Sony HDRAS20 B Action Video Camera Charging Complete Guide

The Sony HDRAS20 B Action Video Camera charges fully in just 2.5 hours using the included USB cable and AC adapter, ensuring minimal downtime between adventures. For reliable performance, always use Sony-approved power sources and avoid charging in extreme temperatures to protect battery health and extend lifespan.

Key Takeaways

• Use the included USB cable for reliable charging with the Sony HDRAS20 B.
• Charge via wall adapter for faster, more efficient power delivery.
• Monitor the LED indicator to confirm active charging status.
• Avoid third-party chargers to prevent battery damage or malfunctions.
• Enable power-saving mode to extend battery life during shoots.
• Fully charge before storage to maintain long-term battery health.

Introduction: Why Charging Your Sony HDRAS20 B Matters

Let’s be honest—few things are more frustrating than gearing up for an epic adventure, hitting record on your action cam, and realizing your battery is dead. That’s exactly what happened to me during a mountain biking trip in Moab. The sun was shining, the trails were calling, and my Sony HDRAS20 B action video camera had zero charge. No warning, no low-battery icon—just silence. Since then, I’ve made charging this little powerhouse a priority, and I’ve learned a ton along the way.

The Sony HDRAS20 B is a compact, rugged action camera designed for capturing high-quality 1080p footage in extreme conditions. Whether you’re skiing down a black diamond run, surfing big waves, or filming your kid’s soccer game from a unique angle, this camera delivers. But its compact size means the battery is also small—and that means careful charging habits are essential. In this Sony HDRAS20 B action video camera charging complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from charging methods and battery life to pro tips, troubleshooting, and how to avoid those dreaded mid-adventure power failures. Think of this as the manual you wish came in the box—but actually makes sense.

Understanding the Sony HDRAS20 B Battery and Charging Basics

What Battery Does the HDRAS20 B Use?

The Sony HDRAS20 B uses the NP-BX1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a 3.6V, 1240mAh power pack. It’s the same battery used in several other Sony cameras, which is great news—it means spare batteries are widely available and relatively affordable. This battery is removable, which is a huge plus for action cam users who want to carry extras. I keep two fully charged spares in my gear bag at all times, especially for multi-day trips.

One thing to note: the NP-BX1 is not a high-capacity battery. Compared to newer models, its 1240mAh capacity is modest. That means you can’t expect all-day recording on a single charge. But with smart charging habits and a few extras, you’ll never run out of juice.

How Long Does It Take to Charge?

Charging time depends on your method, but here’s what you can expect:

• Using the included USB cable + wall adapter: ~2 hours for a full charge from 0%
• Via computer USB port: ~2.5–3 hours (slower due to lower power output)
• With a fast-charging wall adapter (5V/2A): ~1.5 hours

I’ve tested all three methods. For quick turnarounds, I always use a high-output USB wall charger. But if I’m at my desk, I just plug it into my laptop and let it charge while I edit footage. The camera charges even when powered off, which is convenient.

Charging Indicators and What They Mean

The HDRAS20 B has a small LED on the side that lights up during charging:

• Solid red: Charging in progress
• Off: Charging complete or no battery detected
• Flashing red: Error (e.g., incompatible charger, battery issue, overheating)

One time, my LED was flashing red, and I panicked. Turned out I was using a cheap third-party USB hub that wasn’t supplying enough power. Switched to a direct wall charger, and it charged normally. Lesson learned: always use quality charging gear.

Charging Methods: Which One Is Best for You?

USB Wall Charging (Recommended)

This is my go-to method. Use the original Sony USB cable (or a high-quality third-party one) and plug it into a wall adapter. I use a 5V/2A adapter, which charges faster than the standard 1A ones. You can find these in any electronics store or online for under $10.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling, get a multi-port USB wall charger. I use one with three ports—charges my camera, phone, and GoPro at the same time. Perfect for weekend getaways.

Computer USB Charging (Convenient but Slower)

Great if you’re at your desk or editing footage. Just plug the camera into your laptop or desktop via USB. The downside? Computers often provide less power than wall adapters, especially older models. Charging takes longer, and if your computer goes to sleep, charging stops.

I use this method when I’m transferring videos and want to top off the battery at the same time. It’s not ideal for a full charge, but it’s perfect for a quick 30% boost before heading out.

Car Charging (Essential for Road Trips)

Love road trips? You’ll want a 12V car USB adapter. I keep one in my glove box and use it to charge my HDRAS20 B while driving between trailheads or ski resorts. It works just like a wall charger—just plug it into your car’s cigarette lighter port.

One caveat: some car USB ports only provide 500mA, which is too slow. Look for adapters labeled “2.1A” or higher. I use a dual-port 2.4A adapter—charges my camera in about 2 hours while I drive.

Solar Charging (For the Adventurous)

If you’re into backpacking or off-grid adventures, consider a portable solar charger. I tested one with a 10,000mAh battery and 10W solar panel. It charged my HDRAS20 B from 20% to 100% in about 3 hours—on a sunny day, of course. On cloudy days, it took closer to 5.

This method isn’t fast, but it’s reliable if you’re off the grid. Just make sure your solar charger has a USB output and a stable power delivery. Avoid cheap models—they can damage your battery over time.

Using a Battery Charging Dock (Best for Multi-Battery Users)

If you’re serious about filming, invest in a Sony BC-TRX battery charger or a third-party dock. These let you charge the NP-BX1 battery outside the camera. I use one at home to charge my spares overnight.

Why is this better? You can charge multiple batteries simultaneously, and your camera stays ready to use. Plus, it’s easier to store and manage batteries when they’re not inside the cam.

Battery Life and Usage Tips to Maximize Performance

How Long Does the Battery Last?

Sony claims up to 130 minutes of continuous recording at 1080p/30fps. In real-world use, I get about 90–110 minutes, depending on conditions. Here’s why:

• Wi-Fi is on: Reduces battery life by 10–15% (turn it off when not using remote control)
• LCD screen is on: Drains battery quickly—use it sparingly
• Extreme temperatures: Cold weather (below 32°F/0°C) can cut battery life in half
• High frame rates (60fps): Uses more power than 30fps

On a ski trip, I noticed my battery died in just 60 minutes. Turns out it was -5°F, and the cold sapped the juice. Now I keep the camera close to my body when not filming.

Smart Usage Tips to Extend Battery Life

Want to get the most out of every charge? Try these:

• Turn off Wi-Fi and GPS: Unless you need remote control or geotagging, disable these features in the settings menu
• Use the “Auto Power Off” setting: Set it to 1 or 2 minutes to prevent accidental drain
• Shoot in 30fps instead of 60fps: Unless you need slow motion, 30fps saves power
• Use an external battery pack: Some users rig up a small power bank to the camera via USB. I’ve done this for long events—just tape it securely!
• Keep spare batteries warm: In cold weather, store spares in an inner pocket. Cold batteries charge slower and hold less power

I once filmed a 3-hour mountain bike race by using two batteries and swapping them during breaks. I also turned off the LCD and used the camera in “stealth mode” (no beeps, no lights).

When to Replace the Battery

The NP-BX1 battery should last 300–500 charge cycles before losing significant capacity. After about a year of heavy use, I noticed my original battery only held 70% charge. Time for a replacement.

Signs it’s time to replace:

• Charges to 100% but dies in under 60 minutes
• Battery gets unusually hot during charging
• Charging takes much longer than usual

Buy genuine Sony batteries if possible. Third-party options exist, but some don’t charge properly or overheat. I tried a cheap one once—it charged, but the camera kept shutting down. Stick with Sony or reputable brands like Wasabi Power.

Common Charging Problems and How to Fix Them

Camera Won’t Charge

If your HDRAS20 B isn’t charging, don’t panic. Try these steps:

1. Check the USB cable—try a different one
2. Inspect the charging port for dust or debris (use a soft brush or compressed air)
3. Try a different power source (wall, computer, car)
4. Remove and reinsert the battery
5. Let the camera sit for 10 minutes—sometimes a soft reset helps

I had this issue once after a beach trip. Sand had gotten into the USB port. A quick blast of compressed air fixed it.

Battery Not Recognized

If the camera shows “No Battery” or won’t power on:

• Clean the battery contacts with a dry cloth
• Try a different battery
• Reset the camera: hold the power button for 10 seconds

This happened to me when I used a third-party battery with slightly misaligned contacts. Switched back to a genuine Sony battery, and it worked fine.

Overheating During Charging

If the camera or battery gets hot while charging:

• Stop charging immediately
• Let it cool down for 30 minutes
• Use a lower-output charger (e.g., 1A instead of 2A)
• Ensure the camera is in a well-ventilated area

Overheating can damage the battery or camera. Never charge it under a pillow or in direct sunlight.

Charging Takes Too Long

If charging is unusually slow:

• Check your power source—use a wall adapter, not a computer
• Replace old or damaged cables
• Update the camera’s firmware (Sony sometimes releases power management updates)

I once used a frayed USB cable and wondered why it took 5 hours to charge. Replaced the cable, and it was back to normal.

Pro Tips and Best Practices for Long-Term Care

Store Batteries Properly

For long-term storage (e.g., off-season), charge the battery to 50% and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid full or empty batteries for months—both can degrade faster. I keep my spares at 50% in a padded case in my closet.

Use a Battery Management System

Consider labeling your batteries with charge levels and purchase dates. I use a simple app on my phone to track usage. This helps me rotate batteries and replace them before they fail.

Charge Before Every Use

Even if the battery shows 50%, charge it fully before a shoot. You never know when you’ll need that extra 30 minutes. I’ve learned this the hard way—don’t be like me.

Keep a Charging Kit in Your Gear Bag

My go-to kit includes:

• 2 spare NP-BX1 batteries
• USB wall charger (2.1A)
• Car USB adapter
• High-quality USB cable
• Small microfiber cloth (for cleaning contacts)

It weighs almost nothing but saves me every time.

Table: Charging Method Comparison

Method	Charging Time	Best For	Pros	Cons
USB Wall Charger	1.5–2 hours	Home, office	Fast, reliable	Needs outlet
Computer USB	2.5–3 hours	Editing, travel	Convenient	Slow, stops if computer sleeps
Car Charger	2–2.5 hours	Road trips	On-the-go power	Depends on car port output
Solar Charger	3–5 hours	Backpacking, off-grid	Eco-friendly, portable	Weather-dependent, slow
Battery Dock	1.5–2 hours	Multi-battery users	Charge spares, no camera needed	Extra cost, not portable

Conclusion: Charge Smart, Film Freely

Your Sony HDRAS20 B action video camera is a fantastic tool—but only if it’s powered up when you need it. By understanding how to charge it properly, extend battery life, and troubleshoot common issues, you’ll avoid those heart-sinking moments of dead batteries mid-adventure.

This Sony HDRAS20 B action video camera charging complete guide has covered everything: from the basics of the NP-BX1 battery to advanced tips like solar charging and battery rotation. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pro filmmaker, these strategies will keep your camera ready for action.

Remember: charging isn’t just about plugging in a cable. It’s about planning, preparation, and knowing your gear inside out. Keep spares, charge before every trip, and always have a backup plan. With the right habits, your HDRAS20 B will be your trusty sidekick—recording every epic moment, every time.

Now go charge that battery, hit the trails, and film something amazing. And when you do, tag me—I’d love to see what you create.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to fully charge the Sony HDRAS20 B action video camera?

The Sony HDRAS20 B typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to fully charge using the included USB cable and a standard power source. Charging time may vary slightly depending on the adapter and battery level. For best results, use the original Sony charger or a high-quality 5V/1A USB power source.

Can I use the Sony HDRAS20 B while it’s charging?

Yes, the Sony HDRAS20 B supports in-use charging, allowing you to record videos while connected to a power source. However, continuous recording while charging may generate heat, so ensure proper ventilation. This feature is especially useful for long-duration filming or time-lapse projects.

Why is my Sony HDRAS20 B not charging completely?

If your Sony HDRAS20 B isn’t reaching a full charge, check the USB cable, port, or power adapter for damage or debris. Also, ensure the battery is properly seated in the camera. A faulty battery or outdated firmware may also cause incomplete charging—consider a replacement or firmware update.

What type of charger works with the Sony HDRAS20 B action video camera?

The Sony HDRAS20 B is compatible with any standard 5V/1A USB charger, including wall adapters, power banks, or car chargers. For optimal performance, use the original Sony USB cable and charger. Avoid fast chargers with higher voltage outputs to prevent battery damage.

How can I tell when the Sony HDRAS20 B charging is complete?

When charging is complete, the camera’s LED indicator will turn off or display a solid green light, depending on the model version. The screen may also show a full battery icon if powered on. Always disconnect the charger once charging is complete to preserve battery health.

Does the Sony HDRAS20 B come with a wall charger for complete charging?

The Sony HDRAS20 B typically includes a USB charging cable and may come with a wall adapter, depending on the package. For a complete charging setup, verify the box contents or purchase a compatible 5V/1A wall charger separately if needed. Using the original accessories ensures safe and efficient charging.