Digital Camera, converter, adapter...can't make heads or tails of it

jonnybardo

Hi all,
I've read through some past threads but am still a bit confused on the whole electricity gig. I understand that India runs on 240v power, so anything that is 120v (most U.S. stuff) needs some sort of converter or adapter (?). The only thing that I really want to bring that is electrical is a digital camera. I have an old Sony, which is only 1.6 mp, with a battery recharger that is 120v. I looked at a power converter kit today in REI and it was really heavy, enough so that I'm questioning whether I want to bring one at all. So I'm trying to figure out what to do...some options:
[list=a][*]Make due with what I have and buy a heavy converter...this is the cheapest, but heaviest option; plus I'd have to deal with the not-so-great 1.6 mp.[*]Buy a new battery recharger that doesn't need a converter, only a new plug adapter...is this possible? And am I correct in assuming that a 'converter' converts voltage types, while an 'adapter' adapts prong types, and that some electrical items come with built-in converters?[*]Look around for a new--and lighter--digital camera and battery recharger...I'd love to do this, but am not sure if the wife would agree, at least not for the $300+ that would be needed to make it worth our while. Are are there good cheaper options available? For small cameras?[*]Forget about the digital camera and just stock up on film and bring my little Olympus automatic...I'd love to do this, but want to make an ongoing online photo album for friends and families, and think that scanners might be hard to come by; plus, I'm not sure about developing film in India.[/list=a]

Any help would be appreciated!

jonnybardo

Okay, I think I partially answered my question(s). In order to use my digital camera I need a "step-down" transformer that limits the 240v into the 120v item, and an India-appropriate plug adapter. The Lewis & Clark set I saw was overkill--I'm not going to Australia, South Africa etc.

So anyone know a good step down converter that is cheap and light? And what sort of adapter do I need?

vistet

Well, what kind of batteries do you use ? If you have a propietary (Sony-specific) battery you are stuck with what Sony can offer.

If you have the battery pack that looks like two penlights that have fused together you can also use two penlight (AA) batteries.

If you use AA´s , you have a lot of possibilities, including a solar charger. I would consider a solar charger to avoid two problems : the outages and power surges. A solar charger can also be used on the bus/train in a mesh pocket on your (wellguarded) daypack.
If you use wall sockets, you need to bring a surge protector as well.
Some items DO come with built in converters : the recharging cable for my digital camera converts 100-240 V automatically.
Re prongs etc : check out Midnite Tokers
excellent link

Well, this is what I did. 90 % of the material came out fine ( and of course the one roll that had really good stuff in it was in the 10 %...) Forget about stocking up on negative film though : it is a lot cheaper in India, same quality. Buy sealed boxes, check the expiry dates. Scanners were available in northern India ( Manali, Leh, Darjeling, Gangtok) without much problems. I would load up a tray full of small prints and make one scan and then copy + roughedit the individual parts (pics) and upload them.

Anders

Before you start spending any money, are you sure that the charger only works on 120?
I have seen sony chargers that works on any voltage.

If you do need a transformer, Radio shack usually have step-down transformers.

vistet

The charger I mentioned is to a Sony camera (DSC V1)

jonnybardo

Whoops, I actually have a Kodak, which runs on AA batteries.

Anyways, I'm looking into a solar battery charger but haven't found one--I called Radio Shack, Staples and Kmart and no luck so far (the U.S. is pretty backwards when it comes to alternative energy products :-(

This one looks decent and is really cheap, but is for Ni-Cad--I already have four Ni-mh, so am hoping I can find one that works for them.

And yes, I am sure my charger only works for 120v...or pretty sure (according to what I can decipher from the back of the charger).

So does anyone know where I can find a decent--small and light--solar battery charger for AA Nimh batteries available in the U.S.?

vistet

Silva makes rugged charger (the bigger version is used by climbing expeditions for satelite phones etc) , weighs 200 grams (specs)

Here in Sweden I think it costs 20-30 USD.
American dealer : www.brunton.com (according to Silvas homepage)

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jonnybardo

That looks good, vistet, thanks. According to the Brunton website it is $20 here.

Have you used this product?

wonderwomanusa

You might find a solar charger over in Berkeley at REI. Or possibly at Comp USA -- but I'd try REI first.

I have a Sony that uses AA batteries and came with a charger that they swear will work on any current. I'm going to believe them! So all I need in the plug adaptor from Radio Shack!

If you decide to get a new camera, try for one that uses the same recording media that you already have on your Kodak. If you need more memory, check Costco; I got a 128mb memory stick for $49-something last week.

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vistet

No. Saw the bigger version used by a Swedish Everest team ( a sad bunch who totally denied the Sherpas role in getting to the top , but they seemed good with technical stuff) in a documentary.

apsk121

I'm not sure but most new Digital Camera and Camcorders have a built in converter so you don't need to use any gadgets to convert. You just need a plug attachment that goes into Indian Plugs.

Be very sure before you try this, coz I once conked of my imported speakers this way. read your manual and product specifications.

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rishi

well you don't need to worry about this at all buddy. When you land in here (either Delhi or Mumbai) take a short trip to any popular local market and you'll find chargers and converters or whatever you need at throwaway prices compared to US prices...and one thing is for sure...u'll find some shopowner or the other who'll make your thingie work for sure!

Some decent markets in Mumbai (Bombay), Manish market, Heera Panna (both are in south, and be very careful when dealing with shopowners) or check out places like colaba or hill road in bandra..just walk into any decent looking electronics shop and you'll come out happy!

In delhi I guess you can head to Connaught place or South Extension

Otherwise this is such a minor issue for us indians, used to making tons of imported gadgets to work here, that I guess you could find some solution even at Mt. Everest base station!

And in case you go for using film, be very peculiar about getting it developed by a more-than-respectable lab. Most labs are perfectably capable of doing a shoddy work..

All the best for your journey.. and Cheers!

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