Standard USB ports on cameras (for charging)

[ozaz]

I have a couple of Panasonic compact cameras which are a few years old now. It really annoys me that they have proprietary (or not widely used) USB ports. I always misplace the cables.

I'd like to buy a camera which can be charged via standard USB connections (micro-USB or USB-C connectors that are used across many electronic devices) as I always have these cables with me. Are there any brands which are known for putting standard USB ports (for charging) on all or most of their current range?

In case it matters, I'll be shopping at the budget end of the compact camera market ($400 or less)

Thanks

 

[Clix Pix]

Make life simpler for yourself -- just buy an external battery charger and use that for charging your batteries..... In all the years I've been using digital cameras I have never used the charging cable that comes with the camera; In the old days, cameras often came with an external charger, but nowadays one has to purchase one separately; some are specific to the camera brand and battery size while others are more generalized.

 

[deep diver]

Make life simpler for yourself -- just buy an external battery charger and use that for charging your batteries..... In all the years I've been using digital cameras I have never used the charging cable that comes with the camera; In the old days, cameras often came with an external charger, but nowadays one has to purchase one separately; some are specific to the camera brand and battery size while others are more generalized.

Ditto

 

[ozaz]

Make life simpler for yourself -- just buy an external battery charger and use that for charging your batteries..... In all the years I've been using digital cameras I have never used the charging cable that comes with the camera; In the old days, cameras often came with an external charger, but nowadays one has to purchase one separately; some are specific to the camera brand and battery size while others are more generalized.

I’ve used external battery chargers for years. I won’t necessarily stop using them and multiple batteries, although I wouldn’t say they make life simpler.

I always have micro-usb and usb-c cables with me, which is why I’d prefer to have a camera which could be charged via one of these cables if need be (for example if I don’t have a spare charged battery or external charger with me)

 

[bunnspecial]

I plead ignorance to compacts, but all my Nikon and Canon DSLRs have used mini-USB, Micro USB, or Micro USB-3. Granted they won't charge through those connectors-you need external chargers-but none the less that's the interface(except for the really old ones that use either 4-pin Firewire or even full sized 6 pin FW on the Nikon D1 series).

 

[Ray2]

How many times I've read about camera batteries swelling in chargers. Today there's one on DPR, swelled in the camera. Probably the Fuji board. Has happened to me, no fun prying it out.

Even had you located your misplaced cable, there's probably a very good reason why Panasonic cameras don't allow for charging via USB. Probably a reason you should consider.

 

[ozaz]

Even had you located your misplaced cable, there's probably a very good reason why Panasonic cameras don't allow for charging via USB. Probably a reason you should consider.

My Panasonic camera charges via USB by design. It isn't supplied with an external battery charger. If you want one you have to purchase it as a separate accessory.

My issue is the ports are not standard USB ports.

 

[Ray2]

As it turns out, my error, my GF's Panasonic GX85 can in fact be charged via USB. Standard mini B USB 2.0 cable. The fact she always brings a charger along is she won't charge in camera. It apparently takes forever and she understands the consequences of having one swell in the camera as opposed to a cheap charger.

So, to answer your question, yes I can recommend Panasonic cameras. They charge in camera and they use standard USB connectors. Though I would follow my and other's advice, buy a charger.

 

[deeddawg]

FYI the Olympus TG5 "tough" camera will charge from mini USB. Great pocket/adventure camera.