Sony Camcorder battery charger

Anyone out there who recently ( last 3 years or so) bought a Sony Camcorder ? Was wondering whether you need the actual camera to charge the battery or if the charger is separate ?

I have a MiniDV Sony TRV19 camcorder (about 3 years old). This camcorder use a Sony InfoLithium battery. The charger connects to the battery via the camcorder body. In other words there is no need for a stand-alone charger. The charger is supplied with the camcorder.

OK, so you can't charge a spare battery while you are using the camera ? What about other brands ?