subject: Battery Grips for Canon SLR and DSLR Digital Cameras Reviewed by:Brandon Leibowitz [print this page] Do you need more battery life for your camera? Battery grips are a handy way to provide extra battery life for certain digital cameras. Essentially, the battery grip is an extension for your camera. The battery grip stores either two camera batteries or six AA batteries to keep your digital camera powered up at all times. The battery grip is outfitted and designed with two quick-loading battery magazines. This is convenient and eliminates the need to switch and load spare camera batteries. The battery grips maximize your shooting time with the ultimate convenience of having extra battery packs in your digital cameras.
Currently, Canon and Nikon are known for making battery grips for their SLR and DSLR digital cameras. There are different styles on the market, so be sure to chose the correct battery grip for your model camera. Most battery grip models have a limited number of cameras they work with since they must match body shape, connectors and power requirements to work effectively. For example, there is a battery grip that is compatible with Canon EOS 20D, 30D, 40D, and 50D. This holds BP-511 batteries or six AA batteries. Another battery grip is specifically made for Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS, 1000D, XSI, 450D, T1i, and 500D cameras; this model stores LP-E5 camera batteries or six AA rechargeable batteries.
Installation of battery grips is a fairly painless process. Simply insert the battery grip into your digital camera's battery compartment and it will fit snugly onto the bottom of your camera, extending the camera's height by few inches. It is just as easy to remove as it is to insert it. The battery covers on Canon and Nikon cameras are easily removable. The small slider on the inside portion of the door hinge pops the door out, allowing you to slide the canon battery grip into the battery slot and tighten it into the tripod insert on the camera body. You can leave it in your camera and forget that it is even there. Professional photographers who use compatible SLR cameras are typically fond of these battery grips.
The battery grip provides a vertical shutter release button and control dial along with AE/ FE Lock, exposure compensation, and AF point selection buttons. The vertical grip is made of soft rubber, making it easy to hold and take pictures. This allows you to take vertical "portrait" pictures as easy and comfortably as it is to take horizontal "landscape" pictures. It allows you to shoot pictures from any angle with ease and comfort. It is a versatile and comfortable vertical grip.
Cameras become more comfortable to carry by hand vertically or horizontally as the additional battery grip makes it easy to hold. This means you can quickly snap photos when you are constantly moving around.
Overall, the battery grip is small and lightweight making it a great addition to your photography bag. It looks stylish on your camera and is highly recommended by professional photographers to increase camera usage in those critical times. Most likely, you will never have to worry about your camera battery draining on you again. You will have twice the battery life for your SLR and DSLR digital cameras!
