Re: Totally non-scientific test of USB-C in camera charging R3 & R5
Wildlife Guy wrote:
I have been trying to uncover information on the ease / efficiency of using USB C in camera charging. Basically, how long does it take to charge a battery in the camera. I decided to do a test run and see what kind of results I would get with two different USB chargers. Both batteries were partially charged and I was not watching for the exact instant the charging was complete. The test did two things, proved I had the proper components for charging and defined a rough ballpark for time required to charge a battery. I will setup a structured test when I have time, but this provided a test case to help determine if I can rely on this approach. As a areal test, I plan drain 2 LP-E6NH / LP-E19 batteries and time to full charge. I will condition/calibrate the LP-E19 batteries prior to the test. As noted below, the batteries tested were all purchased at the time of camera launch. I had LP-E6N and LP-E19's for the 5dIV / 1dx II, but I only use the older batteries when I need extra for a long trip.
Here are the current setups/test strategies
R5
- LP-E6NH battery purchased at the release of the R5
- Apple 30W USB-C charger, latest version
- Battery 1
- 24% @ Power off to start charge
- @ 60 min 49%
- @ 105 min 100% (this could be off by 10 min +/- since I wasn't watching the camera)
- Battery 2
- 70% @ Power off to start charge
- @35 min 100% (this could be off by 10 min +/- since I wasn't watching the camera
R3
- LP-E19 battery purchased at announcement of R3
- Anker PowerPort III 735 Charger, Nano II 65W, 3 port (2 USB C, 1 USB A)
- No other devices connected or charging
- 22% @ Power off to start charge
- @45 Min. 43%
- @90 Min. 63%
- @120 min. 78%
- @150 min. 88%
- @180 min. 99%
- @183 min. 100%
Several key points in case you haven't read the manual. Assumes you have connected to a USB C adapter and USB C cable:
- Charging will not start until you turn OFF the camera and stops when you turn the camera ON.
- USB - C cables need to be rated for Power Delivery
- Charger needs to be USB C rated for the current version of Power Delivery
- Charger should support 100-240 if using outside of the US (USB power is the same, but charger could fry if it doesn't support 240.
- The battery symbol with a lighting bolt will appear on the top LCD panel and there will be a solid green light on the back of the camera (goes off when you turn on the camera to indicate it is not charging)
- The message "Full" will appear on the top panel when the camera is 100% charged.
- You can turn the camera ON during charging and use the menus to check the battery status. Charging will stop when the camera is ON but it will resume as soon as the camera is turned OFF.
I thought there might be a problem with the camera heating during charging, but my R3 did not appear warm.
Just a rough estimate of charging times. I will setup a controlled test when time allows, but thought others might be interested in examples. I also plan to test using one of the PD compliant power banks. My conclusion is that this approach would work as a fallback in Africa if I loose or damage my chargers. More an issue with the R3 since the charger is large, heavy and expensive. I don't see this as a full replacement for a good battery charger in heavy shooting situations. Ex. I want to avoid carrying a full laptop and my backup strategy is to copy my RAW files from the CFExpress card to a SD Card. Not practical if you have to shut down the camera to allow charging.
I would consider leaving the R3 charger at home if I thought my 4 batters plus recharging a couple of charges would get me through the trip.
BTW - for LP-E6NH battereis, I use the Jupio USB charger. Small, light, and charges 2 batteries. Can also be used as a power bank or charged by an external power bank. .
Thank you for sharing this!
I use PD power chargers that delivers up to 65w on my R6Mii and R7 and my charging speeds are very similar to yours.