SmallRig NP-FW50 Dual Slot Battery Charger with 11W USB-C (2-hour rapid charging)
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Product description
What this charger is for
If you shoot with cameras that use NP-FW50 batteries, you’ll know the usual problem: you can’t keep firing for long without swapping packs, and charging “in the background” matters more than you might think. This SmallRig NP-FW50 battery charger is built specifically around NP-FW50 batteries and uses a dual-slot design, so you can charge one battery on standby or top up two at once.
On paper, it also aims to be flexible: it includes an 11W USB-C fast-charging port, and it can be powered via common charging setups such as wall adapters, car chargers, or portable power banks (the key idea is convenience rather than being tied to one charging brick).
The essentials: dual-slot charging and how it fits your routine
The main practical win is the dual-slot setup. You can charge two NP-FW50 batteries simultaneously, or charge a single battery if that’s all you’ve got spare. SmallRig claims a full recharge of two NP-FW50 batteries in around 2 hours. Realistically, charging times can vary with battery condition and the power source you use, so it’s worth treating “about 2 hours” as a best-case figure.
A micro-example for everyday use: imagine you’re heading out with a ZV-E10 or A6400 for a half-day shoot. You drop both batteries in before you leave, check the LEDs (see below), and by the time you’re ready to pack up, you’re not waiting around for one battery at a time.
Key features you’ll notice day to day
This charger is fairly straightforward to use, but it includes a few details that make it less of a “set and forget” box.
- LED power display per slot: each slot has 5 LED indicators, with each light representing 20% of the battery level. You can see roughly where each battery stands even without connecting it to a power source.
- Low-battery warning: a red warning light alerts you when the battery is critically low, which helps reduce the awkward moment of discovering you’ve left things too late.
- Secure battery seating: it uses a semi-enclosed design meant to prevent batteries from slipping out and to help protect them from scratches.
None of this is glamorous, but it’s exactly the stuff that tends to annoy people with simpler chargers.
Tech details that matter (without turning it into a spec sheet)
The manufacturer highlights three practical “engineering” points: dual-slot charging, an 11W USB-C input, and safety monitoring.
Under the safety system, it includes protections such as over-temperature protection and over-voltage protection. The description states that it monitors temperature and voltage continuously, reduces charging speed if overheating is detected, stops charging when over-voltage is detected, and uses a trickle charging mode as the battery nears full capacity to help preserve battery health.
One limitation to keep in mind: while these safety features are reassuring, it doesn’t remove the need to use sensible charging conditions (for example, keeping the unit ventilated and using appropriate power sources).
Who it suits best (and who should think twice)
It’s a good fit if
It makes sense if you want a charger purpose-built for NP-FW50 batteries and you regularly carry two batteries for day-long or extended shooting sessions. It suits anyone with Sony cameras in the A7/A7S/A7R family, ZV-E10, and the A6x00 line listed in the compatibility notes from the description.
It’s also a decent choice if you prefer USB-C portability. Having an 11W USB-C port (and the mention of wall adapters, car chargers, and portable power banks) is the kind of convenience that helps when you’re travelling light.
It may not suit you if
It might not be a great match if you need a charger for a different battery type, or if you only ever charge one battery and don’t care about dual-slot speed. You also may want to skip it if you’re extremely picky about absolute charging performance from different power sources—because USB-C charging can depend quite a lot on the adapter/power bank used.
What to check before you buy
Before committing, make sure your batteries are NP-FW50. The description claims full compatibility with NP-FW50 packs and lists several Sony models supported (including A6000/A6100/A6300/A6400, ZV-E10, A7 series variants, A5000/A5100, RX10 models, and ILCE-QX1), but it’s still sensible to confirm your specific camera’s battery type.
Also consider your charging setup: the charger is designed around USB-C input at 11W, and the description suggests powering it via different adapters. If your current kit is very specific, double-check you have a suitable USB-C power source.
Mini FAQ
How fast does it charge?
The description states you can fully recharge two NP-FW50 batteries in approximately 2 hours. Charging speed can vary depending on battery condition and the power source, but that’s the headline expectation.
Can I charge one battery instead of two?
Yes. The dual-slot design can charge two batteries simultaneously or charge a single battery in one slot.
How do I know how full the batteries are?
Each slot has 5 LED indicators, with each light representing 20% battery level. There’s also a red warning light for critically low battery.
Is there any safety protection?
Yes. The description mentions over-temperature and over-voltage protection, speed reduction when overheating is detected, stopping when over-voltage is detected, and trickle charging near full.
Is it portable?
It’s designed around a universal USB-C input port (with 11W mentioned) and the included cable is intended for use with wall adapters, car chargers, or portable power banks.
When it makes sense
Final verdict
It’s a solid practical pick if you own Sony cameras that use NP-FW50 batteries and you want a dual-slot charger that aims to cut waiting time (with the claimed ~2-hour full charge for two batteries) while keeping things easy to read thanks to the LED level indicators. The USB-C input approach also helps if you travel or want flexibility beyond one charging brick.
It’s not the best choice if you need a charger for a different battery type, or if your priority is absolute consistency across every power source. If you’re willing to pair it with sensible USB-C charging gear and you regularly charge two batteries, this SmallRig solution looks like the kind of everyday accessory that earns its place.