Bronine multi-brand battery charger

Joshua Waller reviews a clever device that lets you charge multiple batteries at once ● 2 port: $58, 4 port: $88, additional charging blocks from $11 ● bronine.com

IF YOU’VE got multiple cameras and devices, but are fed up of having to carry around all their chargers and power cables, then the Bronine multi-brand battery charger could be for you. It’s an intelligent charger with a top status display, that lets you simultaneously charge multiple batteries. Thanks to its unique modular system, the main unit lets you plug in different charging blocks as needed. Its intelligent charging system can tell you how much capacity each battery has when charged from empty. Using this, you can assess the health of each individual battery, as you can compare the full charge value against the manufacturer’s original mAh rating.

You’ll need to use a PD or QC compatible USB charger, which you can either buy from Bronine, or use your own. However, it should output 45W or more if you want to charge four batteries at the same time. The minimum recommended power rating for a charger is 18W, but this can only provide a maximum charging speed with 4.4V batteries. Most enthusiast DSLR or mirrorless cameras use 7.2V (or higher) batteries, and with these, slower charging speeds would be attained.

Charging speeds are good when using a highpower charger. For example, with a Sony NP-FW50 battery (7.2V, 1020mAh), a full charge was delivered in 81 minutes. Obviously, though, this depends on the battery used. In comparison, charging batteries in-camera using a USB cable can often be painfully slow, depending on your charging device and the camera you’re using. In addition, this can tie up your camera so that you’re unable to use it. By using an external charger such as this Bronine device, you can replenish spare batteries and keep shooting.

Verdict

If you’re looking for an external battery charger, then the Bronine multi-brand battery charger is a smart-looking device with great versatility, letting you simply buy the charging blocks you need. The dual charger and quad charger variants are both good value for money, being priced lower than many main brand single battery chargers, yet much more versatile. If you’ve got a number of batteries or use multiple devices such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera, and a drone or action camera, then this device could be ideal.

USB-C

The charger is powered by a USB Type-C cable, and will work with PD and QC supplies, meaning it will also work with portable powerbanks.

Sizes

Two different base units are available, supporting charging of two or four batteries.

Versatile

The device simplifies charging batteries from multiple cameras, as it can be powered from one USB supply.

Magnetic

Charging blocks can be easily snapped on and off, simply clicking into place with magnets.