Charging 50+ Cameras / Batteries

[Mfranquelo]

I was wondering how the studios with more than 30 (or less) cameras charge their batteries.   

- My cameras dont have support for external power supply so thats an issue, what came to my mind is that i could modify the batteries so they get the power from the main power source of the studio. Instead of having to charge all of them separately. Has anyone tried anything like this ? 

- Is there any comercial adaptor or "fake battery" so that it gathers the power from the wall plug ? 

[Marcel]

Which model cameras do you have?

Some camers can charge using the usb plug. But I'm sure you tried that.

[Exhale]

This is what you need..

http://www.amazon.com/Kapaxen-ACK-E8-Adapter-Supply-Cameras/dp/B0092F974E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390325072&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+600d+ac+adaptor

You can also find original Canon one, but it costs an arm and a leg :=)

Regards,

[Exhale]

Mfranquelo ,

How often do you charge them?   Cos your 600D and 1100D consume less battery energy,

[chadfx]

I have seen some hacks where people will make a battery 'shell' with the proper leads and voltage to supply continuous power.

http://www.instructables.com/id/DSLR-Camera-Mod-Plug-in-Power-for-Less-Than-10/?ALLSTEPS

But you're probably not saving much over a cheap knockoff adapter. Theoretically you could build a more unified setup I suppose.

[andyroo]

Just FYI I've bought some of the cheap knockoff adapters, and I had to re-solder leads on two out of three just to be able to use them.

[Exhale]

chadfx  thanks for the link.. but we need to destroy the battery
I prefer giving 15usd rather than destroying the batteries..

[chadfx]

I agree, not really the most 'green' of modifications. I didn't realize the 3rd party knockoff adapters were so cheap, hard to beat that really, even if you need to fortify them a bit. 

btw,  Sugru (www.sugru.com) is great for adding some extra strain relief to dodgy cable connection points, especially if they're going to be handled quite a bit.

[Mfranquelo]

Thank you all for the kind responses, i?ll try those options and get back to you with results! so others can learn from this.

 

[Exhale]

But it looks beautiful isn't it   

[Mfranquelo]

It depends Exhale, sometimes i have to mess around quite a lot with the live view to manual focus each camera when the subject goes into position. I have to do this almost every time because my cameras are very close to the subject and DOF is .. critical.

PD: Nice picture!

[meshmixup]

The external power adaptor can surely reduce the tedious charging work. But I am worrying it does any harm to the camera if the external power is to control the camera on/off.

[Mfranquelo]

Ive just bought http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/embedded-switch-mode-power-supplies-smps/7211689/ and the "cheap" fake batteries Exhale suggested, im going to use this single battery to power all of them at the same time. I will post results.

- I can also upload the electronic drawing for this if anyone wants it.

[Exhale]

Mfranquelo,
That's brilliant idea that you will have a good power supply unit.
Keep us updated.

[meshmixup]

I?ve just bought http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/embedded-switch-mode-power-supplies-smps/7211689/ and the "cheap" fake batteries Exhale suggested, im going to use this single battery to power all of them at the same time. I will post results.

- I can also upload the electronic drawing for this if anyone wants it.

Hi mfranquelo,
Do you think you will still use the on off switch of the camera ?