A40 battery life problem

[Laker]

I got a Canon A40 DC two months ago. But the camera shows "changes the battery" after about 20-30 shots no matter the alkaline or 1850amh rechargable battery. I can find there are some other similar cases here. Could anyone give me some suggestions and solution? Thanks!

[lanset]

Same with me :(
can anyone help?

[jgillard]

This is just a suggestion, but when u get this 'change batteries problem' ,try moving the batteries around. See if that helps, and let me know!

[JohnMN]

This is a common question asked on this forum, and I'm sure others. Two pieces of advice...

1/ Are the batteries completely new? If they are, then you shouldn't be getting 'change the batteries' on the display. Also, are you sure the rechargable ones are fully charged? Some makes of battery and charger require that you charge them a number of times before they take a full charge. Make sure there are no cracks or stuff coming out of the batteries.

2/ Look through previous postings on this forum to see what other users have asked and supplied as solutions.

JohnMN

[bulebule]

Sorry John, I'm having the same problem - new alkaline or freshly charged after 20 to 30 shots - it's a bind.

[JohnMN]

As I said in my earlier posting, some batteries need to be charged a number of times in order for them to take a complete full charge. I've heard of people using their batteries after only one hour in the charger and they seem not to have any problems. On the other hand, I have to spend five hours charging mine and believe it or not I can get 5 to 7 days usage out of one set on NiMH's. The only other thing I can think of is the power ratings on the charger and batteries, are they compatible? (If anyone out there is an expert in this area, we'd be more than glad to hear from you). I can't work out why new Alkaline batteries bought in a store, go flat after such a short time. You have to be careful about buying these sets that cost 2 or 3 Euros or Dollars (I would definitely stay away from them). Check the connections in the camera, are they clean or is anything forming on them to prevent a good contact with the batteries?

JohnMN

[brutal]

the powerex batteries i use need to be cycled 2-3 times before they get some serious juice. they hundreds of pictures now with the lcd always on.

[beivied]

HI all ...


I have no problems with battery life though. I am using a set of 1800mah and another 2000mah. lasts around three days, and everyday photographing near to 30 shots and videos.

Err, rechargeable batteries take a long time to charge. Around 16 hours, if you are using a normal charger. And, NiMH batteries mus be fully charged before usage and fully depleted before recharging. Or it will have memory error. Try using your batteries until you cannot even switch on your camera with them, and charge them for 16 hours. One or two times of proper "feeding" should get them back in the pink of health.

[Bimbobo]

I can say the same...
2 sets of NIMH 1800mah and 2000mah, the first set (1800ma) lasted to 5 videos an about 80 photos at their 1 charge, but, of course, the lcd screen is shut down except the 2 secs after you take the picture. I also transfer the photos to my computer by USB and it also needs a lot of "power".
Regards

[beivied]

ah yes.... i havent tried directly downloading pictures from the camera, cos i have been using a card reader. maybe using a card reader would help conserve the battery life too.

[caseybea]

beivied wrote:
ah yes.... i havent tried directly downloading pictures from the camera, cos i have been using a card reader. maybe using a card reader would help conserve the battery life too.

Not maybe..... DEFINATELY. The camera-computer connection is done via USB, which seriously drains batteries.

I got a CF card reader/writer before I even got my camera... a SOYO 6-in-1 (see: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=69&manufactory=1454&DEPA=1

Also, with a CF reader, you can extract 80 pictures in like, 1 minute or less. I'll never connect a camera to a USB port again.

[iesrick]

beivied wrote:

"Err, rechargeable batteries take a long time to charge. Around 16 hours, if you are using a normal charger. And, NiMH batteries mus be fully charged before usage and fully depleted before recharging. Or it will have memory error.."

One of the advantages of NiMH batteries is that they do NOT have the memory problem you incorrectly stated.