Charging All the Cameras When You’re Away From Home
If there’s one thing guaranteed to ruin a perfect sailing shot, it’s this:
“Battery exhausted.”
Usually just as something exciting happens… a perfect tack, a near miss, or your crew doing something you’ll never be allowed to film again.
After a few trips (and a few missed shots), I’ve learned that charging cameras away from home isn’t just about plugging things in — it’s about planning, systems, and a little bit of paranoia.
The Reality – Everything Needs Charging
On a typical trip I might have:
- DSLR or mirrorless camera
- Action cameras (and usually more than one)
- 360 camera
- Drone (on a good day!)
- iPad or laptop
- Microphones and audio gear
Each with:
- Different batteries
- Different chargers
- Different cables (of course…)
It quickly turns into a spaghetti junction of wires.
Rule 1: Standardise Everything (If You Can)
The golden rule:
Move towards USB charging wherever possible
Modern cameras and devices increasingly support USB-C charging, which is a lifesaver.
- One charger
- One cable type
- Less clutter
- Less to forget
If a device still needs a dedicated charger, I try to carry just one per system, not multiples.
Rule 2: Power Banks Are Your Best Friend
- Charge cameras on the move
- Top up devices between shoots
- Keep things running when there are no sockets (very common on boats!)
On a yacht or small boat, plug sockets can be:
- Limited
- Already in use
- Or only available when the engine is running
A power bank quietly solves all of that.
🔌 le 3: One Plug, Many Devices
Bring a multi-port USB charger.
This lets you:
- Charge 4–6 devices from one socket
- Avoid fighting over plug space
- Keep everything in one place
Even better:
- Use a short extension lead if you’re in a hotel or marina with awkward sockets
Rule 4: Create a Charging Routine
Every evening:
- Batteries out
- Everything plugged in
- Memory cards backed up (if possible)
- Kit reset for the next day
Because in the morning:
You won’t have time
You won’t remember
And something will be flat
⛵ Boats Add Extra “Fun”
On a boat (especially during your upcoming Croatia adventure):
- Power may be 12V only
- Charging may depend on:
- Engine running
- Solar panels
- Space is tight
- Things move (a lot!)
So:
- Keep kit in a single charging bag or box
- Use short cables (less tangling)
- Label things if others are using the system
Final Thought
You can have:
- The best camera
- The perfect shot lined up
- Hollywood-level planning
…but if the battery is dead…
You’re just watching it happen.
Charging isn’t glamorous, but it’s the difference between:
- “I wish I’d filmed that…”
and - “Wait until you see this!”
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