I will have batteries in my digital camera and 3 days later they will die! I even have rechargable batteries and they died 2 days after I got them! Why is this happening, how can I stop it, and what batteries DON'T suck?
2007-01-09 08:15:29 · 16 answers · asked by I feel pretty! Oh so pretty! 2 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Cameras
There is one thing about digital cameras that people don't realize (or often know about): Even with the camera off they will slowly drain the batteries. The processor in the camera is always using a small amount of juice to test whether the on/off button has been pressed. It is constantly checking to see if it has received a signal from the button to turn on the camera. It isn't much electricity but it will deplete the batteries. Also every model is different as to how much juice it uses in the off position (also called drain). Some cameras use much more than others.
The best rechargable batteries to use in a digital camera are those designed for high-drain devices (because digital cameras use a lot of power). NiMH with at least 2000 mAh (2000 mili Amp hours) are what I recommend. The higher the mAh the better. There are some that go up 2500 or higher. A standard duracell is about 1500 mAh (if that - someone correct me if I'm wrong).
Some digital cameras (Pentax in particular) actually work much better with Lithium Ion batteries. This is because the Li Ion batteries provide a complete 3 volts new. NiMH actually (on average) only provide about 1.2 volts (regular AA batteries provide 1.5 volts).
So if your camera takes AA try NiMH with at least 2000 mAh (make sure you have a charger that charges NiMH - not NiCad). NiCad rechargable batteries are known to have a memory problem where over use they will think they are charged when in fact they aren't. Supposedly you are to use the batteries until they completely die and then charge them. But I've heard that they still will have this problem, it just takes longer for it to become noticable.
Hope this is helpful.
2007-01-09 08:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know how you feel. I've got a digital camera and the damn thing only takes the rechargable batteries and they only last for only about 3 hours.
Nothing you can do about it, those things are a miracle of modern technology and take an incredible amount of power to operate. If you want to save on batteries go back to a film camera.
If you want to go digital then bite the bullet and buy and extra set of batteries, and check that your battery is fully charged before you need it EVERY time you plan to use your camera.
If you let it sit for a few days - the camera will still suck the life out of the batteries - so remove them when not using it!
2007-01-09 08:23:27 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Dave P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know, the same thing happens to me. Digital cameras just suck up battery power, there is no way around it. The next camera I buy will be the rechargeable kind. That way, we never have to use batteries again but can just plug in the camera before use.
2007-01-09 08:19:11 · answer #3 · answered by Faith C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have an optical viewfinder? Turn off the monitor and use it if you do. LCD monitors are battery hungry devices. The longer you leave it on, the quicker the batteries will drain. If you MUST use it, set it to turn off after the minimum time offered, such as 5 or 10 seconds. Don't spend too much time reviewing your pictures on your camera. Save that for the computer when you can use a card reader and not drain your camera batteries.
2007-01-09 10:51:28 · answer #4 · answered by Jess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Digital cameras, especially the point and shoot variety are power hogs. We found the best thing to do is buy the cheapest batteries you can find - Costco for example. Use one set to fill your card once and throw them out.
Rechargeable batteries suck for digital photography because when they die, they don't die a slow death, they die instantly. Although they deliver a steadier voltage, they don't last as long.
To be environmentally concious, we save our dead batteries and take them to a recycle center.
2007-01-09 09:00:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow!!! I have the same problem and have learned a lot from your replies!! I've (reluctantly) accepted the fact they go through batteries so quickly.. I find Energizer lasts the longest. And did you know cheap batteries WON'T EVEN WORK in digital cameras?! Ugh. At least we don't have to pay to develop film anymore.. count your blessings. I still love them.. and I'll definitely use some of the advice given to you too!!!
2007-01-09 09:00:37 · answer #6 · answered by Confused_mom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all,
what camera do you have?
Some cameras run through batteries quicker than others. Plus, how often are you using it for those 3 days?
You might try not viewing your shots that you took on the back of the camera as much, and you might just try using the viewfinder (if your camera has one) and turn the LCD screen off when you're taking shots.
2007-01-09 08:19:17 · answer #7 · answered by hcgalvin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well recharge those rechargable batteries. and id say good companies are duracell and energizer. but keep the camera off when ur not using it. take them out if ur not using it? but u should gotten a camera that came with a stronger battery pack.
lithium batteries
2007-01-09 08:19:10 · answer #8 · answered by imputh 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
look nikal batteries are not very perfect, u need to change it around every 6 months
BUT 3days is not logical, u bought bad batteries for sure
try a new ones with good reputtion and name
and make sure u recharge them the needed time
2007-01-09 08:20:56 · answer #9 · answered by B for bernadetta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need NiMh Recharable batteries which have an MAh Rating of between 2100 and 2700. This will give you MUCH better results. Uniross or energizer are the best ones.
2007-01-09 08:19:48 · answer #10 · answered by silent_assassin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋