Making informed decisions about which batteries to use can help you relax and enjoy your digital camera. Here
are some tips for making your digital camera batteries last longer and how to store and dispose of them safely.
A little know-how will not only save you money and time, but it will also ensure that your camera is always ready
to capture those unforgettable moments.
Overview of different battery types
Not all digital cameras use the same kind of batteries, even when they come from the same manufacturer.
Here are the most common varieties of digital camera batteries:
Standard alkaline batteries are readily available and inexpensive, but their power
drains quickly, so you'll have to buy replacements more frequently.
Photo lithium
HP recommends these batteries for people who don't use their cameras very frequently. Photo lithium
batteries discharge very slowly, which means they won't go dead over long periods when they aren't being
used.
While they are more expensive per battery than alkaline batteries, their larger energy capacity makes
them cost the same or less per shot than alkaline batteries.
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries are relatively inexpensive
and come in most common sizes, including AA. NiMH
have good capacity and they can be recharged 200-300 times. They also don't suffer from the 'memory'
effects you may have heard of in NiCad batteries.
In most cameras, rechargeable NiMH batteries can be used in place of alkaline batteries. Because NiMH
batteries will lose their charge if left unused for a while (1-2% per day on average), it's a good idea
to recharge them before you plan to use them.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries are often brand-specific, meaning
you need to buy the battery that's right for your camera. They tend to be more expensive, but provide
optimal performance in digital cameras and can be recharged up to 400 times. They are very slim batteries,
and you tend to find them in more compact camera models. Li-Ion batteries do self-discharge, but only at
a rate of about 5-10% per month.
Non-rechargeable batteries have a long shelf life. They may be a good choice if you don't plan on using your
camera very often.
Rechargeable batteries are more economical over the long run and better for the environment. They are ideal for
people who are always reaching for their camera. If you mainly use your camera on holidays or vacations, make
sure your rechargeable batteries are ready when you are by storing your camera on a
charging dock.
There are a number of things you can do to extend the life of whatever type of batteries you use in your digital camera.
Before you begin:
Make sure you have fully charged spare batteries on hand.
Bring along a recharge kit for Li-ion batteries.
While shooting:
In most cases, you will find you get great battery life just using the camera in its default modes. However, if you really
need to maximize battery for a particular event, try the following tips:
If your camera allows, set the brightness of your display screen to low.
Set power save and photo review modes to shorter intervals to conserve battery power.
Use the zoom and flash features sparingly.
If your camera has a lens that extends automatically, don't turn the camera on and off between every shot.
Retracting and extending the lens uses power.
When you're finished:
Use a camera dock or AC adapter to recharge your battery while you print your photos or transfer them to a PC.
Remove the batteries from your camera if you do not plan on using it for several weeks or more to reduce power discharge.
Treating your batteries well when you are not using them is essential.
NiMH batteries should be charged periodically because they will slowly discharge if not used. That means if you
put your fully charged camera in a drawer for a few weeks, when you take it out, the batteries will not be fully
charged. Li-ion batteries do this as well, but discharge more slowly.
Extreme temperatures decrease battery life. For optimal performance, store all batteries between 40° and 70°F.
When shooting in cold weather, your batteries will last longer if you keep your camera and spare batteries in a
pocket close to your body.
Even leaving your digital camera or batteries in a hot car can diminish their performance.
Most batteries contain toxic metals that can be hazardous to the environment. Here are some ways you can lessen the
environmental impact and dispose of them safely:
Use rechargeable NiMH or Li-ion batteries rather than single-use alkaline batteries. (They last longer and
you'll use fewer batteries.)
Rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals and should always be recycled. For information about battery recycling
programs and drop-off locations in your area please visit
HP Product Recycling.
Today's standard alkaline batteries have been re-engineered so that they are safe to dispose of with your normal trash.
(Mercury reduction in these batteries began in 1984 and continues today.) But there are alkaline recycling programs in
some communities. You can check with local and state recycling programs (go online) to see if there is one in
your area.
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