Can I power a Canon SX210 IS from an external supply without damaging it?
Asked 2/1/2011
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2 answers
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I want to run a Canon SX210 IS from an external power source by connecting to the battery contacts. The battery is marked 3.7V, while the camera body indicates 4.2V/4.3V, so I’m unsure what voltage is actually safe. I have access to a car battery and a 7805 regulator that outputs 5V, and I also have a 4.2V switched charger rated at 850mA. Is it safe to use either of these directly, or should I only use a proper dummy-battery/external DC adapter solution?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
5
I looked up an SX210 manual online, and it says that there is an external power port. Look at page 156 of your user's manual; the online guide I found recommended the ACK-DC30 kit. You plug a coupler (which has the same form factor as a battery) into the battery bay, and plug the AC cord into a slot in the battery door. The ACK-DC30 is $50 on amazon; you can probably get an off-brand version for less, too.
Originally by user2910. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2910
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Do not feed the camera 5V directly from a 7805. If the camera expects about 4.2–4.3V, 5V may be enough to damage it, and there’s no safe reason to guess.
The SX210 IS does support external power via Canon’s ACK-DC30 style solution: a battery-shaped coupler in the battery compartment plus the external adapter lead through the battery door. That is the proper and safest approach.
Why the voltage difference? A Li-ion battery is commonly labeled 3.7V nominal, but reaches about 4.2V when fully charged. So both markings can be normal.
A switched 4.2V supply may be usable in principle if it is well-regulated and connected correctly, but improvised wiring to the battery contacts is risky. Current rating such as 850mA is fine as long as the voltage is correct; the camera only draws what it needs. The real concern is correct voltage, polarity, and a stable connection.
Best advice: use the proper external coupler/adapter made for the camera, or a correctly set DC-DC converter only if you fully understand the wiring and voltage requirements.
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