Tips for Digital Camera Better Battery Performance

Cause for poor battery performance: There are number of reasons for which your battery many not work properly, such as: leaving the battery in the camera for long period of time without use, mixing old batteries with the old ones, due to extreme temperature, inserting battery incorrectly, recharging non-rechargeable battery.

1. Before using the battery in your camera its better to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Also check the symbols inside camera for correct battery position (positive and negative).

2. Always use batteries of specific sizes and type. Do not mix fresh battery with the old ones.

3. Keep you camera compartment clean i.e. clean your camera compartment weekly to keep battery safe from dust or moistures.

4. Replace batteries when the "low battery" indicator, if present, activates. Do not attempt to rejuvenate any battery by heating it. Do not charge any battery unless it is specifically marked as "rechargeable."

5. Always keep the camera warm inside your warm clothes in the cold seasons until you are ready to use it.

6. Turn off the camera power while you are not using your camera and charge the battery if it's rechargeable.

7. Store batteries in a cool, dry location out of the reach of children. Avoid high-temperature storage. Cells should be stored away from direct sunlight, radiators, and other heat sources. If the device containing the batteries will not be used for an extended period, remove the batteries.

8. Never ever use the batteries which are leaking or that are very old; using such batteries may harm your camera.

9. Check for the freshness date of the batteries while buying because this is the date under which you have to use it. If the date has been elapsed then don't buy such batteries. For instance KODAK batteries have a freshness date on the package. This is the date by which the battery should be used to obtain peak performance. Beyond this date the battery should still perform adequately, but as time passes, it will become progressively weaker. Rechargeable batteries do not have freshness dates.

Kodak also applies a freshness date on the battery cell itself, space permitting. Typical freshness dates for: Alkaline Batteries - 7 years to approximately 80% of capacity; Lithium Batteries - 10 years to approximately 90% capacity.