Solar charging a digital camera battery

[Kyteland]

The last time I took my digital camera on a hiking trip the battery didn't quite make it through all 4 days, even when I was trying to conserve power. I was wondering if anyone here has tried any of the portable solar chargers that are availible.

My new camera is a Canon S50 and uses the NB-2L battery which operates at 4.2 watts, 570 mAh@ 7.4V.

I ran across the Brunton Solarport 2.2 which has a max output of 2.2 watts, 290mA @ 7.6 Volts. Theoretically two of these hooked together would run my camera without any need for a battery. (Given that it was sunny)

Does anyone have any experience using solar panels to recharge your electronics, and if so is there anything I need to watch out for. I was looking at this one in particular because I can get it at REI and I have a $50 gift certificate.

 

[Kyteland]

bump

 

[SXMP]

other ideas include just buying another battery

 

[Kyteland]

Originally posted by: SXMP
other ideas include just buying another battery

*Sigh* I know, but REI doesn't carry batteries for my camera and I have this gift certificate burning a hole in my pocket.

Although I do have a $100 off $600 coupon for Dell and they do carry the right batteries. Now If I could just justify spending $600.

 

[vegetation]

I don't think it will work well for your application. Photovoltaics work best in fixed positions maximizing direct sunlight. Any shade will significantly reduce the power potential of the panel. Remember it takes many, many hours for the battery to recharge at this low level of power.

 

[corkyg]

Carry a couple of spare battery sets - it's less of a load and cheaper. I recently completed a trip with my big Canon D60 and forgot the battery charger. But, I had two fully charged Li-ion batteries, and I made the two weeks and 1,000 pictures just fine. When in a power conservation mode, turn the LCD off and don't use it. You should be able to get over 200 pics with that display off.

But - if you want to pack all the gear, you can connect the battery charger to the solar panels and probably get charged. But that means no hiking for several hours of daylight.