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The Ultimate Guide: How to Charge Canon 1200D Without Charger

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • Plug one end of the USB cable into the power bank and the other end into the micro-USB port on your Canon 1200D battery.
  • Plug one end of the USB cable into the car charger and the other end into the micro-USB port on your Canon 1200D battery.
  • Connect one end to the positive (+) terminal of the battery snap connector and the other end to the positive (+) contact on your battery.

You’re out on a photography adventure, capturing stunning shots, and suddenly – the dreaded battery icon flashes. Your Canon 1200D has run out of juice. But wait, you left your charger at home! Don’t panic! This guide will walk you through various ways to charge your Canon 1200D without the dedicated charger, keeping your photography journey going.

The Power Bank Solution: A Portable Lifeline

Power banks are your best friend when it comes to charging on the go. They are compact, versatile, and can easily charge your Canon 1200D battery.
Here’s what you need:

  • A power bank: Choose one with a USB output, preferably with a higher capacity for longer charging times.
  • A USB to Micro-USB cable: This is the standard cable used to charge Canon 1200D batteries.

Here’s how to do it:
1. Connect the USB cable: Plug one end of the USB cable into the power bank and the other end into the micro-USB port on your Canon 1200D battery.
2. Turn on the power bank: Ensure the power bank is switched on and has enough charge to power your battery.
3. Wait for charging: The battery will start charging. The charging time will depend on the power bank‘s capacity and the battery’s level of discharge.

The Car Charger Option: A Roadside Rescue

If you’re on a road trip and your battery dies, a car charger can come to the rescue.
Here’s what you need:

  • A car charger: Look for a car charger with a USB output.
  • A USB to Micro-USB cable: This cable connects your battery to the car charger.

Here’s how to do it:
1. Plug the car charger into your car’s power outlet.
2. Connect the USB cable: Plug one end of the USB cable into the car charger and the other end into the micro-USB port on your Canon 1200D battery.
3. Wait for charging: Your battery will start charging, drawing power from your car’s battery.

The Laptop Trick: A Deskside Solution

If you have a laptop handy, you can use its USB port to charge your Canon 1200D battery.
Here’s what you need:

  • A USB to Micro-USB cable: This cable connects your battery to your laptop.

Here’s how to do it:
1. Connect the USB cable: Plug one end of the USB cable into your laptop’s USB port and the other end into the micro-USB port on your Canon 1200D battery.
2. Ensure your laptop is powered on: The battery will start charging, drawing power from your laptop.

The DIY Charging Solution: A Last Resort

If you find yourself in a truly desperate situation without any of the above options, you can try a DIY charging method, but proceed with caution.
Here’s what you need:

  • A 9V battery: This will provide the necessary voltage for charging.
  • A 9V battery snap connector: This will connect the 9V battery to the battery’s charging contacts.
  • A small piece of wire: This will connect the battery snap connector to the battery’s charging contacts.

Here’s how to do it:
1. Connect the wire to the battery snap connector: Strip a small amount of insulation off the ends of the wire. Connect one end to the positive (+) terminal of the battery snap connector and the other end to the positive (+) contact on your battery.
2. Connect the wire to the battery’s charging contacts: Connect the other end of the wire to the negative (-) contact on your battery.
3. Connect the 9V battery: Connect the 9V battery to the battery snap connector.
4. Monitor the charging: Observe the battery closely. If it starts to get warm, disconnect the 9V battery immediately.
Important Note: This method is highly risky and can damage your battery if not done correctly. Only use it as a last resort and proceed with extreme caution.

The Alternative: The USB Battery Charger

If you’re tired of the hassle of finding alternative charging methods, consider investing in a USB battery charger. These chargers are small, portable, and readily available. They plug directly into a USB port and charge your Canon 1200D battery efficiently.

Tips for Battery Longevity

Here are some tips to maximize your battery life and reduce the need for frequent charging:

  • Use the camera’s power-saving modes: Your Canon 1200D has various power-saving features. Enable these to conserve battery life.
  • Turn off the LCD screen when not in use: The LCD screen consumes a lot of power. Turn it off when you’re not actively using it.
  • Avoid using the flash excessively: The flash drains the battery quickly. Use it sparingly, especially in well-lit environments.
  • Keep your battery cool: Extreme temperatures can shorten battery life. Store your battery in a cool, dry place.

Time to Power Up!

Now you’re equipped with multiple ways to charge your Canon 1200D battery without the dedicated charger. Whether you’re on a photography adventure, traveling, or simply at home without your charger, these methods will keep your camera powered up and ready to capture amazing moments.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use any USB cable to charge my Canon 1200D battery?
A: No, you need a USB to Micro-USB cable specifically for your Canon 1200D battery.
Q: How long does it take to charge a Canon 1200D battery using a power bank?
A: The charging time depends on the power bank‘s capacity and the battery’s level of discharge. It can range from 1-3 hours.
Q: Can I charge my Canon 1200D battery using a wall adapter?
A: Yes, you can use a wall adapter with a USB output to charge your battery.
Q: Is it safe to charge my Canon 1200D battery using the DIY method?
A: The DIY method is risky and can damage your battery. Only use it as a last resort and proceed with extreme caution.
Q: How do I know if my Canon 1200D battery is fully charged?
A: The battery’s charging indicator light will turn off when the battery is fully charged. You can also check the battery level on your camera’s LCD screen.

Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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