Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Use a UPS to Run Camcorder?

by Feb 26, 2013 4:51AM PST

I plan on shooting many hours of video in remote locations, without a means of charging batteries (Canon Vixia HF M500). I could pack in a small battery backup/uninterruptable power supply, like the one I have connected to my desktop PC. Any problems in running a camcorder off of such battery power?

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
Answer
Only possible problem would be capacity
by Feb 26, 2013 5:00AM PST

You just need to figure out the power requirements of your camcorder, then the amount of reserve power you'd get from the UPS. You can figure the watt output of the UPS to be 60% of the VA rating. I don't know what your transportation details would be, but if you have to lug that UPS on foot, size and weight might be a consideration.

Good luck.

- Collapse -
Answer
Ask the other questions too.
by Forum moderator Feb 26, 2013 5:17AM PST

Given no issues with power compatibility I often find camcorders to power off or have recording duration limits. Many will only record 30 minutes at a time.

It appears you are trying to do surveillance and as such why not the usual surveillance cameras and DVRs? Too many of those out there so I'll stop here.
Bob

- Collapse -
Power needs
by SWilent Feb 26, 2013 9:22AM PST

I figure a small UPS that would run a desktop computer & monitor for 1 hour would run my camcorder for hours and hours.

Not surveillance of people, but natural resources. I'm a forester and forestry instructor.

FWIW, I'm very happy, so far, with the Canon Vixia HF M500. Excellent picture quality on my 42-inch HD TV.

- Collapse -
Then it appears you're done.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Feb 28, 2013 7:54AM PST

Since what you have works, you're done.
Bob

Back to Video Cameras forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info