My PowerShot A590 IS is sucking up batteries >>

[Slugo]

like they're going out of style. It seem like I install two alkaline batteries and after a few shots the red light begins flashing indicating low battery power. Any of you experienced this problem. Maybe I should adjust the hibernation time on the camera LCD and lens. Hope it's not anything serious. :(

[Jon]

The power curve of alkaline batteries doesn't match what digital cameras need. Alkalines like to provide a nice, steady output, like your radio or audio/video player wants. Cameras want bursts of power, and then demand drops to nothing. Get a couple of sets of rechargeables (Eneloops have the longest shelf-life) instead.

[Slugo]

Thanks Jon. I appreciate the info on alkaline batteries. I will be picking up four rechargeable batteries and a quick charger. Thanks again... :)

[gool]

Quick chargers are nice if you need your batteries quickly, but with Eneloops or similar batteries, slow charging will help your batteries live longer. Quick chargers run hot and heat hurts the batteries.

POTN likes to recommend the MAHA MH-C9000, LA CROSSE BC-900, or LA CROSSE BC-700 or equivalents.

http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/-maha-mhc9000-advanced-battery-chargerbrfree-deluxe-storage-case-includedbrget-discount-shipping-with-purchase-p-405.html?SP_id=42

http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/la-crosse-bc900-battery-charger-w-lcd-displaybrdeluxe-travel-bag-accessory-kit-brprice-5497-p-539.html?SP_id=41&osCsid=fk5m2u2054mmcnf6tsjidnprl0

http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/la-crosse-lcbc700-aa-aaa-battery-charger-combo-with-lcd-displaybr4-sanyo-eneloop-aa-batteriesbr-includes-free-alltek-deluxe-storage-case-p-980.html?SP_id=&osCsid=fk5m2u2054mmcnf6tsjidnprl0

[tombei]

John is right. Eneloop batteries are outstanding. There is nothing better.:grin:

[gool]

PowerEx NiMH also are recommended.

Eneloops have their place, but there are other good batteries.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=552108

[greenlight]

The battery sensor on the a590 is bad. I find that it would appear even when batteries were mostly charged. Continued shooting pics to determine how many I could take with the battery indicator on; batteries lasted for days and many dozens more shots. The camera would have been better without the battery sensor (or with a more accurate one).

[abuseddog]

I went through the menu's and turned off all of the options ...well most of them. eg lcd shut down time, volume of noises and sounds etc.

Was at a aviation museum yesterday and took over four hundred shots while using the flash and still had half the battery power left according to my chdk battery indicator.

ps. I use rechargeables

[Slugo]

Thanks guys, I just this evening picked up some of the new Rayovac Hybrids and a charger. They're just about the same as the Sanyo Eneloops, they last 4 times longer than conventional rechargeables. Got the charger, two AA's and two AAA's for a whopping $9.95 at Target!! Now I should have plenty of power... :)

[flashpoint]

Also make sure you have the IS set to Shoot Only. I would think that would save some significant power.