How come my Canon Powershot A400 digi camera keeps running out of batteries?

Question

I use normal batteries because the charger batteries are too expensive and they always run out in the first 15 minutes, and THAT'S a waste. Can someone please tell me how to have a even longer lasting battery for this camera?

Answer 1

If you mean by 'normal batteries', the so-called Heavy Duty ones, then they're not worth the money. Even regular AA Alkalines, though they last longer, won't give you the results of lithium batteries or rechargeable NiMH batteries.

NiMH batteries have a very good lifespan and hold a charge for a fairly long time. If you've used some of the older NiCad rechargeables, I can see your disappointment.

Bottomline is that rechargeable batteries are the best way to go because you can use them over and over and over! (I hope you're not throwing them away?!?!)

Want to make any battery last longer on your Canon Powershot?
1. Turn off the lcd screen and use the viewfinder. The lcd is a notorious energy drain.
2. Also, use less flash. You can use natural light if you raise your ISO (sensitivity) setting on your camera.
3. Turn off the camera when you're not shooting pictures. While ON, there is a constant battery drain.

Hope these ideas help. By the way, I always recommend having extra batteries and extra memory cards with you.

Answer 2

Ditto to the above. Check your local discount stores and you can find a kit of 4 AA HIMH batteries and a charger for about $15. Just make sure they are at least 2300 mAh, preferably 2500 mAh [bigger the # the more power they hold]. They will last on average 4x as long [per charge] as a set of alkaline batteries and will save you tons of $$ in the long run.

Only other real option is the Energizer Lithium AA disposable batteries. They last between 400- 600 photos in most cameras but cost about $5.00 per pair. Cheaper per pic than alkaline batteries, but the cost still adds up.

To give you an idea of total long term cost: 1 single NIMH AA battery will last [in total use] as long as 140 disposable lithium batteries and 500 alkaline AA's [these #'s per Consumer Reports].

One last thing... some cheap digital cameras [usually ones that don't have a removable memory card] drain the batteries even when the camera is turned off. If your camera has this problem make sure to offload all pics and remove the batteries when not in use.

Answer 3

Actually, rechargables are the least expensive way to go with this camera. It eats alkalines for the fun of it. My camera would give me 30 pics on regular batteries, and 400 on rechargables. A charger with 4 2500mha batteries only cost me $14 or so. Well worth it. Here's the Amazon like for an example. http://www.amazon.com/Energizer-Rechargeable-AA-Battery-Kit/dp/B0000UUR62/ref=sr_1_11/104-4426541-6300755?ie=UTF8&s=miscellaneous&qid=1185694309&sr=8-11

Answer 4

Normal like as in Alkalines or normal as in carbon batteries? sounds like you have an electronics problem on the camera, not a battery problem though....

Try a brandname set of new Alkalines and see how many shots you get...without flash, you should get around 100 pictures...with flash that will drop to around 50 or so.

if you still don't get more than a few shots, then you need to replace or repair the camera....

Answer 5

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