When I recently spoke with a video production newbie, he told me the biggest question he had was what kind of battery charger to buy with his video camera.

He was wanting to buy a relatively inexpensive camcorder, a consumer model like what you would find at Best Buy or Circuit City.
He wondered whether he should get one that came with a separate battery charger or one where the camera WAS the battery charger.

I told him… no doubt about it, get one with a separate charger, (all other things being equal.)

Here’s why.

• First, if you can only charge a battery up with the camera, you obviously cannot shoot while your battery is charging.
• Two, if the charger function should poop out, your entire camera will probably be worthless. You might be able to find a compatible charger, but I guarantee that will be a royal pain in the whazoo.

I have an inexpensive Cannon Mini-DV camcorder. I love it. I have two batteries with it so I can charge one battery up and not have to stop shooting. There’s nothing worse than running out of battery power when there is video to be shot!
To me, an extra battery is worth the $40-$80 or so bucks it will cost. Combining the two functions in one unit really limits you.
As with all gadgets, if you get a video camera with all kinds of multiple purposes, sometimes you end up regretting it. My can opener opens cans. It doesn’t unclog the sink.
When I worked as a TV Production Teacher, the school bought cameras that also functioned as chargers. For the reasons listed above, I didn’t like it, but why would they listen to me?
The bean counters saved a few bucks, but other than that, I can not think of a single advantage to having your camera be the charger.

Here’s to your video dreams coming true!

Lorraine Grula

Internet Video Gal

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