As a photog, I often face the same issue – my DSLR battery drains quickly! Frustrating, yes. It can even spoil my shots if I don’t have a charged battery.
We’ll inspect the usual causes of battery draining. Plus, giving tips to keep your DSLR battery in perfect shape.
Table of Contents
Acknowledging the issue
Ah, the dreaded low battery indicator! As a photographer, it can be terribly annoying to find this out in the field. Even after splurging on a high-quality DSLR, the battery life may not live up to expectations. With a full charge at the start of the day, only 3-4 hours of shooting and the battery is almost dead.
But fear not! With some effort and knowledge of digital cameras and batteries, you can extend the lifespan of your device. In this article, I’ll discuss why this happens and offer tips on how to keep your battery healthy and prevent further draining in difficult situations.
Reasons why DSLR batteries drain quickly
Are you fed up with your DSLR camera’s battery draining quickly? You’re not alone! Camera users often complain about short battery life. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to extend battery life. After experimentation with cameras and batteries, I’ve noticed patterns that result in faster drain. Here are some common causes:
- Using generic or used batteries instead of an OEM. An OEM battery was designed for your camera. Generic or used batteries may save money, but you’ll get less power, shorter runtimes, and lower performance.
- Leaving the camera on while switching lenses. Unless you need the camera on while changing lenses, switch it off to save power.
- Using the LCD or Viewfinder too much. Too much usage will reduce battery life. Try to limit it when possible.
Finally, storing or shooting in extreme temperatures can damage batteries. If this applies to you, get quality external charger packs and powerful replacement batteries.
Battery Basics
As a photographer, staying on top of your camera’s battery life is key. Don’t let your DSLR battery die mid-shoot! But why does it drain so fast when not in use?
Let’s get to the basics of battery care and figure out why it’s happening.
Types of batteries used in DSLR cameras
Figuring out the batteries for Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras is not easy, as there are many kinds. The most common ones are Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), Nickel–Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Lithium-ion (Li-ion).
NiCd Batteries: NiCd is an old and inefficient kind of battery. They come from Korea and are not so common anymore due to their low energy storage and high self-discharge rate.
NiMH Batteries: NiMH is better than NiCd. It stores more energy and has a lower self-discharge rate. However, it still cannot last as long as Li-ion batteries and has more memory effect when left uncharged for a while.
Li-ion Batteries: This is the current standard. It is used on most digital cameras and cell phones because it is lightweight and has high energy density. It has fewer recharge cycles before needing a replacement compared to other types. Plus, it does not suffer from the memory effect which means it gives consistent power output even when it’s partially charged or undercharged for short periods.
Understanding power consumption
It’s essential to understand the hardware powering our DSLR for power consumption. The motor, display, shutter, and autofocus all use energy. This adds to the battery’s high power draw. Battery type also affects power – Li-ion with higher capacity but more expensive, NiMH more efficient.
As cameras have more features, they need more energy, larger battery packs and shorter shooting sessions. Temperature can affect the battery too – low temperature reduces overall power, even damaging cells in extreme cases. Keep the camera insulated in cold weather.
In summer, Li-ion batteries offer better performance despite higher temperatures. The better current output than NiMH provides hours of shooting before needing a recharge break.
Common Causes of Quick Battery Drain
Is your DSLR battery draining fast? No need to worry, many photographers have had this problem too. So, let’s chat about what could be causing it!
Shooting in high-resolution and high ISO settings
Shooting in high-res or high ISO drains a lot of energy. To prevent this, lower the resolution and ISO settings. When shooting in burst mode or needing higher res, carry extra batteries.
If out of reach for long periods, invest in an extra battery grip. This keeps extra batteries close by.
Using live view
The live view is great. It’s great for shooting low angles or tricky spots. But, using live view needs battery power to show a preview of the image. Especially if you have your camera set to the highest resolution.
For longer battery life, try lowering the image quality setting. Doing this will also help your autofocus with DSLRs.
Using the LCD screen frequently
When using your DSLR camera, take multiple shots and review them on the LCD screen often. This uses up a lot of battery power, so it’s best to use other methods. For example, with some cameras, you can double-check what is in focus by using the electronic viewfinder or special rear buttons.
You can also turn off all non-essential features before shooting. This helps save battery power and allows you to preview shots in real time. It uses less battery power than activating the LCD full-on.
Keep a spare set of rechargeable batteries ready. This lets you quickly switch out depleted batteries for fresh ones when needed.
Using the flash
Optimizing your camera’s battery power is essential. Using the flash too much can drain batteries quickly, as it puts a large demand on them. So, when taking photos in low light or dark environments, try to keep your flash and other lighting options to a minimum.
The type of lens you use affects battery life too. Short telephoto lenses, such as 24-70mm, draw more power than those with longer focal lengths like 200-500mm lenses. When possible, opt for natural or artificial light instead of burst mode to take landscapes or action shots, as it consumes more power.
Especially in cold temperatures, keep extra batteries on hand to switch out if necessary. This way, you’ll be able to take great shots without worrying about deteriorating battery life.
Tips to Extend Battery Life
As a passionate photographer, I get it – battery life on DSLRs can be a struggle! From weddings to family portraits, it’s no fun when your battery dies mid-shoot. But with the right knowledge, you can extend battery life and make the most of your camera.
Here are my top tips to conserve battery life on DSLRs:
Use a spare battery
A spare battery can help you avoid losing power during important shots. So, buy another one and keep it ready. Don’t miss out on a perfect shot due to darkness!
Before taking them, check the voltage and capacity of both batteries. Older cameras may take 6V or 12V, but some only one type. Mixing them can damage the circuitry on a DSLR. On the higher-end models, loading time and voltage are calibrated for optimal performance. So, respect the balance.
Turn off the camera when not in use
Turning off your DSLR camera is an easy yet essential way to increase its battery life. You may not think it’s necessary, but your camera uses power even when you’re not using it. This can rapidly drain the battery if left on for the whole day.
To switch off your camera, press the power dial until it clicks off. Additionally, shut off the LCD panel when not in use. For long-term storage, remove both batteries and memory cards. This will help save power and protect your images from accidental deletion or damage due to a malfunctioning device.
Reduce the LCD brightness
Lowering your LCD panel brightness can help you save battery. You can do this in the camera settings. Don’t set it too dark though – you need to be able to see the image!
Shorter auto-off timers also save power. Most cameras have this setting in the menu (15 secs – 4 mins). Don’t forget to turn off the camera when you’re not shooting or reviewing images. Also, turn off Wi-Fi or another tech that might consume power when not in use.
Extra batteries are a great idea. Keep one charged, so you can switch quickly when one runs out. Have more than one spare too, so you won’t run out on a shoot.
Use a battery grip
A battery grip is a special source of extra battery for your camera. It attaches to the bottom of your camera and gives you extra hours of use when it’s fully charged. It also makes your camera more comfortable and ergonomic with larger batteries like those in DSLRs. Some battery grips come with intervalometers that control the shutter action and reduce wear on the main sensors and mechanical parts.
If you take lots of photos, a battery grip is a great investment. Changing batteries regularly keeps them ‘fresh’ and maximizes performance. If you don’t have spares, rechargeable batteries are a great choice as they save money over time.
Conclusion
Exploring why DSLR batteries drain faster than usual? It’s likely due to a third-party battery or leaving the camera in a very hot environment.
As a photographer, maintenance and battery replacements are essential to make sure DSLR batteries last long.
Hope this overview was helpful!
