The Sony a6000 charger is one of the most important accessories you can invest in if you own this compact mirrorless camera. While the Sony a6000 is well-loved for its image quality, speed, and portability, its battery life often leaves photographers searching for smarter ways to keep shooting. In this complete guide, we’ll explore all the best options to charge your Sony a6000, including USB methods, wall chargers, power banks, battery grips, and dummy batteries. Whether you’re a casual user or a daily shooter, we’ll help you find a fast, safe, and affordable way to stay powered.
Understanding the Sony a6000 Battery System
The Sony a6000 uses the NP-FW50 battery, a compact and lightweight lithium-ion unit. While effective, it offers limited capacity (approx. 1080mAh), enough for around 300–400 shots per charge under ideal conditions.
Key Features of the NP-FW50 Battery:
- 7.2V output
- 1020–1080mAh capacity
- Rechargeable via wall charger or USB
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
Because of its limited capacity, photographers often carry extra batteries or use external charging methods to maximize uptime.
Official Sony a6000 Charger Options
Sony offers a few official accessories compatible with the a6000, each with varying levels of convenience and price.
1. Sony BC-TRW Wall Charger
- Official wall charger for NP-FW50
- LED indicator for charge level
- Fast and safe charging (approx. 90–120 minutes)
- Compact design for travel
2. Sony AC-PW20 AC Adapter + Dummy Battery
- Ideal for long video shoots or studio work
- Includes DC coupler to replace battery
- Plug into wall power for uninterrupted usage
- Slightly bulky for travel use
3. Sony USB Charging (In-Camera)
- Use the camera’s micro USB port to charge the battery
- Slower charging time
- Inconvenient if you need to use the camera while charging
Best Third-Party Sony a6000 Charger Alternatives
If you’re looking to save money or want faster/more flexible options, third-party chargers are a great choice.
1. Wasabi Power Dual Charger + 2 Batteries
- Highly rated by photographers
- Dual bay USB-powered charger
- Two replacement NP-FW50 batteries included
- Charges via USB-C, micro USB, or wall adapter
2. RAVPower NP-FW50 Dual Charger Kit
- Intelligent charging with LED indicators
- Slim and portable
- Two high-capacity batteries (1100mAh+)
- USB input; compatible with power banks and laptops
3. Neewer NP-FW50 USB Charger
- Budget-friendly option
- Reliable build quality
- Simple design; no frills but does the job well
How to Charge Sony a6000 via USB
The a6000 allows for direct USB charging using the camera’s micro USB port. This is helpful for on-the-go charging but has limitations.
Pros:
- Convenient when traveling
- No need to remove battery
- Works with power banks, car chargers, and laptops
Cons:
- Slower than dedicated wall chargers
- Camera cannot be used while charging
- Long-term use may heat up the camera body
For optimal results, use a 5V/1.5A or higher-rated charger. A braided USB cable with good shielding is also recommended for reliability.
Charging with Power Banks & Portable Chargers
Power banks are perfect for travel and outdoor shoots where AC outlets are unavailable. When selecting a power bank, look for:
- Minimum 10,000mAh capacity
- USB output of 5V/2.1A or higher
- Compatibility with USB-to-micro-USB charging
Recommended Power Banks:
- Anker PowerCore 10000mAh
- RAVPower 20000mAh PD
- Zendure SuperMini 10K
These models can recharge the a6000 multiple times before needing a refill.
Battery Grip Options for Extended Shooting
A battery grip not only offers extended shooting time but also improves handling, especially in vertical orientation.
Meike MK-A6300 Pro Battery Grip:
- Compatible with Sony a6000/a6300
- Holds two NP-FW50 batteries
- Offers shutter button for vertical shooting
- Rechargeable via micro USB
While Sony does not offer an official grip for the a6000, third-party options like Meike and Neewer are solid alternatives.
Using Dummy Batteries for Continuous Power
A dummy battery setup is great for:
- Streaming
- Time-lapses
- Product photography
- Studio shooting
These connect to an AC adapter and plug into the camera’s battery slot.
Key Considerations:
- Choose models with UL-certified AC adapters
- Voltage must match NP-FW50 output (7.2V)
- Avoid cheap, unbranded options to prevent camera damage
Popular kits:
- DR-E17 + AC-PW20 Adapter Kit (Neewer, Tether Tools)
Charging Tips to Maximize Battery Life
To ensure your battery lasts longer and charges safely:
- Avoid full discharges (don’t let battery drop to 0%)
- Remove battery from camera if not used for days
- Store in cool, dry conditions
- Use original or reputable third-party chargers
- Avoid overcharging and heat exposure
Best Practices for Choosing the Right Sony a6000 Charger
When selecting a charger:
- Purpose: Traveling, studio, or daily use?
- Charging Speed: Fast charging or overnight okay?
- Portability: Need compact design?
- Safety Features: Auto shut-off, overcharge protection
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend?
Final Verdict: Which Sony a6000 Charger is Right for You?
Choosing the right Sony a6000 charger is essential to keeping your camera powered up and ready for every shot. Whether you’re using the official Sony wall charger, a reliable third-party dual-bay option, or taking advantage of USB and portable power banks, each method has its own benefits depending on your shooting needs.
For everyday users, a quality dual battery charger offers speed and convenience. If you’re a travel photographer or vlogger, USB and power bank charging give you flexibility on the go. Studio shooters may benefit from AC-powered dummy batteries for longer sessions.
Ultimately, the best charger setup comes down to how, where, and how often you use your Sony a6000. By understanding your power needs and investing in trusted charging options, you’ll extend your battery life, protect your gear, and stay ready to capture the moment, without interruption.
FAQs about Sony a6000 Charger
1. Can I charge my Sony a6000 with a phone charger?
Yes, if it supports 5V/1.5A or higher output via USB. Use a quality cable.
2. Is it safe to use third-party chargers for the Sony a6000?
Yes, but choose reliable brands like Wasabi, RAVPower, or Neewer.
3. Can I charge the Sony a6000 while using it?
Not directly. Use a dummy battery kit with an AC adapter.
4. Does the Sony a6000 support fast charging?
Not officially, but using 5V/2A chargers speeds up charging slightly.
5. How long does it take to charge a Sony a6000 battery?
With a wall charger: 90–120 minutes. USB charging may take longer.
6. Can I use a USB-C charger with the Sony a6000?
Only if it includes a USB-C to micro USB cable and outputs 5V.
