# Digiatl camera power supply **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 9, 2003, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561 "2003-01-09T18:23:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561/1 "2003-01-09T18:23:25Z")
OK, got a canon digital camera. Batteries, but no adapter for outlet. Says it needs a 6 volt. Will any adapter do if the voltage is right? This may be a dumb question, but…uh…anyway…I know how toast works… ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561/2 "2003-01-09T18:48:30Z")
In most cases yes. Most digicams have a wide voltage tolerance anyway but stick with the specified voltage. If you don’t mind spending about $30 Digipower makes some excellent switching power supplies that don’t have the heavy transformer block of a tranditional power supply. IMHO money is better spent buying a dedicated memory card reader so you don’t use up camera batteries downloading. Anyway I have both for my cameras. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561/3 "2003-01-09T19:28:45Z")
I recommend you do not get an unregulated adapter as the voltage will vary. Better get a regulated adapter like Radio Shack models 273-1761, 273-1762 or [273-1763](http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F004%5F001%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=273%2D1763) depending on the current needed. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561/4 "2003-01-09T19:35:43Z")
**sailor** ’s advice is excellent. Keep in mind that the plug has to be the right size and the polarity has to be set right. My local RS has a collection of adapter plugs hanging from cords. You try them until you find one that fits right. Then note whether your camera is “center positive” or “center negative” and put the plug on the adapter cord to match. It would also help to know the Amperage of the manuf.'s adapter so you can get one of at least that rating. ---
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561/5 "2003-01-09T19:43:24Z")
Well, I got one that fits, and it says 6 volt. If its wrong, will it fry the camera, or just not work? ---
**Author:** ![NoGoodNamesLeft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@NoGoodNamesLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoGoodNamesLeft)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561/6 "2003-01-09T20:49:55Z")
I think clubber was asking if he could use a third party manufactured AC adapetr with the correct voltage instead of the Canon Brand unit. I say ‘Yes’. (As long as the voltage isn’t higher, and the polarity is correct) In fact, in my local electronics shop, they RECOMMEND the third party unit ($30) over the Manufacturer’s unit ($89). ---
**Author:** ![seal\_cleaner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@seal\_cleaner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seal_cleaner)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561/7 "2003-01-09T20:53:22Z")
Thanks, you asked it better than I did. Having not been in this country much long. ---
**Author:** ![Giraffe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giraffe/32/129_2.png) [@Giraffe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giraffe)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/digiatl-camera-power-supply/147561/8 "2003-01-09T22:47:01Z")
Having just gone out and purchased the Official HP power supply ($50) for my wife’s new digital camera, I just want to say that I hate you all for not having this thread a week ago. 😛