BootsnAll Travel Community

I'm going to begin a two year RTW in about 3 months. I will be bringing a MacBook Pro, and Digital SLR and a digital Camcorder.

As those three things will heavy by themselves, I'd like to minimize weight by getting rid of the power bricks for the cameras.

My options, as far as I can tell are:

1) Get a SLR and camcorder with compatible batteries. I don't even know if this is possible. I'm guessing its not.

2) Get a SLR and a camcorder that can run on AA batteries. Again, I don't know if its possible or even desirable. If possible, I could get a USB recharger to recharge them from the laptop.

3) Get a SLR and a camcorder that use the same power brick, or a recharger that can recharge multiple battery types.

4) Get cameras that I can directly charge from USB.

If anyone has any experience with this, it would be appreciated.

What model is your DSLR? I have a Nikon D200 which has an optional vertical grip that will also take 6 AAs instead of the EN-EL3e batteries. I believe the D80 also has a similar accessory. The drawback here is that the vertical grip itself adds weight... probably more than the battery charger you're trying to avoid bringing.

USB doesn't put out enough power to charge batteries that efficiently and so aren't practical for charging high capacity batteries like those found on DSLRs and camcorders.

Look at third party AC adapters like the iGo products. They might have one that works with your camcorder and Macbook Pro. I personally haven't seen one that will charge DSLR batteries, though.

I haven't purchased any cameras yet. I'm waiting for my house to sell and I'm willing to use the power requirements in my decision making for what I buy.

Skip the DSLR and laptop. Take a smaller camera and a USB card reader to transfer your photos to web space at good internet cafes.

or is that not what you are asking?

I just sold my DSLR in favor of a near-equally capable high-end 10MP point and shoot. But I'm absolutely a minimalist who hates carrying bulky gear. i only bring this up since you haven't bought any cameras yet.

But back to your question, I think there are cameras and video camcorders that take the same batteries. But if you start sharing batteries, you'll be spending lots of time babysitting the charger.

What are your photo goals on this trip?

I'm going to be heavily shooting during the trip. The laptop, DSLR and camcorder are pretty much mandatory. I know that half of my weight will be electronics, I'm just trying to find ways to cut down where I can without sacrificing too much.

Even if I wasn't going to be doing that much shooting, I'd leave my underwear at home before I left my laptop

It might very well be that I'm just stuck with a charger for each item. It would be nice if I had a single battery system, but if I can't then I can't.

For what it's worth, the MH-18a charger for the Nikon D50/D70/D80/D200 is quite compact and lightweight.

quote:

It would be nice if I had a single battery system,

the only way i can think is to start combing camera and camcorder specs for the same battery type listed. Or perhaps you could find a universal charger that can charge different battery types? just ideas...

Batteries will not be compatible across brands. Even within a single brand it's very often the case that you can't interchange batteries or use a single charger. For instance, just look at how many different batteries and chargers are available for canon's powershot series... none of them may be interchanged.