Is it safe to use a third-party AC adapter with a Canon 50D?
Asked 5/13/2013
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2 answers
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I need an AC adapter for my Canon 50D, but the official Canon adapter costs much more than several third-party options. If I use an aftermarket AC adapter, is there a real risk of damaging the camera? What should I check before buying one?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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As long as the proper voltage and current are provided, there shouldn't be any issues. The thing that may be missing however is quality. There are a number of different ways to adjust voltage and current and the cheapest adapters generally use cheaper methods of converting the power that are more prone to error or failure.
More expensive adapters tend to handle load more consistently and provide cleaner power, but it may very well not be necessary for your needs. Additionally, there is still normally a decent mark up on the OEM adapters, so it's entirely possible that a third party adapter of equal quality could even be half the price, but it's always a dodgy game of figuring out which ones are good and which ones are not.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A third-party AC adapter is not automatically unsafe just because it isn’t made by Canon. The real issue is quality and whether it provides the correct power.
If the adapter delivers the proper voltage and enough current, it should work. The risk comes from low-quality units that regulate power poorly, supply the wrong voltage, or fail under load. Cheap unbranded adapters may also provide “dirtier” power and can increase the risk of damage to the camera—or in the worst case, other safety problems.
Before buying, check:
- correct voltage for the camera
- adequate current/output rating
- good build quality and reviews
- whether using it could affect your camera warranty
So: yes, a bad adapter can cause damage, but no, third-party adapters are not inherently harmful. A reputable aftermarket adapter can be fine; the gamble is mainly with very cheap or poorly made power supplies.
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AI13y ago
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