USB-C: The standard that makes reliable in-camera charging a reality

What does USB-C mean to you? Convenience, fewer cables, lower cost, in-camera charging? The latest connector, which is now virtually universal, is all these things. But in the photographic world there is still controversy. It seems the new standard has encouraged manufacturers to concentrate on in-camera charging and remove external charging options. Not everyone welcomes this.

On balance, though, the agreement of all manufacturers, including camera companies, to join the standard, is a positive move. It has entirely changed the scene for travellers. They can now manage with one plug-in charger and a couple of USB-C cables — for all their devices, including cameras. I think it is A Good Thing, and I will explain. 

Early problems

My earliest brushes with USB-C were not encouraging. I owned one of the first MacBook Pros to be equipped with USB-C instead of USB-A. The USB-C connection was a nightmare because of the loose fit of the plug in the sockets. Even the slightest movement of the computer on the desk would result in the forced unmounting of external disks. Just four years ago, I related my USB-C woes in this Macfilos article: Wobbling all the way to the Genius Bar.

I complained repeatedly to Apple’s support people, but they insisted on blaming the cables or the drives. It was never the fault of their sockets, and they suggested I bring in all my external drives for checking. I was never able to cure the problem and eventually, I sold the computer in frustration. Yet recently, I read that Apple now admits there were issues with those early USB-C connectors.

Fortunately, I have not experienced similar concerns with any devices since. The connection is now invariably stable. I am using it on my iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air and, of course, all my modern cameras. It is particularly satisfactory on my iPhone 15 which does not suffer from the “fluff in socket” syndrome. This bedevilled Apple’s proprietary Lightning socket.

The USB-C standard

I have no particular brief for one standard over another, provided the connection is stable. I was pleased with Apple’s Lightning connector (except on smartphones, see above). It is an elegant solution if you exist within Cupertino’s walled garden. But USB-C is far more versatile and has the advantage of general acceptance. 

It handles both power and faster data speeds, it can mimic Thunderbolt, PCie, HDMI and Display Port standards. Furthermore, it is extendable to future standards. It is non-orientation specific (a big deal when fumbling in the dark) and universal (or close to that ideal). But there are provisos — see the next section.

On the debit side, high-power USB-C cables tend to be expensive, but this is something that will right itself as the standard becomes more popular. My wobble problem, mentioned above, seems to be more the fault of Apple’s USB-sockets of the time rather than a valid criticism of the standard. 

Thanks to USB-C, we can now travel with one cable which can power computers, tablets, phones, and cameras. And, if we forget that cable, a new one can be purchased easily in anywhere in the world. USB-C is a pretty good effort at creating the world connector. It may not be perfect, but it does its job.

This article gives a good overview of the USB-C standard and Apple Lightning, the two standards which I am most familiar with. 

The nitty-gritty

There are some provisos, as PCWorld points out in this excellent overview of what it calls “The confusing world of USB-C charging”.

Not every USB-C power supply is suitable for every device. Not all Type-C ports can be used to charge devices quickly or at all. And not every Type-C cable ensures reliable power transmission. This guide will give you an overview of the technical possibilities of Type-C charging and recommends suitable power supply units for all devices. If you’d like to avoid all the background and simply know which cords as worth your hard-earned money, be sure to check out our round up of the best USB-C cables. We perform hands-on tests that go far deeper than most other sources on the Web.

Thomas Rau, PCWorld

In-camera charging

With the universal adoption of internal charging via USB-C, camera manufacturers have taken the (predicable) further step of no longer supplying a charging pod with new cameras. In most cases, however, they continue to supply a PSU (power supply unit) and cable. 

Now, you either use direct charging in the camera, or you buy an external battery charging pod powered by the supplied power-supply unit supplied with the camera. Many are cheap third-party battery holders which do the job well, but need care in selection. If you wish to err on the safe side, an authorised charger pod supplied by the camera manufacturer could be worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

Leica has just deleted the charging pod from the SL3 box and now offers a dual-battery charger for a hefty £135. Bear in mind that this is just a battery connector; the power is supplied by the same PSU that you use for in-camera charging. Cheaper ones are available, such as the Nitecore ULM10 Pro at £69.95.

This removal of the ability to charge a battery outside the camera is not universally popular. Yet, I have always been a firm fan of in-camera charging, so I have no beef with the manufacturers. 

I travel happily with more than one camera and a single cable which I can plug into a charger of choice. It is usually the Apple unit I use for my phone, tablet, and MacBook Air. But I can see the problem faced by professionals who like to keep several batteries to hand during a day’s shooting. Having to charge them individually in the camera overnight is a chore, even if practical. But, I believe, such users will not mind paying for an external single or double-slot charger pod.

Battery packs

One of the pleasant by-products of universal in-camera charging is the ability to use a power bank, such as those employed to top up phones and other devices, to charge the camera. A typical small power bank has a storage capacity of 10000 mAh and stores around 35 Wh of energy. The Leica SL3/Q3 battery, which is hefty by camera standards, has a capacity of 2200 mAh and stores 16 Wh of energy.

Above left: The Ricoh GRIII has a poor battery life, with its little batteries storing no more than 3.3 Wh of energy. This cheap JJC triple charger pod (with USB power supply) is practical when travelling. Above right, the Lumix charger pod supplied with the original S5 camera. This has disappeared from the S5II box, and in-camera charging is the only standard option.

In theory, this means that the power bank will top up the Leica battery twice on a single charge, although regard it as good for one full charge. On the other hand, the tiny battery of my Ricoh GRIII (900 mAh and storage of 3.3 Wh of energy) can be charged several times during the day (and it needs it).

I now keep the battery pack in my camera bag and routinely plug in the camera during coffee breaks and meals. This way, I can normally manage without carrying backup batteries.  For the best camera-charging experience, look for a battery back with a voltage of around 7.5. [Note that battery packs can get warm when transferring energy and, also, you need to ensure that the USB plugs or sockets are secure and cannot be damaged while in the bag. You should assess the risk and, if you are worried, do not leave the camera on charge inside a confined space. Thanks to reader David B for pointing this out]

The question of cost

When I purchased the Leica M11 two years ago, I made the very unusual decision not to buy a second battery. At the time, this saved me £150, although I now see prices as low as £110. But the M11 is very frugal with batteries, especially if you are not using the accessory EVF or the rear screen. I have never once felt the need for a second battery (or a top-up during the day, for that matter). 

In my view, then, in-battery charging is more convenient, it is cheaper (in avoiding the need for more spare batteries) and safer when travelling. In the old days, forgetting your proprietary Leica charger (the only way to replenish the battery) was an expensive business, even if you were lucky enough to find a convenient Leica store. Now, all the anxiety has gone. All you require is a cable (assuming you carry chargers for other equipment) and even this can be replaced easily. 

And the opportunities to top up equipment are multiplying all the time. USB sockets (admittedly USB-A in most cases) are proliferating on trains, buses, in cafés and many other public places. They are slow in most cases, of course, but not to be sniffed at if you just want to trickle charge the camera while enjoying a cappuccino or taking the bus across town.

In transition

One of the problems of adopting the new universal USB-C standard is that we still have to battle with older equipment. Various chargers and adaptors still use only USB-A or even older forms of USB such as the annoying micro socket which needs care in attaching. We are also left with a drawerful of out-dated cables. 

However, there is an effective way to cut down costs and use the old peripherals during the transition period: adaptors. These cheap and effective little connectors allow USB-A cables or Lightning cables to be connected to USB-C sockets. And there are other adaptors available for any cables or sockets you might encounter.

It’s good to make connections

I bought a matchboxful of these little devices, and I have found them ideal in transitioning from old to new. In particular, my current (rather old) external battery pack has one USB-C connector and two USB-A sockets. Since I am now mainly using USB-C to USB-C cables, the little connectors allow me to utilise the legacy USB-A ports. 

This is temporary, of course, When I need to replace the 10,000 mAh battery pack I will be able to buy one with three or more USB-C sockets and no legacy USB-A. Within a couple of years I will be able to say goodbye to the tiny adaptors but, meanwhile, they are worth having, especially when travelling. Currently, my old AirPods still use Lightning, and that is the only use I have left for the old standard. 

I will be happy to say a final goodbye to all older USB connectors. With these earlier efforts, plugs could be inserted in only one orientation, and invariably you first try the wrong way. This is Murphy’s Law of Connectors. 

Above: These little connectors are lifesavers when travelling. Carry just one cable and adapt it to your devices. I bought the USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to Lightning adapters from Amazon. Leica box not included.

Surprisingly, though, USB-A and its mini companions were once welcomed as game changers. They were a revelation after monster parallel and serial sockets and plugs. Those were the days. Now, almost everything can be channelled through one tiny ambidextrous port which, remarkably, is to be found anywhere in the world.

Conclusion

As you gather, I am a great fan of in-camera charging and I entirely forgive manufacturers for no longer supplying external battery pods,. For most people, charging in-camera, supplemented by a cheap, lightweight external battery pack, is perfectly feasible, even when travelling for long periods.

Anyone with extreme battery needs will not object to spending a few extra pounds on a charger cradle (preferably a dual charger). Above all, the fact that USB-C connectors are everywhere — and we all carry power-supply units for our phones, tablets, and computers — makes travel and general use so much simpler and cheaper. 

As for USB-C as a standard, it does the job well. And it is a credit to the industry and to government regulators that at last we have decided on The One Cable to Slay Them All. USB-A is on the way out, Apple’s Lightning is on the way out, and the other micro USB connectors are dead to all intents and purposes. At last, we have a standard we can rely on.

What’s your view?

Are you happy to rely on in-camera charging and forgive manufacturers for making it standard? Or do you think manufacturers should continue to supply a charging pod to enable a one or two extra batteries to be topped up simultaneously?

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