Nothing is more frustrating than having your Sony a7III camera die on you in the middle of the shoot. Despite its impressive battery life, the device will eventually run out of juice, which interrupts your work. You must charge it, but how exactly can you do that?
There are four ways to charge the Sony a7III. You can use the dedicated battery charger, which is sold separately. You can also connect the camera to the computer or power bank via the USB charger. Lastly, you can use a battery grip to shoot without interruption.
Below, we will cover each charging method in detail to help you decide which is the best option for certain situations. We will also answer some of your frequently asked questions about charging the Sony a7III camera.
How To Charge the Sony a7III Camera?
Here are the four ways to charge the Sony a7III.
Use the Official Battery Charger
The most obvious method is to use the battery charger of the Sony a7III.
Note that the camera does not include this item out of the box. You must purchase it separately. Or look for bundle deals that already package the official charger with the camera.
The Sony a7III camera uses the Sony BCQZ1 charger. It can provide a full charge to a single NP-FZ100 battery in around 150 minutes. It is approximately 40% faster than other charging methods. And if you feel impatient, you can see the charging status on the built-in LED indicator.
To use the Sony BCQZ1 charger, connect the long cord to the suggested plug. Take out the Sony NP-FZ100 battery from your camera. You can do this by opening the battery door located at the bottom of the a7III. Slide the battery into the charger. And there you go; the battery is now charging! All that’s left to do is wait until the battery is full, so you can use your camera again.
We personally use this method to charge our Sony a7III camera. However, it’s not for everyone.
First, the official Sony charger can be expensive, so it’s not ideal if you have a limited budget. The long cord can also be a hassle because they tend to become entangled. And if you’re outside shooting, you probably don’t have access to an electrical outlet. Lastly, those who use third-party batteries can’t use the charger.
Connect the Camera to the Computer via the USB Cable
Another way to charge the Sony a7III is to connect it to the computer via a USB cable. It doesn’t matter if you’re using a Windows or Mac operating system. As long as it has a USB input, it lets you charge your camera.
The micro-USB cable already comes with your Sony camera when you purchase it. It is the easiest method to get a full battery charge because it is the dedicated charger. As such, you don’t need to buy another device.
Simply connect the cable to the Sony a7III charging port or USB output. It is located on the left side of the camera behind one of the port doors. Flip open the port cover to access it. Then, insert the other end of the wire into the USB input of your laptop or computer. And that’s it!
Note that charging via USB cable is not the fastest way to get a full charge. And similar to using the battery charger, it can be pretty limiting. For example, you cannot always bring your computer outside when capturing wildlife.
Charge the Sony a7III via Power Bank
If you’re always on the go, we suggest using a power bank to fully charge the Sony a7III camera.
You still need to use the USB charger that comes with the camera out of the box. However, you won’t rely on a big computer anymore. You simply connect the cable and camera to a more compact power bank. It allows you to move easily. At the same time, it can charge the Sony a7III while you’re using it.
There are also thousands of options on the market. Most of them will work with the mirrorless camera. We recommend looking for a power bank with a high capacity. A device with more than 10,000 mAh is a great option to give your Sony battery at least two full charges.
Despite these advantages, a power bank still has its downsides. It offers a slow charging time, unless you ditch the micro USB for a USB-C cable. The latter provides a faster battery charge. Some power banks can also heat up, causing your camera to overheat as well.
Invest in a Sony a7III Battery Grip
Do you often find yourself with an empty battery? You may want to get a battery grip for the Sony a7III camera.
It is a camera accessory that can hold two batteries simultaneously. When the first battery becomes empty, the second battery automatically supplies power to the camera. In essence, the battery grip makes it possible to shoot for longer periods.
Another advantage of a battery grip is that it doesn’t require messy charging cables. It connects directly to your camera.
To attach the grip, open the battery door on the bottom of the a7III and remove the Sony NP-FZ100. On the door, you’ll see a mini tab with a hinge. Press it and pull it out to release the door. You’ll want to store that battery door on the grip itself. Most grips have a space for the door, so you avoid losing it. Once the door is secure, insert the battery grip into the now-empty battery compartment. Turn the wheel to lock it in place.
Battery grips can also improve your grip on the camera, hence their name. Those with slippery hands or large palms will likely find these accessories useful.
The only downside of battery grips is their size. They kind of defeat the point of having a compact mirrorless camera, like the Sony a7III.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to charge the Sony a7III?
It depends on the charging method you use. If you charge your camera via the official charger, it takes around 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) to achieve full power. Expect slower charging times when using the USB cable.
What is the best charging method for the Sony a7III?
The best charging method for the a7III depends on your needs and preferences as a photographer. If you need to shoot right away, you will find that plugging the charger into an outlet gives you the fastest charge. Those always on the go will like the power bank and battery grip methods. If you need to transfer files and charge the camera at the same time, connect it to the computer via the USB cable.
What type of battery charger does the a7III use?
The Sony BC-QZ1 is the official battery charger for the Sony a7III, which uses a Sony NP-FZ100 battery.
Can I use a third-party battery charger?
In general, yes; you can use a third-party battery charger for the Sony a7III, especially if you have a tight budget. However, Sony doesn’t recommend using a battery from a foreign manufacturer. It might affect the overall capacity of the original battery. It might also overheat, damaging the power source of your camera.
Can I charge Sony a7III with a phone charger?
Technically, you can charge the Sony a7III camera using your phone charger as long as it meets the voltage requirements. However, it is not recommended. It takes a lot slower to get full power with a phone charger than a Sony charger. The battery and charger itself may also overheat.
Conclusion
The Sony a7III camera offers impressive battery life that lasts up to 710 still shots. But like any battery-powered device, it loses its charge.
Fortunately, you can choose from four different ways to charge the Sony a7III. You can use the official Sony charger and plug it into the electrical outlet. Or you can connect it to the computer via the USB cable. You can even charge the camera using a power bank or a battery grip.
Do you have more questions on charging Sony cameras? Drop by our contact page to send your queries!
