Battery Consumption For Digital Cameras?

Question

On my Digital Camera I can plug it into my computer and I can use it as a webcam, but my battery dies so fast, even when I'm just taking pictures normally with it. So I'm wondering, should I be able to plug it into the computer and the computer gives my camera the power without draining my battery? And also I can only take pictures for about a half an hour with my camera, anyone else have this problem? If its important I have a Pentax Optio E10 digital camera model.

I want to know if I can use my computer as a power source for my camera while using it as a webcam, instead of using batteries.

Answer 1

Seems some digital cameras eat up the power. That is why you have spare battery pack for.

DId not understand question. Sounds like you use camera as webcam and battery dies out.

Answer 2

I do not know if you can use your computer as a power source, but this must be covered in your manual. Otherwise...

Large LCD viewfinders eat batteries. It seems nice to have a big LCD monitor, but they are power hungry. You will have to do what you can to turn the thing off as soon as you don't need it any longer. Look for "Power Save" in your menu. Set it to shut off at the shortest possible innterval after you take the picture. Set it so that it doesn't not display unless you tap the shutter button to wake it up. Even this will not go a long way towards conserving batteries. It's too bad you didn't know this before you got a camera without an optical viewfinder. If it's brand new, maybe you can take it back.

Of course, rechargeable batteries are the way to go, but you might want to get some Energizer e2 Lithium batteries for cameras. They cost twice as much, but last four times as long.

I lament the passing of the optical viewfinder and I would choose almost any camera with an optical viewfinder over one that only has an LCD viewfinder. Why?

1. You never have the option of turning off the LCD and these things eat batteries for lunch and spit them out. Why do away with the option of a viewfinder that has zero electrical drain?

2. It can be difficult to see the image on an LCD in bright sunlight, even if they are "new and improved."

3. You have to hold an LCD viewer out at some distance in front of your face. This is more conspicuous than I prefer to be all the time.

4. The need to hold a camera at arms length will introduce some shake. I like the idea of stabilizing a camera against my face when I am taking a picture. This is especially important with a longer zoom lens. No wonder "image stablization" or "vibration reduction" is necessary with these cameras. Not that there's anything WRONG with IS or VR, but it is really a requirement with LCD viewfinders and telephoto lenses.

5. Using the LCD to view photos after you've taken them slows down the camera quite a bit. You can't shut of the LCD monitor and still take pictures if you don't have an optical viewfinder.

Answer 3

Firstly, you should never use regular alkaline batteries in a digital camera, which needs a lot of power to run, and alkaline batteries are only good for devices that don't need so much power.
You should always use rechargeable NiMH batteries (2500mAh or higher).
Or if not using rechargeables, you should use Lithium batteries, which have much more power than regular ones.

Now, according to the Pentax website, ...I really DO think you should be able to power the camera from the PC, via the USB connection and use it as a webcam.
But, you have to make sure you enable the camera to do this, by going into the menu of the camera and going to Setup 2.
Please look in the 'Quick Guide' manual...'Using the Digital Camera As A PC Camera'.
good luck