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BATTERIES , The "Life Blood" of Modern Computerized and Digital Cameras.

Written by "Vector"
Managing Director, the Vector Trust
One of three founding members of the Photos@VectorTrust.com team.

    Modern cameras require batteries for power. Photographers have learned to buy batteries in large lots, just as we bulk buy our film. As more and more computer power is packaged into each successive generation of camera models the power requirement have gone up too. When digital cameras first emerged, the earliest models quickly became famous for using up batteries faster than any other consumer electronic device. The newer, second generation cameras coming on the store shelves are not quite as thirsty, but unless you have an antique, all-manual camera, batteries have become a way of life for photographers. New technologies at work in the consumer battery business have changed the things you need to know about how to buy, store, use and even recharge today’s modern batteries. These little power packages have changed greatly in just the last 5 years. To simplify what’s new, and what you need to know about today’s modern batteries, here’s a list of the TOP 10 Do’s and Don’t for using modern batteries. With a little knowledge, some care and proper use, you can maximize the life of these expensive, but vital tools in your camera bag.

    The TOP 10 BATTERY USE AND HANDLING TIPS.

   #1    Read the instructions.
Everyone says they do this, and no one does it. Camera manufacturers put a lot of design engineering into modern, computerized cameras. The only way you know if you are using batteries correctly is to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!

   #2    Start with fresh batteries.
Check the freshness date when buying batteries. It will be printed on the packaging or on the individual cells themselves. It may be difficult to find, but if there is no manufacturing or "use by" date, the batteries are really, really old! Don't purchase batteries that are displayed directly in a store window. They probably have been exposed to excessive heat and could be dried out. Avoid retailers that don’t sell a lot of batteries. The supply they have could rest on the shelves for months or years.

   #3    Store your batteries in a cool place.
Standard alkaline and other non-rechargeable batteries should be kept in a zip-sealed plastic bag, and in a cool place. The family refrigerator is OK, just don’t freeze them. Remember to let the batteries warm to room temperature and be sure they are completely free of condensation before you unwrap and use them.

   #4    Inspect the camera’s battery compartment occasionally.
Any type of battery can leak. What the chemicals can do to your expensive camera is not pretty. Examine this area of all your equipment, not just the camera body, but the flash units and light meters too. A quick look can save a lot of grief and expense.If any of the power contact points have been exposed to leaky batteries, they may be corroded beyond help. Clean them 3 or 4 times a year, as we recommend you polish battery contact points, in #5. Good connections move power more efficiently.

   #5    Keep your batteries clean.
Lightly rub both ends of each battery with a clean pencil eraser before putting them in your equipment. This removes any thin corrosion film and oxidation that may have formed. As mentioned above, good connections move power more efficiently. You can buy a special glass-fiber brush for this purpose at specialty stores, or just use a pencil eraser, like the rest of the photography world.

   #6    6 Don’t handle "button cell" batteries with your fingers.
Tiny "button cell" batteries are hard to change, but you must wear thin cotton gloves or use a clean handkerchief when you install them in your camera or light meter. The sweat and body oils from your fingers can corrode battery or camera contact points over time. Clean any suspect batteries of fingerprints with a cotton swab or a napkin lightly dampened with alcohol.

   #7    Remove the batteries from any equipment not used frequently.
It’s easy to do, if you get in the habit to remember this step. If you're not going to use your photography kit for a few weeks, remove the batteries. It’s better to be safe, than sorry. Battery leaks are rare, but they happen and cause serious damage that is expensive to repair.

   #8    Replace batteries in complete sets.
If your camera or flash unit is powered by AA or any other size of multiple batteries always start with a fresh group. If your motordrive uses four cells, replace all four at the same time, even though only one is defective. You will never get good power from three half-used cells and one fresh, new one. Recycle partially rundown cells into a flashlight, radio or other non-critical electronic devices.

   #9    Rechargeable batteries are different.
Read the instructions that come with any of these batteries, and make use your camera is designed for them. Rechargeable batteries require more precise care and attention than nonrechargeables. The higher initial purchase price can be justified only if they are used as designed. Re-read the #1 suggestion above.

   #10    Carry extra batteries at all times.
There is nothing more frustrating for a photographer than to miss a great shot, because of equipment failure. The most common, preventable failure will be dead batteries. Buy the correct sizes on sale. Keep a small supply constantly ready. A nice side benefit of planning in advance is the cost. Purchasing batteries on sale saves money over the price you’ll pay at a "tourist trap" retailer.

   The new rechargeable batteries on the market offer a cost efficient way to power cameras and other high demand electronics. Much like reusable memory devises in digital cameras, these batteries can be reused over and over, but only if treated properly. The cost efficiency and "environmentally green" nature of these power cells is only realized if they are used properly. Rechargeable batteries have also changed substantially in the last 3 or 4 years too, so here’s a "Top 10" list just for this power choice.

   The TOP 10 RECHARGEABLE BATTERY "DON’T" LIST( with apologies to David Letterman.)    David Letterman is a "late night" adult TV show host on networks in the USA and Britain. A favorite humor feature of his show is a silly list of "Top 10" this or that.... done in reverse order from Number 10 to the grand finale, silliest item, #1.