A520 battery problem?

[descotes]

I switched from the A75 to the A520 because my A75 had died. The A75 had 4 batteries and the A520 has 2. I am constantly having to switch the batteries on the A520. It's getting to the point of annoyance.

Is there something wrong with my camera or is that how all A520s work?

If I needed another Canon, is there a better one you'd recommend?

Thanks.
Stacy

[Salleke]

I switched from the A75 to the A520 because my A75 had died. The A75 had 4 batteries and the A520 has 2. I am constantly having to switch the batteries on the A520. It's getting to the point of annoyance.

Is there something wrong with my camera or is that how all A520s work?

If I needed another Canon, is there a better one you'd recommend?

Thanks. Stacy.

Wich batteries do you use? Rechargebles? Alkalines?

[bascom]

From what I've read this is how A520's work, they are battery hogs. So it's recommended to use rechargeable batteries and use a recharger instead of using disposables. It will cost less in the long run.

[USpenguin]

My A510 drinks batteries like water as well, and I'm told that's normal for using disposable alkaline batteries.

[Salleke]

My A510 drinks batteries like water as well, and I'm told that's normal for using disposable alkaline batteries.

Yes that's right. Disposable alkaline batteries last only for 70 to 100 shots in the camera.
I suggest you buy one set of NiMH 2500 mA energizer rechargebles and they will last about 250 to 400 shots.
Using alkalines is way to expensive. I use alkalines only in emergency situations when I don't have
the time to recharge batteries. But that almost never happens cause I have 5 sets of rechargebles.

Take a look at this site and you will see the difference in power between alkaline and rechargebles batteries:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/ACCS/BATTS/BATTS.HTM

Good luck.

[Salleke]

Good morning USPenguin........I use and sell a Titan I Portable Power Source. I have a 3.2 mpix and it draws a lot of juice. I can use the camera while I keep it charged with the TI. It has a belt clip for easy use. You can go to: http://www.bigwavepower and take a look at the unit and there is a power point preso on the product. Let me know what you think about the unit and the price point....Lee

The link you provided is dead.

[pinetar]

I just got an A520 the other day and was only able to get less than ten shots off before the camera said to change batteries. I had just put in a new set of NiMH rechargeables. Is there a way to conserve power that I should be aware of?

[Salleke]

I just got an A520 the other day and was only able to get less than ten shots off before the camera said to change batteries. I had just put in a new set of NiMH rechargeables. Is there a way to conserve power that I should be aware of?

Pinetar - The first time you use a new set of NiMh rechargebles it's normal that they don't give they'r full power.
They will reach full power capabilities after a few charge and discharge cycli. Please do the following.

- Full charge your batterie's and put them in the camera. Don't care about the fact that they give only a few shots.

- When the batterie's are empty recharge them but when the charger says that the batterie's are fully charged
let them charge further for about 10 hours. You do this only one or two time. The first time I let them stay in the
charger the whole night. And then you will notice that they have reached the full capacity.
After one or two times charging them overnight then you can charge them for the time that is stated on your charger.

Good luck.

[USpenguin]

A note- The same thing happened to me when I first put in the batteries that came with my camera. I think they lasted a total of 10 minutes, before I had to throw them away. Very disappointing.

And thanks to Salleke for the link, it helps visualize why I need to invest in those NiMH!!

[SugarAddict]

Yeah when I put the batteries in that came with my A520 (that I got for Christmas) they were dead by the end of the night...pitched them.
Lucikly my dad has rechargable ones from his other camera he doens't use anymore, so I got those ones. The first set lasted about 1 day as well. But the next one lasted about 2 days. Granted...I've been messing around with it a lot lately, so over the past 3 days I've been on the same set of 2.

The only thing I don't like is, there is NO WARNING. It just has the red battery pop up and then the camera shuts off. Like...thanks! lol

[minlee]

I have exactly the same problem with my A520. I use NiMH batteries (1800 mAh and 2300 mAh) and my wife is ready to throw it out the door. Actualy lucky for me since she wanted to replace it with an S2 which I've had for 4 days and hundreds of shots without changing the batteries yet (same set).

Anyone know of a specific reason why the A520 is such a battery hog?

[Salleke]

I have exactly the same problem with my A520. I use NiMH batteries (1800 mAh and 2300 mAh) and my wife is ready to throw it out the door. Actualy lucky for me since she wanted to replace it with an S2 which I've had for 4 days and hundreds of shots without changing the batteries yet (same set).

Anyone know of a specific reason why the A520 is such a battery hog?

Whit an S2 and a fresh charged set of 2500 mA NiMh I can shoot about 500 to 700 shots. Depending of flash and chimp use. Just amasing.

Sorry but I don't have a A520 so I cann't comment on this problem of yours.

Good luck anyway.