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Hi Matt/Robin,
I finished the DC power supply for my Canon 450D DSLR last week, and it works a treat.
Total parts cost was about $70, broken down as follows:
- Canon DR-E5 DC Coupler ($40 posted from the US)
- DC-DC Converter from Jaycar to provide 7.5v, 2A ($25)
- some 2.5mm DC power connectors, also from Jaycar ($5)
For an extra $25, I added an aftermarket PS-PS700 AC Compact power adaptor. Have made it interchangeable with the DC adaptor .... for extended imaging sessions from my backyard where I have easy access to AC power.
I foolishly also started down the track of making my own DC coupler from a hacked LP-E5 battery, but quickly decided that for me the hassle is not worth it. I discovered a few interesting things about the 450D LP-E5 batteries and AC-E5 couplers however:
1. of the 3 battery terminals, only 2 are used by the camera (plain DC, no apparent smarts)
2. 3rd battery terminal is only used by the charger (to control charging rate, preventing overheating)
3. large capacitors in DC couplers handle peak loads (eg. recharge of flash)
Have attached a pic below.
I expect a similar approach would work for the 350D/40D etc (which I understand use slightly a different batteries and DC couplers).
Hope some of this is helpful.
Cheers,
Jeff
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