FreeLoader Pro Solar Charger

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

Thanks to some nifty solar panels and the clever CamCaddy, this charger from Solar Technology International doesn’t require a power outlet or a PC to charge your devices, and can be modified to fit a whole host of batteries. With these accessories to hand you can charge almost anything – and anywhere – under the sun.
The solar panels, the heart of the system, are housed in a sleek, self-protective casing that folds up to keep the delicate panes safe when not in use. This unit also holds an in-built battery that holds charge so your devices can even be charged at night or when the sun isn’t shining. The controls on the FreeLoader take the form of a single button and a particularly attractive multi-coloured LED ring that indicates charge levels and solar-charging activity.
Devices ranging from digital audio players to mobile phones can be charged with the supplied adapters, but of most interest to photographers is the CamCaddy, a universal DSLR battery-charging unit. Using a system of moveable positive and negative contacts, in conjunction with a rubberised, spring-loaded retaining bar, the charger can be configured to charge any shape or size battery, and while effective, it is quite fiddly.
As a serious photo accessory, the FreeLoader is let down by a slow (up to 8-hour) battery charge time and the less than robust build-quality of the CamCaddy. Photographers may find the money better spent on extra DSLR batteries.

 www.solartechnology.co.uk