The charge will be immediate, but it will be slower than plugging the device into a computer or wall socket to charge since there is less current being generated.

Also, Photovoltaic Cells (PV Cells) like this operate by converting the Photons from light into energy. When its rainy and overcast, the light from the sun is more diffused, and thus the photons are more diffused, and the device has less photons to absorb and convert into electricity.

Panels like these are good at converting Infrared Light and Natural Sunlight into energy, UV capturing panels are slightly different in design and relatively new and expensive. Meaning this is less useful in UV or low light conditions.

I cannot speak to its water resistance.

Hope that helps somewhat, good luck.

Sure, it has usb port.

Mark, I could tell you a myriad of ways to go about doing that with near bout any solar panel, but your best bet from what it sounds like you are looking for is the Brunton Solarport 4.4

http://www.backcountry.com/store/BRU0148/Brunton-Solarport-44.html

take a look at that link. It's a few more dollars than what this panel is, however, this lil d00d packs a punch! You got your USB, your AA & AAA recharger as well as a 12v/6v charger all in one package for just over a lb. (19 oz.) all in one slimline 9x6x1.5" package. For what it is, you can't ask for more unless you're looking for some higher wattage than that. But for some recharge batteries, I haven't found anything sweeter than this. And BC is carrying them for round 40 bux less than Brunton suggests. You gotta love BC for their great deals! Also, very important to note about this Solaris that you are looking at is that while it is listed as 6 watts here on BC I went over to Brutnton and found it to be rated at 3 watts. I talked to a gearhead about this who said he is looking into it in case BC has it listed wrong. However, I double checked the specs BC has for that solarport 4.4 against what Brunton has listed for it and they're right on the money. Its ironic I came across your question cuz I'm in the market for just this type of item...usb, aa/aaa recharger, 12 volt adapter so that I can run an inverter from 12v to dc power. This is great stuff...Im bout to scoop this guy up myself. Hope this helps!

This has a USB A (The full size, standard USB). Your cameras probably have a mini-USB B or A port, but your cable likely has the mini on one end and the regular on the other side.

The important question is whether your camera will charge via USB. If the camera takes AA batteries (even if you use rechargeable batteries) it is not going to work. It is more likely to work if your camera uses a lithium battery that you plug the camera in to charge.

No need. It has a standard USB port just like your computer but do you need direct sunlight.

It will charge anything that you can charge from your computer's USB port as long as you have direct sunlight.

Charging a laptop with this is kind of a stretch, mostly because it charges via a USB cord. You'd need a much larger solar panel to charge a laptop, but your cell phones and iPod are no problem.

Yes, the item charges using a USB cord.