What To Know
- One of the most convenient ways to charge your Canon 60D without a dedicated charger is to use a USB power bank.
- If you’re on a road trip or have access to a car, you can use a car charger to power up your Canon 60D.
- If you have a laptop or computer with a USB-C port, you can use it to charge your Canon 60D.
You’re out on a photography adventure, capturing stunning landscapes or candid moments, when the dreaded low battery icon flashes on your Canon 60D. Panic sets in – your charger is miles away! But fear not, adventurous photographer, there are ways to charge your Canon 60D without its dedicated charger.
This guide will explore various methods, from using alternative power sources to understanding the limitations of each approach. Get ready to learn how to keep your Canon 60D powered up, even when you’re off the grid!
Understanding Your Canon 60D Battery
Before diving into charging methods, it’s important to understand the basics of your Canon 60D battery. The Canon 60D uses the LP-E6 battery, a lithium-ion battery that provides a decent amount of power for photography.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Battery Capacity: The LP-E6 has a capacity of around 1090mAh, which translates to approximately 500-800 shots depending on your shooting style and settings.
- Voltage: The LP-E6 operates at 7.2V.
- Charging Time: A dedicated Canon charger takes about 2-3 hours to fully charge an LP-E6 battery.
Method 1: Using a USB Power Bank
One of the most convenient ways to charge your Canon 60D without a dedicated charger is to use a USB power bank. Many power banks on the market offer enough output power to charge your camera.
Here’s what you need:
- USB Power Bank: Choose a power bank with a minimum output of 5V/1A or higher. A higher capacity power bank (measured in mAh) will provide more charging cycles.
- USB-C to USB-A Cable: You’ll need a cable with a USB-C connector (for your camera) and a standard USB-A connector (for the power bank).
How to Charge:
1. Connect the USB-C to USB-A cable to your power bank.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the USB port on your Canon 60D.
3. Turn on the power bank and allow your camera battery to charge.
Important Notes:
- Charging Time: Charging times will vary depending on the power bank’s capacity and output. It may take longer than using a dedicated charger.
- Power Bank Compatibility: Not all power banks are compatible with camera charging. Look for power banks that have a dedicated “camera charging” mode or a high enough output to power your camera’s battery.
Method 2: Using a Car Charger
If you’re on a road trip or have access to a car, you can use a car charger to power up your Canon 60D.
Here’s what you need:
- Car Charger: Choose a car charger with a USB-C output.
- USB-C to USB-A Cable: You’ll need a cable with a USB-C connector (for your camera) and a standard USB-A connector (for the car charger).
How to Charge:
1. Plug the car charger into your car’s cigarette lighter socket.
2. Connect the USB-C to USB-A cable to the car charger.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the USB port on your Canon 60D.
Important Notes:
- Car Charger Compatibility: Ensure your car charger has a high enough output to charge your camera battery.
- Safety: Always use a reputable car charger and ensure it’s properly connected to your vehicle’s electrical system.
Method 3: Using a Laptop or Computer
If you have a laptop or computer with a USB-C port, you can use it to charge your Canon 60D.
Here’s what you need:
- USB-C to USB-C Cable: You’ll need a cable with a USB-C connector on both ends.
How to Charge:
1. Connect the USB-C to USB-C cable to your laptop or computer.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the USB port on your Canon 60D.
Important Notes:
- Laptop Power: Ensure your laptop or computer is plugged in and has enough power to charge your camera battery.
- Charging Speed: Charging times will be slower than using a dedicated charger or a powerful power bank.
Method 4: Using a Solar Charger
For those venturing into the wilderness or areas with limited access to electricity, a solar charger is a great option for charging your Canon 60D.
Here’s what you need:
- Solar Charger: Choose a solar charger with enough output power to charge your camera battery.
- USB-C to USB-A Cable: You’ll need a cable with a USB-C connector (for your camera) and a standard USB-A connector (for the solar charger).
How to Charge:
1. Place the solar panel in direct sunlight.
2. Connect the USB-C to USB-A cable to the solar charger.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the USB port on your Canon 60D.
Important Notes:
- Sunlight: Solar chargers require direct sunlight to generate power. The amount of time it takes to charge your battery will depend on the intensity of the sunlight and the size of the solar panel.
- Weather: Solar chargers are not effective in cloudy or rainy conditions.
Important Considerations
While these methods offer alternative ways to charge your Canon 60D, it’s essential to be aware of certain limitations:
- Charging Speed: Charging times will be slower compared to using a dedicated charger.
- Battery Life: The methods described above may not fully charge your battery, especially if you’re using a low-power source.
- Heat: Charging your camera battery with alternative methods can generate heat. It’s important to monitor the temperature and ensure the battery doesn’t overheat.
Alternatives to Charging
If you’re in a pinch and can’t charge your battery, consider these alternatives:
- Power Saving Mode: Enable your camera’s power-saving mode to extend battery life.
- Reduce Image Size: Shooting in smaller image sizes (like JPEG) will consume less battery power.
- Turn Off Features: Disable features like live view, autofocus, and image stabilization to conserve battery.
Time to Power Up Your Photography!
Now that you’re equipped with knowledge about charging your Canon 60D without a charger, you can confidently capture those unforgettable moments without worrying about battery life. Remember to use these methods responsibly, considering the limitations and potential risks involved.
Happy shooting!
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I charge my Canon 60D battery using a regular USB wall adapter?
A: While you can use a USB wall adapter, it’s important to ensure it has a high enough output (at least 5V/1A) to charge your camera battery. Some adapters may not provide enough power, resulting in slow charging or even damage to the battery.
Q: Is it safe to charge my Canon 60D battery using a power bank?
A: Using a power bank to charge your camera battery is generally safe, but it’s essential to choose a reputable power bank with a high enough output and ensure it’s compatible with your camera. Avoid using power banks with low output or those that are not specifically designed for camera charging.
Q: How long does it take to charge a Canon 60D battery using a power bank?
A: The charging time will vary depending on the power bank’s capacity and output. It may take longer than using a dedicated charger. A high-capacity power bank with a higher output will generally charge the battery faster.
Q: Can I charge my Canon 60D battery using a laptop or computer?
A: Yes, you can charge your Canon 60D battery using a laptop or computer with a USB-C port. However, the charging speed will be slower than using a dedicated charger or a power bank. Ensure your laptop or computer has enough power to charge the battery.
Q: What are some tips for extending battery life on my Canon 60D?
A: Here are some tips for extending battery life:
- Use power-saving mode.
- Shoot in JPEG format instead of RAW.
- Turn off live view, autofocus, and image stabilization when not needed.
- Keep your camera screen brightness low.
- Use a lens hood to prevent sunlight from hitting the LCD screen.
- Avoid using the flash excessively.
- Keep your battery cool and dry.
