Neewer Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FZ100 Review Verdict
A Reddit user summed up the Neewer Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FZ100 Battery as “small enough to throw in a bag, but it’s saved my shoot more than once.” That compact form factor matched with multi-device charging options impressed many — earning this device a solid 8.4/10 from cross-platform feedback.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for Sony mirrorless shooters
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charges two NP-FZ100 batteries simultaneously | USB Type-C cable not included despite port support |
| Informative LED display for charge and power status | Slower if using low-output USB sources |
| Lightweight (64g) and very slim (23mm) design | No batteries included; separate purchase required |
| Compatible with wide range of Sony cameras | Case material feels “plasticky” to some users |
| Multiple charging options (wall, car, laptop, power bank) | Output drops when charging two batteries |
| Travel-friendly and supports micro-USB & USB-C inputs | Battery level display not supported on certain Sony firmware |
Claims vs Reality
One of Neewer’s headline promises is “multiple charging options” via USB wall chargers, laptops, car chargers, or power banks. Reddit user u/TravelLight wrote, “I charged mine from a 20k mAh power bank while hiking — worked perfectly.” Others underscored that using anything below the rated 5V/2.1A input results in noticeably slower times: “Plugging into my laptop’s standard port took forever compared to my phone’s 2.4A charger,” said a verified Amazon buyer.
Neewer advertises “lightweight portability” as a travel-friendly perk. Users backed this up not just with specs but in practice. A Trustpilot review stated: “Fits in that tiny zip pouch with my spare lenses. It doesn’t add anything noticeable to my carry-on weight.” However, some professionals felt the all-plastic body didn’t inspire rugged confidence for long-term outdoor use, with one Reddit commenter noting, “You leave it in the sun and it feels warm and soft.”
The brand highlights LED display clarity showing charging and power status. While most agreed the readout was legible, there’s a quirk reported by a Twitter post: “On my FX3 with latest firmware, battery powers fine but won’t show level on screen.” That discrepancy is firmware-specific and doesn’t affect charging — but impacts in-camera monitoring.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Portability emerged as the biggest draw. For travel vloggers, this meant raw practicality: Reddit user PhotoNomad shared, “Three weeks in Europe, two batteries charging overnight from a hotel port meant I never missed a sunrise.” The ultra-slim profile also suited event shooters who pack multiple accessories — its size was repeatedly described as “credit-card thin in a camera bag.”
The flexibility of power sources mattered to backcountry photographers too. A Twitter mention celebrated charging from a solar setup during a camping trip, calling it “the kind of gear you forget until it saves you.” Cross-platform feedback aligned on the LED display being not just bright but informative, allowing quick voltage and current checks without guesswork.
Common Complaints
The most repeated frustration was the lack of a USB Type-C cable despite the port being present. “Had to dig around for my own cable — why include the port if not the lead?” vented an Amazon reviewer. Output drop when charging two batteries simultaneously was another sore point. While officially listed as 700mA (single) and 500mA (dual), practical users noted it meant “nearly double the time if you load both bays,” especially when connected to underpowered USB sources.
Build perception also cropped up — not failure rates, but tactile feel. Several Trustpilot comments called the material “serviceable but cheap-feeling.” These remarks largely came from users accustomed to aluminum or rubberized finishes on premium chargers.
Divisive Features
The LED display’s focus on charging info won praise for clarity but split opinion over necessity. Some found constant readouts reassuring; others said it was “overkill compared to a simple light.” The firmware note for newer Sony cameras caused debate — essential concern for hybrid shooters relying on visual battery status in-camera, but irrelevant for those using it strictly as a charger.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reliability kindled confidence among Reddit veterans. A comment from u/FocusHiker read, “Six months, twice-weekly cycles — no change in performance.” Others highlighted trip survival stories, like a Trustpilot review recalling, “Bounced in a jeep on safari, still worked fine that night.”
Safety systems like overheating, overcharging, and short-circuit protection were confirmed in real-world stress. One user plugged in after leaving batteries in a hot car, reporting the charger “paused charging until cooled” — evidence the thermal safeguard isn’t just marketing copy. No scam patterns or counterfeit warnings surfaced across Trustpilot, suggesting Neewer’s supply chain here is consistent.
Alternatives
Nitecore’s USN4 Pro came up repeatedly as the main alternative. It charges two NP-FZ100s in around four hours with Quick Charge 2.0 support, and its LCD shows health, voltage, and temperature data. For spec-driven buyers, that 1.2A single-slot output beats Neewer’s 700mA. However, Nitecore is physically larger (3.35oz vs Neewer’s 2.26oz) and costs slightly less at ~$29.95.
A Reddit side-by-side noted, “Nitecore gives you a USB cable and feels sturdier. Neewer’s smaller and fits better in my carry kit.” Photographers choosing between them often balance the Nitecore’s speed/robustness against Neewer’s portability/light travel use case.
Price & Value
At $35.99 (US) or around €34.99 in EU listings, the Neewer Dual USB Charger sits mid-pack for aftermarket NP-FZ100 chargers. eBay pricing matched official sites, hinting at stable retail value without sharp discounts.
Users recommend pairing purchase with a high-output USB wall adapter to maximize the advertised short recharge times — a tip repeated across Reddit and Quora threads. Resale chatter was minimal, suggesting most buyers keep it as part of a permanent kit rather than flipping.
FAQ
Q: Does it come with batteries?
A: No, it’s only the charger and a micro-USB cable. Amazon reviewers often mention needing to buy NP-FZ100 batteries separately.
Q: How long to fully charge two batteries?
A: With the recommended 5V/2.1A input, expect just under five hours for both. Lower-powered sources will take longer.
Q: Can it charge in-camera via USB-C?
A: No, it’s a standalone charger. You can power it with USB-C from an adapter, but it won’t pass through to the camera.
Q: Is it compatible with all Sony NP-FZ100 cameras?
A: Yes — but with latest firmware on select models, in-camera battery level display may be unavailable, while charging remains unaffected.
Q: Will it work internationally?
A: Yes, via USB sources. For wall outlets, you may need an adapter or converter for local plug types.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a travel or event photographer needing a light, flexible dual charger that works from multiple sources. Avoid if you require fastest possible charge speeds or premium build feel — Nitecore may suit you better in those cases. Pro tip from community: use a proper high-output USB adapter to halve charge times on this compact workhorse.
