Sony A6100 does not charge battery from the camera

[meridius21]

I hope this post is in the correct section.

I recently bought a new Sony A6100 which came with a separate Sony Battery Charger (BC-TRW) and Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FW50). It also came with a Micro USB Cable but did not come with an AC Adapter. Despite my best efforts I am unable to use the Micro USB cable to charge the camera directly from a PC or even from the Sony AC-UUE12 AC Adapter which I borrowed from my ZV-E10 but replaced the connection with the Micro USB cable from the A6100. The camera's charging light has so far never gone on.

I have tried to follow some online advice but have NOT followed some online advice to remove the battery while the camera is connected to the AC Adapter or laptop.

I noticed on the box of the camera it says "This device cannot be charged directly" but some online advice shows the following (see attached).









At this stage the only safe option I can think of is trying to find the right Micro USB cable like an Anker PowerLine Select + for USB-A to Micro USB, if this still exists, or a cable that is considered a charging cable only.

It appears that the Sony Micro USB cable provided only works for data transfer of photos and videos etc. and for using a power bank, both which I have already tried.

I don't know if this is a specific model problem with the A6100 but I have had no problems of this nature with my ZV-E10.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[heiberger]

Sounds like you have the “updated” A6100a version which was made to comply with new European charging standards by removing ability to charge via USB.

 

[meridius21]

Sounds like you have the “updated” A6100a version which was made to comply with new European charging standards by removing ability to charge via USB.

Thank you but unfortunately, I think you are right. The model number of my camera is the Sony ILCE-6000AK. See screenshots below.







I also copied this from Google search but I don't understand the workaround. Does it mean that a Micro USB to USB Type C adapter would allow charging from the camera to work?:

AI Overview

The EU's Common Charger Directive (EU) 2022/2380, which came into effect on December 28, 2024, requires most new portable electronic devices to use a USB-C charging port, effectively ending the use of micro-USB for new products placed on the EU market.

There is no "workaround" to bypass this regulation for new devices. Manufacturers must equip new mobile phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, e-readers, handheld game consoles, and other specified small and medium-sized devices with a USB-C port to sell them in the EU. Laptops must comply by April 2026.

Key Details of the EU Directive:

• • Mandatory USB-C Port: All covered new devices sold in the EU must feature a USB-C charging port for wired charging.
  • No "Workaround" for Manufacturers: The directive is a legal requirement aimed at standardizing the market and reducing e-waste. Manufacturers cannot introduce new product models in the EU without a USB-C port (unless the device is an exception, such as being too small for a USB-C port or only using wireless charging).
  • Existing Stock Sales Allowed (Temporarily): The rules apply to devices "placed on the market" after the deadline. This means existing stock of non-USB-C devices already owned by retailers before December 28, 2024, can still be sold until stock runs out.

• Consumer Choice and Adapters: Consumers can continue using their existing micro-USB devices and chargers. They can also purchase third-party adapters (e.g., USB-C to Micro-USB) or cables to use older micro-USB devices with newer USB-C chargers, though the new law only mandates the port on the device itself, not on the power adapter end.

• Unbundled Chargers: The law encourages consumers to buy new devices without a bundled charger, assuming they already own a compatible USB-C charger, to further reduce e-waste.

In summary, the directive eliminates the production and sale of new electronic devices with only micro-USB ports within the EU market. The "workaround" for existing consumers with micro-USB devices is simply using widely available adapter cables.

 

[Dave981]

...

I also copied this from Google search but I don't understand the workaround. Does it mean that a Micro USB to USB Type C adapter would allow charging from the camera to work?

I think it means if you have a device that does charge by microUSB and a usb-C charger you can buy an adapter. If the charging via microUSB is disabled, you can't charge in-camera regardless of cable, adapter, or power source.

It's an unfortunate consequence of the ruling coupled with Sony's tendency to keep older models in production - the same issue exists with the a6400(A). (and the loss of the microUSB port in the a6700 also means that remote triggers that use the extra pins in the Sony version of the microUSB plug also don't work anymore)

 

[meridius21]

...

I also copied this from Google search but I don't understand the workaround. Does it mean that a Micro USB to USB Type C adapter would allow charging from the camera to work?

I think it means if you have a device that does charge by microUSB and a usb-C charger you can buy an adapter. If the charging via microUSB is disabled, you can't charge in-camera regardless of cable, adapter, or power source.

It's an unfortunate consequence of the ruling coupled with Sony's tendency to keep older models in production - the same issue exists with the a6400(A). (and the loss of the microUSB port in the a6700 also means that remote triggers that use the extra pins in the Sony version of the microUSB plug also don't work anymore)

I don't think this is wonderful. If I have to blame anyone it's Sony because it is not clear what you are buying from the box relating to not being able to charge the camera directly using the Micro USB cable either from a PC or using an AC Adapter.

With Sony's external charger I always feel I have to be careful putting the battery in and out of it. I am afraid to damage it because I have no experience of this method of charging.

What I normally do when I am recording longer than 30 minutes is to use an external power bank. The one I have for the ZV-E10 is the Anker PowerCore Select 20000. I tested it with the a6100 and it worked giving the camera an alternative power source with no need to use the battery. I have attached it to a tripod using a clamp but it is impractical to carry it around with the camera as it is so heavy.

I wonder if there is a workaround such as buying a lighter power bank which can be attached to the a6100? Perhaps using something like this: https://www.smallrig.com/Power-Banks-Mount-Plate-Kit-for-Mirrorless-Cameras-4695.html or maybe a bit lighter and that does not block the camera's screen. Additionally is there any problem with using power banks for extended periods?

 

[Confused Opossum]

I wonder if there is a workaround such as buying a lighter power bank which can be attached to the a6100? Perhaps using something like this: https://www.smallrig.com/Power-Banks-Mount-Plate-Kit-for-Mirrorless-Cameras-4695.html or maybe a bit lighter and that does not block the camera's screen. Additionally is there any problem with using power banks for extended periods?

Depending on your use-case, you can get an NP-F battery plate, attach it to a camera cage and connect it to a camera either using USB, or a dummy battery. That way you can quickly change the external NP-F battery and have virtually unlimited power.