Tips To Make Your Camera Battery Last Longer

Posted by fotoviva on August 08, 2011 in Photography Tips tagged with ,

As our digital cameras get more sophisticated with new features and HD video you may find your batteries are running out quicker despite advances in battery technology. This can be a real pain when you are out on location, but there are some things you can do to increase the length of time your batteries stay charged. Let’s start with the four biggest sources of power drain…

If your camera has video shooting abilities this can be very useful but it is a huge drain on battery life. Shooting the video and viewing it back is one of the quickest ways to empty your battery. The LCD screen also takes up lots of power. It is possible to turn this feature off unless you really feel the need for it and using the camera’s viewfinder will help conserve power. Another big power drain is the flash. Whenever you can, use natural lighting to take your photos and turn off the flash. This will help save your battery for times when you absolutely need the flash. A third drain on your battery is constantly using your zoom. It takes more power zooming in and out than it does keeping your zoom in one place. Try to find a setting you like and sticking with it as much as possible or use the manual focussing option.

Here are some more tips to make your camera battery last longer:

  • Make sure Power Saving mode is on, or simply switch off your camera when you’re not using it.
  • In cold weather, keep your camera and batteries warm in your jacket or camera bag until you are ready to use them. Cold temperatures drain batteries very quickly.
  • Store batteries in a cool, dry location away from sunlight and other heat sources.
  • Avoid unnecessary playback of your already taken images. Try to decide when you take the picture if it is a “keeper” or needs deleting and then refrain from reviewing until the pictures are downloaded to your computer.
  • Use the AC adapter. Most digital cameras have an adapter that allows you to plug directly into a power point. If you don’t plan on moving around a lot and are near an outlet, the AC adapter will increase the life of your batteries.
  • If you are not going to be using your camera for a long period of time, remove the batteries as they will drain if left in.

Most pro photographers will carry several batteries with them in case of failure or battery drain so always take at least on backup with you. The other benefit of this is that you can use the second battery whilst the other one is being charged. Another tips is if your camera uses standard AA batteries it makes more sense to buy some rechargeable ones. This will save money and help the environment.

Recharging your battery is something you won’t be able to avoid completely, but with a few precautions you can make your batteries last much longer. If you have any further tips for our readers please drop us a comment at the end of this article.

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