How to Maximise Your Digital Camera's Battery Life

Digital photography has made photography popular and cost-effective. However, there are few things more frustrating than reaching for your digital camera only to find the battery's out of power. Here's how to make your batteries last longer and get more out of your digital camera.

What Kind Of Battery?

It's important to understand what kind of battery your camera uses to maximise its longevity. Most camera batteries in the UK come in 6 different types.

Alkaline the most widely available and commonly-used type of camera batteries in the UK. They are non-rechargeable and must be disposed of correctly when they run out. For manufacturers such as Canon camera batteries in the UK are a priority.

Nickel-Cadmuim (NiCd) rechargeable and cost effective, NiCds come in different power capacities that are measured in Milliamp-hours (mAh) the higher the mAh rating, the longer the battery will last. Among the most popular type of camera batteries in the UK. For example, Canon camera batteries in the UK are readily available.

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) more expensive NiCDs, NiMH batteries will give you long-lasting performance.

Lithium high performance but not rechargeable, lithium batteries can last up to ten years and are available in four common sizes to suit most needs.

Lithium-Ion similar to standard lithium batteries but with the advantage of being rechargeable. Light weight and high power.

Battery packs suitable for some digital cameras but not all, they are an external plug-in that provide long-lasting performance.

Prolonging Your Camera Battery's Life

Whichever camera you choose, you'll want to make sure the battery or batteries last as long as possible. There are some very simple things you can do to prolong the life of your camera batteries. Of course, choosing a quality camera in the first place is a great start.

Does your digital camera have a viewfinder? If so, it's possible to take your photos without using the LCD display screen and still get great photos. This will help you maximise the use of your camera batteries in the UK. Although it's very tempting to look at each picture you've taken immediately, possibly to correct composition or because the image was blurred, try to leave the big reveal to the end of the day, as the LCD screen will use up a considerable amount of battery life. Canon camera batteries in the UK will generally get you through a whole day's shoot.

The Memory Effect

NiCd batteries can sometimes be effected by what's called 'memory effect', which can be caused by not being allowed to fully run down before recharging. The battery gets 'confused' by the amount of charge it thinks it has left and this can result in decreased battery performance. The solution to this problem is to fully charge the battery and let it completely run down.

If you follow these simple steps, you'll have hours of happy snapping. If you choose a reputable camera such as a Canon camera batteries in the UK are easily sourced and won't cost you the earth.


Mary Yohanan writes regularly on photography for a range of technology websites and blogs. Currently, she is pre-occupied with sourcing cost-effective Canon camera batteries uk from a range of on-line suppliers.