Digital Camera - Batteries Question

[Justice Hog]

So, I have a digital camera with rechargeable batteries. Problem is: I fully recharge the batteries and they're dead in only a few hours.

Conclusion - My batteries are shot and I need to get new ones?

Does that sound right?

(I know it may be a stupid question but I'm really not that experienced when it comes to digital cameras, rechargeable batteries, etc.)

[Jake]

I didn't know that batteries for digital cameras were rechargable.

I do know that the batteries for the camera my mom has are expensive.

I guess it also depends on what kind of camera you have.

[nuskins]

My Canon S80 came with a rechargable battery but it did not have very long life, especially with the LCD viewfinder on all the time. Those LCD viewers really suck the batteries down. Anyways, I called up the place I bought the camera and they sold me an aftermarket rechargable battery that lasts 3 times as long as the stock one did.

It stinks having to buy another battery but at least you can use the original one as a spare backup.

Also, I am sure you could find one on EBAY for cheaper than your camera dealer.

HTH

[cvillehog]

Your conclusion is probably right. It's important to charge up your batteries all the way, and then drain them all the way before recharging (depending on the type of battery this can be very important), but even doing so, batteries wear out and need to be replaced. My first digital camera used either regular AA batteries or rechargeable ones, so I usually kept spares around. My current camera uses a proprietary battery , so I can't do that.

[Justice Hog]

I didn't know that batteries for digital cameras were rechargable.

Some cameras, like mine, use AA batteries and if I had to buy new batteries every time, I'd be spending a ton of money. Back in the day, BossHog suggested I get rechargeable batteries/charger and that's what I did. The batteries lasted 1+ years but now they just aren't holding a charge worth a damn.

I'm gonna just go out and get new rechargeable batteries and see if that helps.

[joebagadonuts]

I've heard that a year is about the lifespan of rechargeable batteries.

[ANT7088]

You're right they're shot. When you get the new batteries try to make sure they're as dead as you can get them before you recharge them. If you use them & they're only half dead, then you recharge them, they won't have as long of a life.

[SkinsChic]

You're right they're shot. When you get the new batteries try to make sure they're as dead as you can get them before you recharge them. If you use them & they're only half dead, then you recharge them, they won't have as long of a life.

Yep...that's what they told me about my cell phone too.

[fredp45]

I had the same problem with my digital -- the guys at Circuit City confirmed that my batteries were shot...mine had gotten to the point where the camera would turn on and last maybe 10 mins...

Some posters were talking about ensuring that you use your batteries until they're dead, then charging them to full capacity. In essence implying that batteries have a memory. That was definetly true in the olden days with some types of batteries -- not sure it still holds true with all types of rechargeables. I'd find someone in your local CC or Radio Shack that knows something about this and ask them.

No matter what -- expect to pay a lot for them.

[cvillehog]

I had the same problem with my digital -- the guys at Circuit City confirmed that my batteries were shot...mine had gotten to the point where the camera would turn on and last maybe 10 mins...

Some posters were talking about ensuring that you use your batteries until they're dead, then charging them to full capacity. In essence implying that batteries have a memory. That was definetly true in the olden days with some types of batteries -- not sure it still holds true with all types of rechargeables. I'd find someone in your local CC or Radio Shack that knows something about this and ask them.

No matter what -- expect to pay a lot for them.

It's not necessarily about "memory" with some types of batteries. Your cell phone is probably NiMH which doesn't have "memory" but need to go through a full chage-discharge cycle at least a couple times to hold it's optimal charge. NiCd batteries definitely have to ALWAYS be charged fully and discharged fully, if you remember what it was like when you didn't do that with your RC Car when you were a kid, you know what I mean.

[SkinsFanInHawai'i]

Throw them in the freezer

[skinsRin]

Digital cameras use alot of energy, it is perfectly normal for it to last only a few hours or less. There is nothing you can do about it. Just tkeep it off as much as possible, only turn it on when you need to take a picture and even doing that it drains the batteries quick.

[BossHog]

Rechargeable batteries are subject to the 'memory effect'... as people have already pointed out... NOT fully discharging batteries before you charge them, or not charging them fully will create a memory effect. A lot of batteries are only as good as 'their last charge'... meaning... if you only charge a battery for 1/3 of it's recommended time... you will end up with one third the battery life eventually.

Rechargeable batteries are still the way to go for a camera.... they hold a smaller amperage for a longer time than alkaline batteries... you just have to make sure that you run them dead before you charge them (fully) and they can actually last years and years.

Just make sure that you have two more batteries than you will ever use... that way... there are always fresh batteries ready and there isn't a temptation to put a 'quick charge' on the batteries to use whatever electronic or appliance they're plugged into right away.

[skins81]

Rechargeable batteries are subject to the 'memory effect'...

I don't think this is true, like some have said.
I think the old nickle-cadmium NiCd batteries do this, and NiNH (nickel metal hydride) to a lesser extent, but newer Lithium Ion batteries are "memory free".

And that thing about running them dead fully before recharging, just know that any battery will have only a certain number of full recharge cycles; they don't last forever.
If you run the battery down during normal use, fine.
But if you just discharge it once a month for the heck of it, you will only shorten the life of the battery.

[fredp45]

It's pretty clear to me you must go into CC or Radio Shack and fine someone who knows what they're talking about.

Us Skins fans are giving a wide range of advice - some contradictory.

[BossHog]

It's very true that a lithium ion battery won't EVER have a memory effect... sorry if I wasn'r clear on that... but most AFTER MARKET rechargeable batteries are either Ni-Cd or Ni-MH... not lithium ion...

Now... if you get an electronic that came with IT'S OWN rechargeable battery system... it IS likely to be a lithium-ion battery.

And memory effect usually refers to voltage depression not a loss of 'memory'. It can come from all types of 'bad charging' procedures but the most common one IS constantly short-charging your batteries.

... and I'm not just some guy on a message board giving bad advice (hopefully)... I ran an electronics store for over a decade.

... and go into a Radio Shack or CC and find someone who knows what they're talking about?



Now THAT'S funny.

[cvillehog]

Don't forget about NiOx -- Nickel Oxy Hydroxide -- no memory effect there either, but also not an aftermarket battery.

[skins81]

I bought a Nikon pix 5200 about two years ago, specifically because it's light. I do a lot of hiking, and it only weighs like 150 grams.

Anyway, it has it's own Lithium ion battery, and it lasts forever. I was on a helicopter ride where frankcal20 went on his honeymoon; just kept pointing and shooting without looking through the viewfinder (no sense being in a helicopter and looking through a lens.)
The battery held out for a morning hike and a helicopter ride. About 300 pictures in all, which I thought was great.

[fredp45]

BH -- In America we hire folks who know their stuff -- even in CC & Radio Shack...

Seriously, locally, there's 3-4 RShacks and I only know one guy I really trust, the others are clerks. My son worked in a local CC and they have a couple (older) guys who know their stuff, the others are young guys who dream about their shift ending.