries.
The iSun and BattPak together make for a versatile battery anywhere any equipment pack, which seems promising, whether for home, car, outdoors, travel, etc. Testing is on going on this, but I can say I like it (though not really cheap, count 100$ for both, without the batteries).
Weight
- iSun : 2.2 Watts output in 15 or 7.5 Volts. Weight : 300 grams. The ISun is water-resistant, therefore not water proof. It can be plugged to a glass using suction cups. It has a check diode that lits when a button is pushed to check the energy is sufficient. It can easily be fixed and secured on the top of a back pack, in order to charge while hiking (duck tape or strings or belts), but there is no special arrangement for this. The panel once opened must make some 20 x 20 cm (4/5’ x 4/5’). The panel output is protected by a diode, so it does not empty batteries at night. I will resist shocks probably very well.
- BattPak with 6 AA and 4 AAA : Weights 350 grams has a little handle, which allows it to be carried/fixed easily.
- Accessories, including AC transformer and, car DC plug (normally useless outdoors) : 400 grams (including a pouch—not provided) 100 grams if you remove the AC converter.
Total weight : 1050 grams total solution, 750 grams light outdoors solution. (remove/add 25 grams per AA and 12 per AAA)
Other considerations
The iSun is a solution for countries and places receiving a lot of sun. Do do expect any good results under clouds cover, it needs direct exposure to sun rays to function properly.
The lack of waterproofness does not seem a problem, as a good solution would be to throw the whole thing into a waterproof protection for maps, and then to fix the protection on the backpack.
Of course the whole pack is for people that understand a minimum in DC currents, and can make sure they will plug things correctly, connecting a DC input with the - and + reversed may burn some older equipments.
Depending on the capacity of the batteries and their existing charges and number to charge, it may take forever or at least longer time than described by the documentation to charge the BattPak, using the Isun. But they do get charged to some 90% level, so, even if it is not fully charged, it is totally functional. The numbers given by the constructor are for 700 mAh batteries, you can find NiMh up to 2000 mAh, and more, for the AA size, so if it is the case, you can expect to double or triple the given constructor charging times. If you need faster charge, then you may need more then one iSun, and serialize them, or shop for the new iSun Military line, which provide outputs from 17 to 48W at prices from 410 to 1150 Us $.
There is some equipment I own where I cannot plug in directly : the Garmin GPS, due to a combined power/PC interface, and my Sony video camera, due to another fancy plug. A solution would probably be to get a car adapter for the latest. The first I do not care, I just need to change the batteries. This shows that the product can really power most apparels, one way or another. One thing missing from the original setting is the 9V battery adapter. Luckily I found one which is compatible with the ISun system from an old universal sector adapter.
I have noticed recently some iSun for sell on Ebay at 25$ each.
Conclusion
This is a combination system I now use a lot, the possibility to use it as an external power source is just brilliant.
While I would have doubts about the usefulness of the iSun alone, the combination with the BattPak does make it a very interesting gadget.
For outdoor use, the complete system weights a bit, but will find a use in a base camp, to charge the batteries of the multiple electricity driven equipment we carry nowadays, provided it is of the AA or AAA type. But it is possible to carry only parts of the whole system, as well as the minimum amount of batteries to power the equipment requiring the higher voltage. In which case the total weight will fall.
