Why do my camera batteries die so fast?

Question

i have an older Sony CyberShot 3.2mp camera. it uses 2 AA batteries and a brand new set of batteries only lasts about 10mins of continuous use. is there a reason it does this? sometimes, when i put a new set in, the camera will open the lens then die, as if the batts were almost completely drained. when i put another new set in, it lasts longer.

any ideas?

Answer 1

Ordinary disposable batteries, even Alkaline ones, will not last long in any digital camera in my experience.

What you should do is get some NiMH rechargables, for about $1 each.  You would think that the disposable batteries last longer, since they have just one shot, but that's not the case.  One charge on the rechargables lasts much longer than a set of disposables.

Answer 2

Sounds Abnormal

Most cameras last much much longer than that, sometimes ever 3 hours with continuous use with the same amount of batteries. But, after four years, it wouldn't suprise me if something was wrong with the camera, i mean it's from 04', which seems so long ago doesn't it?

i doubt you can have it sent in for warranty, but you can have it evaluated, but that would take time and money, you should just get a new camera. try getting one from this website :

http://amazon.com, and i suggest the canon powershot a570IS

Answer 3

OMG!!!

I actually know the answer to this one :)

My digital camera did the exact same thing and I couldn't use it very much for over a year before I discovered a solution.

You need to buy a rechargeable battery set with an mAH of at least 1500.

mAH--stands for--milliamp hour--and is a term used to describe how much energy a battery can hold at one time.

I bought a RAYOVAC set (1900 mAH) from Walmart which included two AA batteries and the charger for less than $20 Canadian.

This completely fixed my camera problems and it's been working great ever since  :)

Answer 4

does it require or have recharge-able batteries? that may be why. one of mine is like that b/c I don't use the rechargeable ones.

Answer 5

You answered your own question.  Continuous use.  The key to shooting with digital cameras is energy management.  Keep the LCD turned off as much as possible.  Turn off the camera between shots and avoid using your LCD for showing off your images to your friends.  

From the question, I take it you haven't had this camera very long.  Most cameras that use AA batteries are optimized for NiMH batteries .. buy a four pack and charger and try using them and good energy management.

The performance of batteries used in digital cameras is measured in number of shots on a set of fresh batteries, not time

Answer 6

haha......I have that camera.....i know it does....that why u should get rechargble batteries and a charger.....it saves u a LOT of money buying new batteries over and over again.

Answer 7

I agree, get the Nimh but make sure to get the best ones you can.  the higher the power rating (mAh number) the better.  2500 or better is high.  The new Nimh batteries are better about not have a "memory" like the old ones so they last a lot longer overall.