How to Charge Your Digital Camera

Silver Canon PowerShot SD1000 digital camera on a light background.

A charged battery is the first step to a good photo day. Whether your digicam came with a separate battery charger or a charging cord, here’s how to get it ready.

Jump to: Battery charger · Charging cord · Not charging?
Prefer a quick visual answer? Choose your charging setup here.

Method 1: Use a battery charger

Before you begin, switch the camera off and gently remove its rechargeable battery. Match the battery’s model code to a compatible, manufacturer-approved charger. Stop if the battery is swollen, leaking, damaged or stuck.

These pictures show one charger’s sequence and red/green indicators. Your charger’s connection sequence and light meanings may differ; follow its own instructions.

1. Plug in the charger.

Step 1: plug the compatible example battery charger securely into an outlet.

For the pictured wall-plug charger, insert its prongs securely into a working outlet. Other chargers may use a cable and adapter or require the battery to be inserted first. Use only the power source specified for your charger.

2. Insert the battery.

Step 2: insert the compatible battery with its contacts aligned.

Align the battery’s contacts with the charger’s metal contacts and guide marks. Seat it gently without forcing it. A similar shape alone does not establish compatibility.

3. Let the battery charge.

Step 3: the pictured charger's red indicator shows charging; indicator meanings vary by charger.

On the example pictured, the red light means charging is in progress. Other chargers use different signals. Keep the charger dry, uncovered, ventilated and at room temperature. There is no universal charging time.

4. Check for full charge and unplug.

Step 4: the pictured charger's green indicator shows full; indicator meanings vary by charger.

The pictured charger turns green when full; use your own charger’s full-charge signal. Disconnect power, remove the battery and put it back into the switched-off camera. Close the battery door, turn it on and check the battery icon.

For example, the Canon PowerShot SD1000 uses an NB-4L battery; Canon lists the CB-2LV as a compatible charger.

Method 2: Use a charging cord

A fitting connector does not guarantee charging. Many cameras use USB only for transferring photos and need a separate battery charger.

1. Match your cable.

Step 1: match UC-E6, Micro-USB, Olympus CB-USB8 or USB-C to the exact camera model.

The connectors shown are UC-E6, Micro-USB, Olympus CB-USB8 and USB-C. Choose a cable compatible with your exact camera model, not just its brand. These connectors are not interchangeable. Never force a plug.

2. Switch off and connect.

Step 2: leave the correct battery installed, switch the camera off and connect the matching cable.

Leave the correct rechargeable battery installed and close the battery door. Open the port cover and gently insert the matching cable in the correct orientation. Keep the camera switched off while charging.

3. Connect power.

Step 3: connect a compatible power adapter and look for the camera's charging indicator.

Use the original charging adapter or an explicitly compatible replacement. Plug it into an outlet and look for a charging light or battery-charging icon. No indication? Don’t assume it is charging; your camera may need an external charger.

4. Unplug when full.

Step 4: disconnect the cable and power adapter when the camera signals a full battery.

When the camera indicates a full battery, disconnect the cable and adapter. Some lights go out; others change color. A dark screen alone does not mean “full.” Turn the camera on to check the battery icon.

Four cable examples

  • UC-E6: Nikon COOLPIX S3300, paired with the EH-69P charging AC adapter.
  • Micro-USB: Samsung WB350F, using its supplied USB cable and AC adapter.
  • Olympus CB-USB8: Olympus TG-850, paired with the F-2AC USB-AC adapter.
  • USB-C: Nikon Z30, with a compatible battery and specified charging equipment. Not every USB-C adapter will work.

A useful exception: Sony’s DSC-RX100M7A has Micro-USB but cannot charge its battery in-camera. It needs an external charger. The full model name matters.

Using AA batteries?

Never recharge alkaline or other non-rechargeable AAs. If your camera supports rechargeable NiMH AAs, remove them and use a compatible external NiMH charger. Reinsert a matched set with the correct polarity; don’t mix battery types, brands, or old and new cells.

Not charging? A quick checklist

  • Check the outlet, cable connections and battery seating.
  • Keep the camera off during in-camera charging.
  • If a light flashes or behaves unusually, stop and identify that model’s signal before trying again.
  • Stop if there is excessive heat, an unusual smell, swelling or damage. Disconnect power only if safe.

There’s no universal charging time. Use the full-charge indication for your equipment. If you’re unsure which setup you need, send us the camera model and battery code.

Finish your camera setup

Once your battery is ready, match your memory card to the camera and your reader to your device. Our 2GB standard SD card is for cameras that support standard SD at 2GB; it does not fit xD, Memory Stick or CompactFlash slots.

For transferring photos from SD or microSD cards, explore our 3-in-1 USB-C card reader. Your phone, tablet or computer must support external storage and the card’s format. This accessory transfers files; it is not a camera charger. Find the right connection in our photo-transfer guide.

Ready to shoot? Save the quick visual charging guide, then learn how to transfer your camera photos.

Model references: Canon SD1000 · Canon CB-2LV · Nikon S3300 · Samsung WB350F · Olympus TG-850 · Nikon Z30 · Sony RX100M7A. Your specific camera and charging equipment may differ from the illustrations.

Illustrated charging guide by Retro Digitals.

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