Nearly every picture-taking device today is electronic in operation so the
need for a reliable battery is imperative. Some digital cameras use specialized
rechargeable batteries while compact models often still rely on standard AA-
or AAA-size batteries. The latter tend to hog the battery power, especially
when flash pictures are made. Because of this there were lots of battery chargers
on display at the show. Some are truly universal in that they can accept and
charge several sizes of batteries and can, with multi-voltage capacity, charge
them anywhere in the world. Most are relatively small so they are easy to carry
when you travel. A few even read the remaining charge in the battery and read-out
remaining power.
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Ansmann
Universal Battery Charger |
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The Ansmann Universal Battery Charger is user changeable to accommodate most
any size or configuration of camera, camcorder, or cell phone battery. You simply
place the battery into the 2.5x4" unit then adjust the charging contact
terminal position with a supplied stylus. The unit then automatically selects
the proper voltage and polarity. It also accepts both AA- and AAA-size rechargeables,
has a car adapter, and is compatible with worldwide voltages. It will sell for
about $45. Also new are the Ansmann D-SLR rechargeable camera battery grips,
which fasten to the base of most D-SLR camera bodies to provide extended battery
life.
The Delkin Dual Universal Battery Charger lets you charge two camera batteries
simultaneously on the same charger, or one camera battery plus two AA size,
for practically limitless combinations of dual charging. It has LED power indicators,
automatically switches from 110/220v, and has a car charger. Two "Smart"
charging plates for specific batteries come with each unit. The charger lists
for $55 and extra plates are $5 each.
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Delkin
Dual Universal Battery Charger |
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DigiPower's Universal Charger for lithium ion digital camera batteries
is compatible with most camera, camcorder, and handheld devices using lithium
ion 3.6-3.7v/7.2-7.4v batteries in addition to Ni-MH AA- and AAA-size batteries.
There is a sliding battery base module with adjustable contacts to accommodate
different-sized batteries. Batteries are held vertically or horizontally, there
is a two-color LED charging indicator, and a 12v car adapter is included in
the $50 unit. In addition, they offer a cordless travel charger for Sony NP-BG1
lithium ion and Canon NB4L lithium ion batteries that has a USB charging interface
for computers.
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DigiPower
Universal Charger |
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GP Batteries, probably best known for their ReCyko line of rechargeable batteries
that are environmentally friendly, introduced two new premium-series rapid chargers,
the PowerBank V800C and V600D. They occupy a smaller footprint since they are
vertical with the battery compartment door on the side. Requiring just 15 and
60 minutes to fully recharge one to four AA- or AAA-size batteries, they have
an LED display to show charging status and an auto cutoff when charging is complete.
They are usable worldwide with AC100-240v power.
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Hahnel
PowerStation Twin V Pro |
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