EOS 10D Battery?

[John Quisling]

Hi,

Does anyone else have a problem with the battery display, or am I missing something?

When I shoot, the battery meter shows "full" and does not dwindle down as the battery capacity drains. The battery indicator only shows empty when the battery is actually empty. In other words, it doesn't show the progress. I find this extremely difficult. Anyone else see this, is the camera at fault?

[KirkM]

The display only has three icons to show battery level. Best thing is to always have a spare battery with you :)

Kirk

[randyk]

Yup, thats the way it works. Pretty advanced, huh?

Having fistful of the $11.99 generics at Sterlingtek is the best solution.

[John Quisling]

Generic batteries is also what I have to rely on. I guess that's what I'll have to stick with for a while, since I love everything else about the camera.

[JoeTampa]

Hi,

Does anyone else have a problem with the battery display, or am I missing something?

When I shoot, the battery meter shows "full" and does not dwindle down as the battery capacity drains. The battery indicator only shows empty when the battery is actually empty. In other words, it doesn't show the progress. I find this extremely difficult. Anyone else see this, is the camera at fault?


Actually, it's the battery technology.

Regular alkaline batteries lose their voltage as they discharge their current. The battery indicator (on most electronics) shows the voltage.

However, the Lithium-Ion batteries (Li-Ion) batteries sold with the 10D (and, indeed all lithium batteries) maintain an almost constant voltage across their life until JUST before they die.

Best solution? Get the BG-ED3 ("Big Ed") battery grip and toss two batteries in it. I get over 700 shots (can't tell how many 'cause two 1-Gig cards are all I have at 370 shots per) on those two batteries and they are never discharged.

[Jim_T]

The display only has three icons to show battery level. Best thing is to always have a spare battery with you :)

Kirk

Yes.. Mine stays happily at 3 bars.. then in no time at all drops to two then one then dies..

Fortunately I know how many shots I can get.. I know when it's time to change the battery.. I carry three.. I would have picked up a BG-ED grip, but then I would have had to get a new camera bag :)

[Ballen Photo]

Actually, it's the battery technology.

Regular alkaline batteries lose their voltage as they discharge their current. The battery indicator (on most electronics) shows the voltage.

However, the Lithium-Ion batteries (Li-Ion) batteries sold with the 10D (and, indeed all lithium batteries) maintain an almost constant voltage across their life until JUST before they die.


Joe,
Thanks for a very understandable explanation. :D
The "Big Ed" sounds like a useful addition in the interest of battery life.
.........Bruce

[Josh]

does the battery grip just take regular batteries????

[JoeTampa]

does the battery grip just take regular batteries????


The same BP-511 battery pack that comes with the 10D. You'll want to purchase a second one.

[Josh]

oh ok....so 2 battery packs...and a grip....Is there anything that is cheap for this camera?? right now I am looking at a $5000 camera!!

[JoeTampa]

oh ok....so 2 battery packs...and a grip....Is there anything that is cheap for this camera?? right now I am looking at a $5000 camera!!


LOL... Lucky you.. I have:

10D
BG-ED3 w/extra battery

100-400L IS
16-35L
50 f/1.8
100mm macro
28-200 f/3.5-5.6

550ex
420ex
Macro ringlite

Sekonic 608 meter

ETC! More money than I care to total up. :)

[Josh]

well I dont have mine yet....but I am looking at getting the
24-70mm f2.8L
100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L
Canon 10D
and then all the accesories of course...batteries lens filters etc

but man this is getting so expensive...And I dont even have a Job yet!!!

[L A Mac]

Hi, New guy here.........Glad to be a member
I have similar - dissapointing difficulties with the batteries...

I use a bigED; 2 charged batteries and when I get home after 180 images and A LOT OF LCD REVIEW The batt's are depleated enough where the software will not download the images on the 10D to the 'puter. Takes about an hour to charge up and download.

Either I can not use so much review time (still learning the ropes about the camera) or I need to find more BP-511s on Ebay for $12.00 + shipping. GAWD If I shot in RAW and wanted to review, I' have to head for the truck in 2 hours after 6 batteries.

Conclusion is: always have back-up energy supplys carry mas BP 511s, minimize the review image habits and use the histogram for a 4 second review - as opposed to reviewing image bu image and checking the histogram - And; contrary to what I read here and on the "other" forum - DP review I am dissapointed with the battery life.

Thanks for letting me post - I hope to learn a lot and share here........MAC :)

[Ballen Photo]

I use a bigED; 2 charged batteries and when I get home after 180 images and A LOT OF LCD REVIEW The batt's are depleated enough where the software will not download the images on the 10D to the 'puter. Takes about an hour to charge up and download.


Hello Mac, It sounds like the very next thing you need to get is a USB CARD READER. This will save having to leave the camera on while uploading your photos. :D
..........Bruce

[ron chappel]

Yep,i have the same battery display problem
This is why sony developed the 'infolithium' battery which tells you how much charge is left.Too bad canon don't use it.
I too recently bought a cheapo BP511.The best solution

[L A Mac]

Thanks Bruce -
I wil have to experiment on the reader I borrowed from Work!!!!!!!
:) Greeat IdeA!
thanks