Alternative Power Source for my Canon DSLR?

[Matty P]

I’m looking for an alternative power source for my Canon 450D as a replacement for using the battery. I’m not too keen on continuously using the only battery I have during an imaging session so I would like to know what options I have to power my 450D?

What would you recommend? :shrug:

[Matty P]

Anyone? :shrug: :sadeyes:

[Bassnut]

You can buy an AC power adaptor for the 450D, as you can for any DSLR.

I stripped the guts out of a battery and wired DC to it from a DC adaptor, but if you do it yourself you need to know exactly what to do. The one I built worked fine on a 300D, but not with a 40D (same battery and voltage). DSLRs now it seems test the battery in ways that make it hard to simulate with an external DC supply (internal impeadance, capacity etc). I then bought the Canon real deal and it works fine.

IMO its not worth the bother/risk to go cheap and try and make your own, just get a Canon AC adaptor for the 450D, I dont know the part no, but its not hard to find.

[Robert_T]

Hi Matty, you might consider buying a couple of non genuine batteries for spares on ebay from Hong Kong. I got a pair for the 40D for $12 and $9 postage...a fair margin cheaper that the genuine article. They work fine.

cheers,

Rob

[[1ponders]]

AC power is the oooonnly way to go :) Especially in chilly Canberra where the cold will reduce the imaging time per battery considerably.

[Matty P]

OK that's settled, AC adapter it is.

Does anyone know where I can get one? I can't find anything.

[[1ponders]]

I've had a quick search online and often see them listed as optional accessories but haven't found the actual product. You might have to give one of the camera stores a call. Don't expect them to be cheap. :(

[Matty P]

Unfortunately you're right Paul. :(

I found this site that lists them for $89. Just for an AC adapter, that is fairly overpriced. I'll keep looking.

http://www.camera-warehouse.com.au/p/canon-ack-e5

[[1ponders]]

$89 :eyepop: Grab it!!! Name brand ac adapters often start at around $130.

You may be able to pick one up cheaper in one of the ebay stores, but I haven't found one yet.

[Matty P]

I expected it to be around the 50-60 dollar mark. Although it is still reasonable, I will keep looking around.

I have to check Ebay.

[leon]

No Matty that is a bargain, go for it, mine for the 5d cost 140.00 and it is worth every cent.

Mine is hooked up permanently to the camera, which is in turn hooked to the scope, but then I do have an Observatory, where everything just stays put.

leon

[B.Wilson]

Buy it
Just checked box 12 months old price sticker $99.00
ACK-DC20
for 350d

[Liz]

Did ya buy it Matty? I looked into getting one when I bought my 450D, but yep, too dear. I bought a spare battery off Ebay, but the battery lasts a long time for me ( I took 80 star pics down beach the other night) and then I have the spare. You are obviously doing a lot more ... intricate work requiring more vrooom........ buy the ac source ;)

[Matty P]

Before I buy the AC adapter, I just want to clarify that the Canon ACK-E5 (http://www.camera-warehouse.com.au/p/canon-ack-e5) AC adapter will work with my 450D?

[Liz]

Hi Matty, have read in heaps of places that power source is the ACK-E5
This guy gives a pretty good review/specifications of camera. This is p 3, but also good info on p 1 & 2.



http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_rebel_xsi_pg3.html






http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_rebel_xsi/xsi_battery.jpg

The Digital Rebel XSi is powered by a Canon Battery Pack LP-E5 rechargeable battery. At normal temperature (73°F and above) it's good for ~600 pictures without flash or ~500 pictures if the flash is used 50% of the time. At colder temperatures (32°F and below) that number drops to ~500 or ~400 if flash is used 50% of the time. The figures above are based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) testing standards and are much improved over the battery supplied with the XTi.
The supplied LC-E5 compact charger required ~90 minutes to charge a fully depleted LP-E5 battery pack. It requires no separate power cord, it has fold-out prongs.
AC power can be supplied via AC Adapter Kit ACK-E5 (optional).
(Note that there is also a lithium "button" battery inside the battery compartment to retain camera settings during main battery changes.)

[Matty P]

Thanks for the info Liz. :thumbsup:

[Jeff]

The following DC-DC converter from Jaycar should hopefully do the trick instead of using an AC adaptor (can provide regulated 7.5v DC output at 2 amps).
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MP3038&CATID=27&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=665

I have just ordered one of these myself.

Cheers,
Jeff

[Tandum]

Jeff,
How are you going to connect that to your camera?
Doesn't the battery have like 3 or 4 connections?

[edit]
I've been avoiding running 240V to the scope and a low volts DC solution would be great.

[Jeff]

Hi,

I also purchased the AC Adaptor (ACK-E5).

I'll use the "DC Coupler" from that, making it interchangeable between AC Adaptor and the DC-DC Converter (using some small 2-pin plug type connectors).

At least that's the plan!
:prey:

[Tandum]

Sounds like a good one ... let me know if it works please ...

[TrevorW]

A number of years ago Canon used to supply a power AC adapter with all their digital cameras, as well as a bag, now they don't and charge an additional $100 odd for AC adapters. Obviously they realised that these adapters where only required by certain camera users eg: professionals and those wanting to take time(d)/ lapsed images like us ergo another way they could save costs and make more money.

I found a UK company that makes an adapter for my Pentax at 1/2 the price(inc) shipping so with Canon being more popular it shouldn't be to difficult to find a cheaper alternative than the genuine Canon product.

Cheers

[AlexN]

I bought a genuine canon one brand new on ebay 10 minutes ago for $52.17 (including shipping) from the USA... Gotta LOVE that aussie dollar :D

[Jeff]

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

[mrsnipey]

Thanks for the heads up Alex. I bought one as well and it's been working like a charm.

[Tandum]

Cheers Jeff, When I get this cast off my broken foot I'll follow in your footsteps I'm sure. Thanks :)

[Jeff]

Yes, the AC Compact Power Adaptors (Canon or aftermarket clones) are easy to buy over the internet ... even on Amazon.com and eBay.

The challenge for me was to find a DC supply which can be used in the field (eg. from any 12 power supply with a cigarette socket output).

Cheers,
Jeff

[AlexN]

I was thinking of running a 12vDC -> 240v AC inverter, although I think you'll find even the smallest ones you can buy (400w) would be a considerable drain on a 12v17aH battery... Might need something bigger... If I could get a 12v30aH battery I'd get an inverter for sure and run my lappy off it too, avoiding the need for mains power completely.

[RB]

When I image away from home I use my 'hot box' which I built just for that purpose.
Able to run my mount, dew starps, power my DSLR and more.

See this thread for deatils. (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=8150&highlight=hot+seat)

[AlexN]

Andrew, thats an absolute ripper! :) Did you draw up any plans when you made it? if so, wanna send them to me?

You've said you painted it blue.. but it looks GOLD to me :D

[RB]

Only problem with me Alex is that I seldom work off plans.
I started with a simple idea and ended up with a reactor. LOL

If you come to Lostock you'll be able to check it out.

When I get a chance tomorrow I'll measure it up and pm you the details.

:)

[AlexN]

cheers mate, I'm trying to organize some way of making IISAC08 a possibility for me...

Hiring a van and bringing another keen IIS member along to split fuel costs... I'll probably be there either way, but the cheaper the better when driving ~800kms

[Jeff]

I tried an inverter (Powertech 150w) for my lappy, but the power drain was horrendous. Despite a "claimed" 90% efficiency at full load (150w output), the efficiency at lower loads (eg. 30w) was extremely poor ... my measurements with a shunt ammeter suggest about 30%.

Drain on my 12v jump starter using my inverter was about 10amps (versus under 3 when using my $20 laptop DC-DC converter).

If run my inverter (for laptop and 450D camera) off my jump starter ... along with my HEQ5Pro mount and assorted USB devices (GPUSB, guide camera), then it would be flat in a few hours as opposed to running all night ... when the weather warms up that is.
:cold:

[Matty P]

What a great idea Andrew. I wouldn't mind having a look at it at Lostock myself.

How much did it cost you to build?

:thumbsup:

[AlexN]

I've already drawn up plans and sourced a 12v 60aH deep cell battery... :D

Andrew, What size inverter did you use?? I wont be running much off it, my laptop/350D (sometimes)/QHY8 de-humidifier/QHY8, and the mount + dew control system directly off 12v..

I was thinking that a 600w would do fine for this gear.. and I'd assume it would all run for a couple of nights if need be.

[RB]

Looking forward to meeting you and Alex at IISAC 08.

The main cost was the inverter which I bought from Jaycar and the truck battery from a battery supplier.
I opened up the inverter and cut the power switch leads to enable me to relocate the switch onto the front panel of the box.
I also placed a 12v in-line fuse on the cig lighter outlets in case of a short circuit which also protects the RCA charging inlet.
The rest of the hardware and 240v outlets were sourced from the local hardware store.
I decided to have 8 outlets because as you know you can never have enough outlets in this hobby LOL.
It started off as a simple box but ended up a nice looking practical power unit.


I needed a bit of grunt because I use it around the farm and house when there's a blackout so I opted for the 1000w inverter. Although at the time I was trying to save some money and opted for the modified sine wave version, I would highly recommend a pure wave version if the budget allows (even though I've never had any trouble with it).
This is the one I bought: 1000w version. (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MI5112&CATID=8&keywords=&SPECIAL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pageNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=680)

I've been able to charge my lappy and DSLR batteries on it, even run the DSLR directly from it, run a hot air hair dryer, run my mount, charge mobiles at SPSP, run my dew zappers, and even run a normal drill around the farm when 240v was not available.
Obviously not all at the same time though. :lol: (but I can run my astro gear all night long)

I'd recommend working out how much you'll need to run off it at any one time and allow some head room.

When not in use I keep it trickle charged and I haven't had any probs with the original truck battery.

When the load gets too much it has a audible alarm and it also has built in cooling fans.

:)

[AlexN]

Never mind, i need to learn to read.

[Tilt]

Go Ebay.

I got a Canon ACK-DC20 AC Adapter Kit for $5.

Michael

[AlexN]

:eyepop: $5!! :) Niiiice one!

[Matty P]

What a great find Micheal!

A bargain. :thumbsup:

[Jeff]

That's fantastic Michael ... and I thought I wass doing well to get a lone CA-PS700 AC Adapter landed in Melb for $25, but $5 for a complete kit is a great pickup.
:eyepop:

Wish there was this much stuff already available cheaply for the 450D cameras with LP-E5 battereis. :sadeyes:

[Tilt]

Agreed, the price was very good.

I dropped a bid on it before work yesterday (auction was due to end around lunch time), and then when I got home I checked and noticed that I had won.

No more image runs ending early due to batteries. Not that it happened often as I had 2 x 1200mAh batteries in a battery grip, but occasionally it did.

Michael