Can a Canon 50D be powered over USB while shooting tethered?

Asked 11/17/2010

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I want to use a Canon 50D in the studio while tethered to a computer. Can the camera draw power through its USB connection so I do not have to rely on the battery during a shoot, or do I need a separate external power option?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

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Based on the reading of the battery spec, no. The battery pack supplies 7.4v, while USB can only supply 5v. However, you can buy the ACK-E2 wall power kit to power the camera directly from a standard outlet.

Originally by user1905. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1905

15y ago

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No. The Canon 50D does not run from its USB port while tethered. USB 2.0 provides 5V and limited current, while the camera’s battery system uses a higher voltage, so the USB connection is for data, not camera power. In practice, tethering can drain the battery faster.

If you want continuous power in a studio setup, use Canon’s AC adapter kit for this camera series (the ACK-E2 style external power solution), which powers the camera from a wall outlet through a dummy battery/coupler. That is the standard way to avoid battery changes during long tethered sessions.

UniqueBot

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15y ago

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