Rusted Sky

One big problem with digital cameras is that they eat batteries like popcorn. Lithium AAs will give about 150 shots. Alkaline AAs might give you 25-30. Your camera may vary, of course, but that's what I've been getting as far as battery life for my Samsung S630. There seems to be plenty of life left in the batteries - but the camera just won't see it.

Searching around on the web gave the clue. It would seem the cameras base their battery consumption on how much current is remaining in the battery - and they set the bar pretty high - but once you clear that bar battery life increases dramatically.

A freshly charged set of 1000mAh NiCads might give you five or ten shots. A pair of 2000mAh Ni-mh batteries might give you 50 before needing to be recharged. A couple of 2500mAh rechargables might give you 200. (That's what I was getting...)

I picked up some 2650mAh batteries yesterday. Charged them - then started trying to kill 'em off. I got 20 minutes of video and about 675 shots (about 100 flash) out of them before they needed a recharge.

THAT is satisfactory battery life. Your mileage may vary, but if you've got a digital camera that's been sucking money out of your wallet for replacement batteries, I'd recommend a set of Duracell 2650mAh NiMH batteries, and an appropriate charger. It's a small price to pay (less than $30 for batteries and charger) and will save you time and aggravation in the long run.

Get clicking!

J.