Here are a few tips for picking the right charger for your digital video camera battery.
Powering Up
When it comes to more expensive and reliable prosumer cameras you will find that the batteries are sensitive to the environment that you are in and the other video equipment that you use. Your digital video camera battery will not last for ever and it is important to keep a charger handy for all occasions. Not all chargers are made equal and you have to pick wisely if you are going to get the bang for your buck.
Battery Type
The first thing you have to do is know the battery you are working with. Few digital video camera battery chargers will work with multiple types of camera batteries. You also have to be aware that the larger the battery is you are dealing with the longer you are going to have to keep it in the battery charger. Make sure that you know the type of battery your digital video camera takes and what type of battery you will be using on average.
Safety Shut Off
There are some absolutes when it comes to camera battery chargers. Some battery chargers will turn off when the battery is full and some do not. Since overcharging can damage the battery you want one that is going to turn off automatically. Otherwise you are going to have to pay attention to your battery while it charges.
Battery Charger Speed
You are going to end up getting what you pay for with digital video camera battery chargers, especially when it comes to speed. You can get less expensive chargers that will end up being slower. This makes them less practical for charging camera batteries when you are on location and in production. Faster chargers are simply more expensive. Try to get a trickle charger that will maintain a full battery for a long period by topping off the battery a little bit at a time.
Outside of Camera
Always get a charger that will charge the digital video camera's battery while it is on its own and not in the camera. If you have to use the charger while the battery is in the camera then it is hard to create a production cycle where you are charging one while filming with the other. This can slow things down and make on set charging less practical. You need something that is not just good for a home base, but will work in almost any situation.