Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsI don't see the point of this pretty charger
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2021
This is a well-made device. The colored metal housing looks nice and the charging plates are well done in quality plastic. I use all three types of Sony batteries that fit this unit. That would be the FZ100, BX1, and the FW50. They all charge as rapidly as can be safely done so no complaints there.
My complaint is that I don't understand what need this appliance serves. All the charging plates are bulky in themselves and not easy to stow away with all the sharp corners and edges. I had hoped to minimize the gadgets on my tabletop so nothing is gained there. The plates are finicky to change using the little tool provided. There's no place to put the tool when it is not in use. Why they chose not to use an integral push button escapes me.
I don't think this is an improvement over the corded dual chargers readily available that can be customized with the slide-in plates. It seems the chargers of that type are sold under different names (DSTE and BM come to mind) and they are ubiquitous. You can even mix and match the plates so you can charge two types of batteries at once, a feat that is impossible with this unit. Even better, the plates are easy to store and/or travel with as they have no exposed contacts or sharp edges.
In summary, this is an acceptable charger but it is far outclassed by the dual chargers already available for years.
