Camera Battery Question....

[RedRobin]

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I currently use a compact digital FinePix F200EXR - I'm very happy with it although such cameras do have limitations (I want a Leica X1 next).

I find that it eats battery power and takes 2 hrs (I've timed it) to recharge. Tends to drink more battery juice when using EXR-mode of course - It's a bit like NOS!

I know that stokeballoon and possibly stealthwolf have the same camera - Do you have the same 'problem'? It always runs out when I most need it and perhaps I should invest in a spare battery ready charged to swop.

It depends on which modes are used but I get approx 40 shots (need to check that number) per battery fill. I use the oem Fuji rechargeable battery.

Thx for any answers  

[stealthwolf]

I don't have the same camera but have had a couple of Fuji cameras. None of them have the issue you describe. I've gone on three day weekend holidays, with a fully charged camera and been able to take pics all weekend without having to recharge.

[RedRobin]

^^^^
I assume that your 3-day weekends (you dirty bugger) have involved taking lots and lots of pics.

[Hedge]

Ever so slightly off topic but I managed 1400 shots on my Pentax K20 from a single charge and all on 1 16GB SDHC card.
The battery indicator hadn't budged from full either and the shots left kept on recalculating. 

[RedRobin]

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I do tend to use the all-singing-dancing automatic everything EXR mode a fair bit and also look at pics and enlarged parts while still in the camera - All of which drinks battery fuel.

[Hedge]

I agree Robin which is why on my cameras I have preview turned off.

If I want to look then all I have to do is press a button which has the added advantage of staying as long as I want rather than only 3 or 5 seconds. 

[stealthwolf]

I assume that your 3-day weekends (you dirty bugger) have involved taking lots and lots of pics.

I don't go spending all three days on just taking pictures - it's not a photographic holiday or trip. But I do take lots of pics when and where appropriate. Example: I went to Sweden with some friends and took lots of pictures of the architecture and scenery, especially the various lakes. But also did a lot of chilling, eating, and going out.

[SteveP]

I have the Fuji F72EXR which shares the same battery and it's seams to last forward, certainly get a good couple hundred shots in EXR mode without the battery symbol even dropping 1 bar. 

[RedRobin]

^^^^
Thanks, Steve - Useful info. I asked in the local camera shop today and was told that continually using Preview might also consume a lot of juice. Also, rechargeable batteries tend to reduce their ability to maintain power as they get older. I had primarily visited the shop to buy a spare rechargeable battery so I now always have back-up.

Recently I've been shooting as many as 80 pics a week and also viewing them a lot before uploading.

Once I see one bar empty, the other two bars follow much more quickly.

[QD MBE]

Can't remember the last time i charged my camera battery.  Taken a lot of pics with it too, not everyday, but sporadically.

If fact, where is the charger.............. Bummer, big search under-way, bet the battery dies next time out!

[RedRobin]

^^^^
Hi Dave,

As we have the same camera there's obviously a big difference in our battery usage. I always have the Preview on and also data display, plus I frequently switch on my camera afterwards and study my shots before deciding to keep for next upload session or to delete - This often involves zooming my view. < All of which I would think drinks battery juice. Do you use your camera in a similar way?

My solution has been to buy a spare battery so that I never run out of power.

[Eccie]

^^^^

Once I see one bar empty, the other two bars follow much more quickly.

Are we talking about your camera battery or your drinking habits on weekends away here Robin