Safety laws required Canon to redesign the battery used to power its EOS 550D DSLR after fears over exploding rechargeable batteries, Amateur Photographer has learned.
Canon’s EOS 550D uses an ‘LPE8’ battery, different to the one used on previous models – necessitating production of a new mains power adapter.
A Canon spokeswoman explained that the firm was obliged to comply with Japan?s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law which came into effect in November 2008.
Under the regulation, the voltage per electrical cell is limited to 2.5 volts, though the overall power of the battery is not affected, according to Canon.
The law was introduced to ‘prevent hazards and disturbances resulting from electrical appliances’, according to the website of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
There is no suggestion, however, that previous Canon batteries have caused any problems.
Announced on Monday, the EOS 550D is an 18-million-pixel DSLR boasting ‘Full HD’ video and ‘semi-professional’ features.
It is targeted at the enthusiast and top end of the consumer market.
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