Charging from car radio USB

[Bob_Visual]

Can someone help with this query please. I can input audio media into my car radio from a built-in USB socket. Can I plug the USB on my HDR-CX410VE directly into this socket in order to charge the camcorder battery or do I have to buy an external charger that plugs into the 'cigarette lighter' socket? I travel about a lot and it would be useful if I could charge the battery whilst on the move.

[Mick2011]

Hi Bob, welcome to the Sony Forums

The USB port in you radio won't carry sufficient charge to be of any use. You often find USB ports will charge (say) a phone battery, but not the much more powerful battery in a camera.

The best option for camcorders is to get hold of a transformer that will step down the car's 12V to the precise rating of the camera battery. If you Google 'Handycam car charger' you should find any number of sites offering these quite cheaply.

Cheers

Mick