REVIEW: Norifon NB-5L USB Charger for Canon PowerShot and Digital IXUS Cameras

Looking back, I remember the frustration of being out and about with my Canon PowerShot, ready to capture a moment, only to find the battery dead. It felt like a constant battle to keep my camera powered up. This issue wasn’t just inconvenient; missing crucial shots meant losing memories, and the thought of a dead camera during a trip or special event was always looming. Finding a reliable way to keep my NB-5L batteries topped up became a priority.

NB-5L USB Charger for Canon PowerShot SD880 is, SD850 is, SD870 is, SD800 is, SD970 is, SD990 is,...
  • How to choose? Please make sure battery model(on the label of your battery, Not camera) is: NB-5L.
  • Convenience: can be used indoors and outdoors by USB chargers, include laptop, PC, power bank, USB wall Charger, USB travel charger, USB car adapter etc.
  • Know Charging Status: light display the charging status, no-load(blue), charging(red), fully charged(blue).

Key Considerations Before Buying a Camera Battery Charger

Camera battery chargers serve a fundamental purpose: keeping your equipment powered so you don’t miss out on capturing life’s moments. Anyone who owns a digital camera with removable batteries will eventually need one, whether it’s a replacement for a lost charger, a backup, or simply a more convenient option. The ideal customer for a product like the Norifon NB-5L charger is someone who frequently uses their compatible Canon camera (specifically those using the NB-5L battery type) and values portability and flexibility in how they charge. This might be a traveler, a casual photographer, or someone who wants to avoid being tied to a wall outlet.

If you don’t own a compatible Canon camera using the NB-5L battery, or if you primarily shoot at home near power outlets and have no need for portable charging, this specific charger wouldn’t be for you. You’d need a charger designed for your specific battery type and camera brand, perhaps even the original equipment manufacturer’s charger if portability isn’t a concern.

Before purchasing a camera battery charger, you need to think about a few things:
* Compatibility: Is it designed for your specific battery model? This is the most critical factor. A mismatch can range from simply not working to potentially damaging your battery or charger.
* Power Source: Does it require a wall outlet, or can it charge via USB? USB charging offers much greater flexibility, using laptops, power banks, or car adapters.
* Portability: How big and heavy is it? If you travel or are often on the go, a compact, lightweight design is a huge plus.
* Charging Time: How quickly does it charge a battery?
* Indicator Lights: Does it clearly show when the battery is charging and when it’s full?
* Safety Features: Does it have protection against overcharging, short-circuiting, etc.?
* Price: Does the cost align with your budget and the value the charger provides?

Considering these points helps narrow down the options and ensures you get a charger that truly meets your needs.

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NB-6L Wall Charger for Canon PowerShot SX530 HS, SX610 HS, SX710 HS, SD1200 is, SD1300 is, S120 IXY...
  • How to choose: Please make sure battery model which printed on the label of your battery(Not camera) in this list: NB-6L, NB-6LH
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Introducing the Norifon NB-5L Charger

When I was looking for a more convenient charging solution for my Canon camera’s NB-5L batteries, I stumbled upon the Norifon NB-5L USB Charger. This little device promises to offer a portable and flexible way to power up your compatible Canon camera batteries. It’s specifically designed for the NB-5L battery, making it a suitable option for owners of various Canon PowerShot and Digital IXUS models like the SD880 IS, SD850 IS, SX230 HS, S110, and many others that use this specific battery type.

Compared to the bulkier wall chargers that often come with cameras, the Norifon charger stands out for its compact size and USB compatibility. While it doesn’t replace the need for the battery itself, it replaces the clunky OEM wall charger, offering charging freedom. It typically comes as just the charger unit itself, requiring you to supply your own USB cable and power source (which is easy given its USB input).

This specific charger is definitely for anyone with a compatible Canon camera who needs a backup charger, a travel charger, or simply prefers the flexibility of USB charging. It’s not for those with Canon cameras that use different battery types, or non-Canon cameras altogether.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons based on my experience:

Pros:
* Highly portable and lightweight
* Flexible USB charging allows multiple power sources
* Clear LED indicator for charging status
* Simple and easy to use
* Meets common safety certifications

Cons:
* Only charges one battery at a time
* Charging speed might be slower than some wall chargers
* Requires you to provide your own USB cable and power source
* Compatibility is strictly limited to the NB-5L battery model

Exploring the Features and Their Benefits

After using the Norifon NB-5L USB Charger for a considerable amount of time, I can confidently talk about its features and how they’ve benefited me. It’s the features centered around portability and flexible power sources that truly make this charger a valuable tool.

The Convenience of USB Charging

One of the biggest game-changers for me was the ability to charge my NB-5L batteries via a standard USB connection. This means I’m not tied to a specific wall outlet type or country’s electrical system when I travel. I can plug it into my laptop while working, use a portable power bank when I’m hiking or camping far from any power source, or simply use a standard USB wall adapter like the one for my phone. I’ve even charged it in the car using a USB car adapter on road trips.

This flexibility is incredibly beneficial. Before getting this USB charger, I had to pack the bulky OEM charger, which required a wall socket and often an adapter when travelling internationally. Now, I just need a standard USB cable (which I always have for other devices) and the small Norifon unit. This versatility ensures that no matter where I am – in a coffee shop, an airport lounge, or even out in nature with a power bank – I can keep my camera powered up. It removes the anxiety of running out of battery at a critical moment.

Ultra-Thin and Lightweight Design

Measuring just 84 x 47 x 20 millimeters and weighing a mere 0.07 pounds (which is incredibly light, just a few grams!), this charger is remarkably compact. It takes up minimal space in my camera bag, backpack, or even a jacket pocket. Its slim profile is particularly useful when packing light for trips. I can easily slot it into a small compartment without it adding significant bulk or weight.

This design is a stark contrast to the often chunky chargers that come with cameras. For someone who values portability and wants to keep their gear streamlined, this feature is a major plus. It means I’m more likely to carry the charger with me, rather than leaving it behind because it’s too cumbersome. Having it readily available ensures I can seize charging opportunities whenever they arise, keeping my NB-5L batteries ready for action. It’s convenient for family outings, travel, and outdoor exercises where minimizing gear size is important.

Clear Charging Status Indicator

The charger features a simple LED light system that tells you exactly what’s happening: blue when it’s plugged in with no battery or when the battery is fully charged, and red when the battery is actively charging. This might seem like a basic feature, but it’s incredibly useful.

With my old charger, the indicator wasn’t always clear, leaving me guessing if the battery was actually charging or if it was done. With the Norifon, there’s no ambiguity. A quick glance tells me the status. This prevents prematurely removing a battery that isn’t fully charged or leaving a fully charged battery on the charger unnecessarily. It provides peace of mind and helps manage my charging schedule effectively, ensuring I always grab a battery that’s ready to go when I need it.

Specific Battery Compatibility: The NB-5L Focus

It’s crucial to reiterate that this charger is *only* compatible with Canon’s NB-5L battery model. Norifon clearly states this, advising users to check the label on their battery, not just their camera model. While it works with many Canon cameras like the PowerShot SD series (SD880 IS, SD850 IS, SD870 IS, SD800 IS, SD970 IS, SD990 IS, SD950 IS, SD900), SX230 HS, S110, and Digital IXUS models (980 IS, 960 IS), its function is tied to the battery type.

This specificity means that if you own a Canon camera that uses a different battery, like an LP-E6 or NB-6L, this charger simply won’t work. This isn’t a drawback of the charger itself, but a vital point for buyers to understand. The benefit of this focus is that the charger is precisely engineered for the voltage (4.2V output from a 5V input) and current (0.6A) requirements of the NB-5L battery, helping to ensure safe and efficient charging for *that specific battery*. Making sure your battery model matches is step one, and if it does, this charger is designed to serve it well.

Safety Certifications

The Norifon charger meets CE, FCC, and RoHS specifications. While I’m not an expert in electrical certifications, seeing these listed provides a level of reassurance. CE marking indicates compliance with European safety standards, FCC relates to electromagnetic interference in the US, and RoHS restricts hazardous substances.

For a consumer, these certifications translate to greater confidence in the product’s safety and manufacturing quality. Knowing the charger has passed these tests suggests it’s designed to operate safely, reducing the risk of issues like overcharging or short circuits that could potentially harm the battery or, in rare cases, pose a fire hazard. It adds a layer of trustworthiness to this aftermarket accessory.

Overall, the core benefits of the Norifon NB-5L charger revolve around its unparalleled portability and the sheer convenience of its USB power source. For anyone who uses a compatible Canon camera frequently or travels with it, these features make keeping batteries charged significantly easier and less restrictive than relying solely on a traditional wall charger. While it only charges one battery at a time and isn’t the fastest charger on the market, its benefits for on-the-go power management are substantial.

What Other Users Have Experienced

Looking around online, I’ve found that many other users share my positive view of this Norifon NB-5L charger. People appreciate its small size, noting how easy it is to slip into a camera bag or pocket. The ability to charge from any USB port – be it a laptop, a car adapter, or a power bank – is frequently highlighted as a major benefit, especially for travelers. Users also found the charging indicator light clear and helpful. While the vast majority seemed satisfied, a few isolated comments mentioned issues, which might point to potential compatibility misunderstandings or unit variations, but overall, the feedback leans towards this being a handy and effective portable charging solution for the NB-5L battery.

Bringing It All Together

Dealing with a dead camera battery can completely derail your plans, forcing you to miss capturing significant moments. It’s a frustrating problem that needs a reliable solution to ensure your camera is always ready when inspiration strikes or the perfect scene unfolds.

The Norifon NB-5L USB Charger offers a fantastic way to solve this issue, especially for compatible Canon camera users. Its ultra-portable design means you can easily carry it anywhere, and its ability to charge via any USB source provides unmatched flexibility. The clear charging indicator takes the guesswork out of knowing when your battery is ready. For a convenient, on-the-go charging solution for your NB-5L batteries, this charger is a great fit. To check it out for yourself, Click here!

Last update on 2025-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API