SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger Review 2026: Fast Dual-Slot USB-C Charging
SMALLRIG’s NP-FZ100 charger is a focused accessory for Sony shooters who want a faster, simpler way to keep two batteries ready.
If you use an A7, FX, or ZV body that takes NP-FZ100 packs, this charger is built around that workflow.
SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger Review Summary
This SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger makes the most sense for photographers and video shooters who need a dual-slot charger with USB-C input, visible battery status, and built-in protection features.
It is especially appealing if you already use Sony NP-FZ100 batteries and want a compact charger that can move between a wall adapter, car charger, or power bank without fuss.
The strongest case for it is simple: it is not trying to be universal, it is trying to be useful.
The listing emphasizes full compatibility with Sony NP-FZ100 batteries, a dual-slot design, LED power indicators, and safety controls that reduce charging speed when needed or stop charging when voltage gets too high.
For a camera bag accessory, that is the right kind of feature set.
Review Scorecard
| Category | Score | Editorial rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9/10 | Built specifically for Sony NP-FZ100 batteries and listed as compatible with a wide range of Alpha, FX, and ZV bodies. |
| Charging Convenience | 9/10 | Dual-slot design and USB-C input make it flexible for desks, travel, cars, and power banks. |
| Speed Potential | 8/10 | The listing claims about 2-hour charging for two batteries with the right adapter, which is strong for a compact charger. |
| Monitoring | 8/10 | Five LED indicators per slot provide a clear read on battery level without connecting to power. |
| Safety | 9/10 | Temperature and voltage protections, plus trickle charging near full, are useful for battery care. |
| Portability | 8/10 | The semi-enclosed form and USB-C power path suit small-bag travel setups well. |
| Value for Sony users | 8/10 | The feature mix is practical rather than flashy, which usually matters more for a specialty charger. |
Key Features and Specifications of SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger
This charger is designed for Sony NP-FZ100 batteries and is positioned as a full compatibility option for original and third-party cells.
The listing specifically names support for Sony Alpha A7 V, A7 III, A7 IV, A7S III, A7R III, A7R IV, A7R V, A7C, A7C II, A7CR, A1, A9, A9 II, A6600, A6700, FX3, FX30, ZV-E1, and ZV-E10 II.
The headline hardware choices are straightforward:
- Dual-slot charging for two NP-FZ100 batteries or one battery at a time
- USB-C input with a fast-charging cable included
- Listed 22.5W fast-charging support
- Five LED indicators per slot, each representing 20% increments
- Red warning light for critically low power
- Over-temperature and over-voltage protection
- Semi-enclosed battery bay to help prevent slipping and surface scratches
One important usage note from the listing is the adapter requirement.
SMALLRIG recommends a 22.5W or higher power adapter for best performance.
It also says the charger is not compatible with 5V/1A adapters.
If you use a 5V/2.4A adapter, it shifts into slow-charge mode and prioritizes Channel 1 before moving to Channel 2.
That detail matters because it explains the real tradeoff: this is a convenience-first charger, but like most compact fast chargers, it depends on the power source you feed it.
If you want the claimed faster performance, you need the right adapter.
Pros and Cons of SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger
Pros
- Purpose-built for NP-FZ100 users instead of being a loose universal charger
- Dual-slot charging supports two batteries or a single battery
- USB-C input is easier to live with than older proprietary connections
- LED battery readout helps you see charge status at a glance
- Safety protections are clearly called out in the listing
- Travel-friendly power options work with wall adapters, car chargers, and power banks
Cons
- Requires the right adapter if you want the faster charging behavior
- Not for other battery families if your kit does not use NP-FZ100
- Speed claims depend on setup rather than the charger alone
- Feature set is practical, not premium; it does not try to add extra battery-management complexity
The upside is that every downside is predictable.
This is not a surprise-heavy product.
It is a specialized charger, and the only real question is whether that specialization matches your camera kit and your charging habits.
Who Should Buy SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger?
This charger is a strong fit for Sony shooters who carry multiple NP-FZ100 batteries and want a compact, easy-to-read charging dock.
It also makes sense for travel and event work, where USB-C power options and quick status checks can save time.
It is a better fit if you:
- Shoot with an NP-FZ100-based Sony body such as an A7-series, FX3, FX30, or ZV-E1
- Want to charge two batteries without carrying a larger multi-slot station
- Prefer USB-C power compatibility across desk, car, and portable setups
- Care about battery health and want built-in safety protections
You should probably skip it if you:
- Use a different Sony battery type
- Need a charger that works across many battery standards
- Do not want to think about adapter wattage or charging mode differences
For the right user, the value is in the focus.
It solves one job cleanly instead of trying to be everything at once.
Charging Behavior and Real-World Fit of SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger
Dual-Slot Prioritization
The charger can handle two NP-FZ100 batteries at once, but the listing explains that slower power sources trigger a priority order.
That means Channel 1 gets attention first in slow-charge mode, then Channel 2 follows.
For users who usually top off batteries overnight, that is a reasonable behavior.
For users who want the fastest turnaround, it reinforces the need for a stronger adapter.
USB-C Flexibility
USB-C is the right connector choice here because it fits modern power banks, car chargers, and wall bricks.
The practical upside is less cable clutter and more flexibility when you are away from a fixed outlet.
For field work, that flexibility can matter as much as raw speed.
Battery Status and Visibility
The five-LED-per-slot layout gives you a simple, readable status system.
That is useful when you are sorting charged and uncharged batteries before a shoot.
The red warning light for critically low power is a small detail, but it makes the charger feel designed for actual use instead of just lab-style charging.
Protection and Battery Care
The protection features are one of the better reasons to choose this charger over a bare-bones option.
Temperature monitoring, over-voltage shutdown, and trickle charging near full should all help reduce unnecessary stress on the batteries.
That will not make old batteries new, but it does show attention to long-term ownership.
Alternatives to SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger
If you want to compare options, the most relevant alternatives are other NP-FZ100 chargers and Sony-compatible charging stations that are commonly sold on Amazon:
- Sony BC-QZ1 NP-FZ100 charger
- Watson NP-FZ100 charger
- Wasabi Power NP-FZ100 charger
- Neewer NP-FZ100 charger
- SmallRig NP-FZ100 dual charger
The Sony option is the most obvious baseline if you want a brand-name charger matched to the battery family.
Third-party brands like Wasabi Power, Watson, and Neewer are worth checking if you want to compare included features, form factor, and charging style.
SmallRig is the better comparison if you are deciding whether this exact charger is the right compact travel choice.
Is SMALLRIG NP-FZ100 Battery Charger Worth It?
Yes, if you use Sony NP-FZ100 batteries and want a compact dual-slot charger with USB-C input, visible battery status, and safety protections.
It is especially worthwhile for shooters who value a cleaner travel kit and do not want a generic charger that feels under-specced.
If you need a charger for a different battery family, or you want a universal solution that covers many formats, this is not the right pick.
But for Sony NP-FZ100 users, it is a sensible, well-targeted accessory that covers the essentials without wasting space.
