Buying a Digital Camera with an AC Power Adapter

Because many digital cameras have high battery consumption, it is possible to save money and time by using a camera which can be powered with an AC adapter. This is especially useful if you frequently take photographs indoors, such as internet auction photos or photos of items to sell on your website. However, only some digital cameras have this capability. Here are some tips on finding a digital camera which can run on AC power and/or locating the adapter for it...

Many digital cameras have this feature, including models in just about every price range. Digital cameras which are either very small or very inexpensive (under $20) are most likely not to have an AC power jack. Inexpensive cameras with this capability include the Kodak DC210 (and DC200), RCA CDS1000, and Canon Powershot 350. More expensive, generally higher-resolution models include the Kodak C743, Canon Powershot S3, and HP Photosmart 733. Some of these cameras are sold with the power adapter, while it is considered an optional accessory for others.

If the adapter isn't included with your camera, or you need to replace a defective adapter, they can also be purchased separately. New adapters are available from many online shopping websites (especially battery sales websites, such as ebatts.com and apexbattery.com), some eBay sellers, and Office Depot stores. With some exceptions, brand name AC adapters for digital cameras often cost $15-45, so it is best to buy a camera which includes it, if possible. It can be difficult to find replacement adapters for some rare and/or older cameras.

Some brands, such as Lenmar and Ambico, offer universal digital camera AC power adapter units which have multiple interchangeable jacks (these are to be attached to the end of the wire which connects to the camera) and adjustable voltage. Make sure the specific voltage level required by your digital camera is covered by the adapter. These adapters are generally less expensive than brand/model-specific units, but some digital camera manufacturers do not support their use. For example, HP's website has a warning "HP does not support the use of a non-HP approved AC adapter with any of its HP Photosmart Digital Cameras" under a table listing the specifications for HP Photosmart AC adapters.

Other non-battery options for powering digital cameras are also available. Power cords which plug into a car's cigarette lighter are available, including units for some Sony and Nikon camera models. There are also a few models of DC-to-AC power inverters which feature USB ports, so that a USB digital camera (or other USB-powered device) can draw power from a cigarette lighter without the need for a power adapter. Also, keep in mind that many digital cameras with USB ports can be powered by a computer through the cable. If you have this type of camera and a computer with USB port(s) running while you take the photos, an extension USB cable might be all you need to avoid using batteries.