MD vs Silicon Power Drain?

[mcaldwell]

I've read everything I can find but cannot find a real comparison of battery life (or said differently, how many pictures before it goes dead) using a MD vs comparable sized CF. I'm wanting to compare a 340MB MD to a 256 or so CF.

[Mike K]

The life of a BP511 battery with a MD had been reported quite a bit early on in the history of the G-1 in DPReview. This is my experience & recollection. The generality is that the MD does not consume too much battery, other factors are far more important in actual use. How much do you use the LCD? I have gotten over 250 shots on one battery charge (with 1 gb MD) in one 2 hr session with the LCD on all the time. another poster reported over 450 shots over several hours (with 1 gb MD) with only limited use of the LCD. Others have reported running out of battery with only about 100 shots when taken over two weeks and over several sessions. By disabling the auto power off and not using the LCD, I have had the battery last over 6-8 hours (camera not going to sleep but on continously) taking pics occasionally.
1. the LiIon BP511 discharges some over several weeks, the max # of shots will be had in a shorter, single session with a freshly recharged battery.
2. LCD uses far more energy than MD. MD is only active for write/read.
3. My guess is most 1 gb MD owners have much less justification for owning a 256 MB CF as well, so you won't get too many takers on your original question!
Regards, Mike K

[mcaldwell]

Thanks; just what I wanted to know. I've found the 340MB MD for $150 at d-Store; hard to beat.

[Mike K]

If you go the MD route I would suggst the 1 gb drive. You can pick up an inexpensive 256 mb CF card at Newegg.com for $90.