We all know it- batteries for your digital camera are very expensive, and we obviously need more than one battery. If you are planning on taking a long vacation or backpacking trip, then you can’t just move out with one battery.
To click more and better pictures you need to keep your gear clean and maintained. And if you want to save money, then take our advice and buy replacement batteries for your camera. They are inexpensive, reliable, and durable substitutes for the original ones.
But before diving deep into the replaceable and original camera batteries maintenance, let's check out the various types of batteries available for the digital camera:
Some Quick Guidelines on Formatting
Digital cameras generally use AA batteries for operation; however, you do have options available on chemical composition type. There are battery packs, rechargeable, and disposable battery options available. You just have to read about them and then decide which battery type suits you the best.
Alkaline batteries: These are conventional battery options and have short battery life for digital cameras.
Lithium batteries: Lithium batteries are the most commonly used batteries for cameras and tend to outlive the other battery types. They can also sustain freezing temperatures.
Rechargeable batteries: These are made from a compound of Nickel Metal Hydride or NiMH. These batteries are environmental-friendly, have better power, and surpass other types with certain technical features. Another rechargeable battery form is Lithium-Ion battery; these can easily last for over 100 shots. You will need a battery charger, obviously, but it will be a one-time investment for a couple of upcoming years. Try to get the original battery charger, it will charge easily and quickly recharge the batteries.
Battery pack: Few cameras also come with a feature to be operated with a battery pack. It can be connected with the cameras conveniently and with a double-battery feature, it can power the camera for a longer duration.
Taking Care of Camera Batteries
Camera Batteries can get exhausted with the electron flow from one body to another. To keep a record of your battery life, you will have to keep a close eye on the run time that your newly purchased battery is rendering. Now, compare this run time with your older batteries. However, you must remember that battery performance depends upon the product configurations.
To maintain battery life and performance, you must follow the below-listed measures appropriately:
Check the charging status of your battery regularly
Always remember the first use date; it will help you estimate the battery life and replacement time.
For knowing when to replace a battery, check for the following signs in your battery performance:-
The run time of your battery goes below 80% of its first performance
The battery takes longer duration for completing a full charge
Also, if keeping the gear side for a longer period, depending on the battery type and brand you will have to follow certain storage steps to keep it safe. If you have forgotten to follow these instructions and find the battery with zero charge when used again, your battery is damaged. Avoid using or recharging this battery, replace it with a new one as soon as possible.
Battery Charging
The charging process differs based on the battery composition and type. You must always follow the steps mentioned in the user manual provided with the camera batteries. If you have accidentally misplaced it, try looking for the manual or video lesson online.
When to charge the battery:
If you wish to store the battery or put it to recharge ensure that the battery power is around 50%.
Once in 6 months, try to charge the camera battery around 50% of its capacity
When not working, remove the battery from your gear and store it individually
While storage made sure that the battery temperature ranges between 5°C to 20°C
Battery Storage
Storing a battery correctly and properly is very important. It should always be kept in a dry and ventilated space. When using battery chargers, double-check that you have detached the plug from the socket. This will prevent short circuits and chances of fire. Storing in a separate space than the camera will prevent any leakage and equipment damage.
Also, to take proper storage care of your camera, store it away in a plastic bag containing a desiccant. To avoid clogging or molding, pull out the camera once in a while and take few random shots. Pack the equipment back in the same manner.
By storing camera batteries in a dry and aerated space, you can ensure battery lives a longer life. Never remove the battery or switch the camera off while deleting or recording images from the gadget. This will maintain the proper functioning of the internal circuits of the camera. Never carry the battery around while it is being charged.
Handling Precautions
There are certain precautions that you have to maintain while carrying or transporting camera batteries. Mentioned here are the most important ones:
Do not try to crush, puncture, or dismantle the battery
Never short the battery’s external contacts
Keep the battery away from extreme hot conditions; battery temperature must not go over 60°C
Avoid battery’s contact with water and fire
Do not let the battery in children’s reach
Prevent situations that can exert vibration or shock on the battery
Never use a battery that is cracked, leaking, or damaged in any way
If you find your battery leaking, do not touch the leaking chemicals. And make sure the battery has been disposed of properly. In case of accidental contact with the fluids, avoid touching any other part of your body or anyone else. Wash your hands with soap properly, till the fluid remains to wash off. Also, if you have touched any other body part then wash it too. And get medical attention instantly.
Conclusion
Taking good care of your camera equipment and lenses are as important as taking care of its batteries. You must always have a pair of extra replaceable batteries with you so that you never miss a shot. Keeping them in a secure, dry, and cool place is important. Following the correct charging and storage process will help in increasing the battery life.