Increase the Life Span of Your Batteries

Generally speaking, modern digital cameras use much more power operating than older analog cameras. One of the reasons for this is that the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) on the back of the camera uses a lot of power when you review your images. Furthermore, the sensors of the camera use a lot of power for the process of capturing light and converting it to digital data. Running out of batteries all the time can be very frustrating. There are, however, many ways of avoiding this problem. 

Use Rechargeable Batteries
Disposable batteries (alkaline or manganese) produce insufficient power for operating digital cameras. The result is that, today, most digital cameras use rechargeable batteries.  Rechargeable batteries used to be very expensive. However, the technological development in mobile phones and laptops has contributed to making this type of batteries quite inexpensive. Quality rechargeable batteries can be recharged between 500 and 1000 times, for this reason they are well worth the extra cost. It seems that using rechargeable batteries frequently prolongs their life span. So, do not leave rechargeable batteries unused for long periods of time.

The difference in quality between different brands of batteries is significant. Use only the best products and get professional advice before investing in batteries.
 
Different Types of Rechargeable Batteries
There are many different types of rechargeable batteries:
 
NiCd batteries (Nickel-Cadmium)
This type of battery is becoming something of a rarity. Partly, because Cadmium causes environmental concerns and, partly, because this type of battery needs to be discharged completely before it can be recharged.
 
NiMH batteries (Nickel Metal Hydride)
This type of rechargeable battery is widely used. This type of battery does not directly cause any environmental concerns and it can be recharged as needed. So you need not discharge the battery completely in order to recharge it. This battery is available in the standard AA size.
 
Li-ion batteries (Lithium ion)
Many digital cameras are powered by this type of battery. It is currently the latest development in batteries. So far, it is not available in standard sizes (A, AA or AAA) but has been manufactured to fit different camera models. Lithium ion batteries have a very long life span and they can be recharged as needed.
 
Keep Your Batteries Warm
Low temperatures have an adverse effect on battery performance. If you are in the habit of shooting many photos outdoors, while skiing or during a snow fight in your local park you should consequently take care to keep your batteries as warm as possible. One way of doing this is to carry an extra set of batteries. Storing one set of batteries in your breast pocket and exchanging it for the other set of batteries frequently while shooting is one way of prolonging the life span of your batteries.
 

This photo is from an assignment in the Arctic. In such an environment keeping your batteries warm is really a challenge. The most chilly assignment we have ever been on so far involved temperatures as low as 52 degrees below zero Celsius, in such extremes there is not much you can actually do towards keeping your batteries warm. Read more about proper clothing for extreme temperatures here.
 

Limit the Use of Your LCD

On the back of digital cameras we find the revolutionary LCD that allows you to view your photos immediately after shooting them. This display is a much loved and very useful tool, but it has one serious disadvantage: it uses a LOT of power. The more you use the display the quicker the camera runs out of power. For this reason you should make a habit of using the display only when it is actually needed. Many cameras can be set to shut down the display automatically after, e.g. one minute or 30 seconds. Always choose the lowest setting to save power.

Be careful! The LCD on the back of your camera uses a LOT of power.
 

Carrying a Spare Set of Batteries

Carrying a spare set of batteries in your pocket when you are shooting is often a really good idea. Batteries are easy to carry and there are very few things more frustrating than missing a perfect shot because your camera has run out of power. If you have prepared yourself for this situation by bringing along an extra set of batteries you are ready to start shooting again in a matter of seconds.

Environmental Concerns

Please note that rechargeable batteries should never be thrown out along with household waste or, even worse, left in nature as they pose a danger to the environment. They should always be disposed of using the battery receptacles provided by municipal or other authorities.

Follow this link to read more about what types of batteries we use on our assignments. You can also read about how we shoot our winter photos or see some of our many photos from assignments around the world.

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