Canon Power Shot A85 / digital camera question

[intheflow]

OK, I found digital camera left on the Metro when I was in DC protesting last week and I tried to turn it in to lost and found, but the authorities told me they'd have to destroy it because it posed a security alert. So... what would you do...? I kept it.

Anyway... this is my first digital camera, and it comes without a manual. It seems to suck up batteries like nobody's business. My question is, is this normal for digital cameras? Or if not, has anyone else experienced this with Canon digital cameras?

[FloridaPat]

1. Sucking up batteries is a digital camera's favorite pastime.

Got to the Canon website and see if you can get a manual for it. Or do a Google search.

[intheflow]

2. Oh, I see... no cost for film or developing

but you go broke buying batteries. :eyes:

Thanks for the tip on getting the manual.

[FloridaPat]

4. My digital camera has rechargeable batteries. So I don't even

have to buy them. Check and see if you can get them for your camera.

Yep, no film developing. That alone will pay for the camera.

[intheflow]

7. Ace Hardware has rechargers w/4 batteries on sale w/rebate this month!

Normally $25, on sale for $15, with a $10 rebate! Through 1/31, if anyone else is interested.

Of course to get 4 more batteries to have two sets on hand is another $17, but what the hell. Considering my camera was free and the recharger cost $5, I can't really complain, can I? LOL.

Thanks for the heads up.

[pinniped]

3. Here's a good Canon site:

http://web.canon.jp/Imaging/psa85/index-e.html

Canon always has better camera info on their JP sites.

The best way to maximize your battery life is to shoot with the display off.

[intheflow]

5. You are so wise, Grasshopper!

Thanks for the battery-saving tip! :hi:

[NJCher]

6. in fact...

I read something from what someone right here on this forum posted about Canon batteries. I can't remember exactly how it was phrased but the gist of it was that Canon uses a different technology for batteries than Kodak, for example, and the batteries last far longer.

I have the Canon A75 and use rechargeable batteries. I even shoot with the screen on and I still get a lot of mileage from the batteries.

Might be worth entering "Canon A85 battery" over at Google groups; find out what the "buzz" is.


Cher

[intheflow]

9. Thanks for the link.

It's really an online manual, and has helped tremendously. :hi:

[Xithras]

8. You MUST buy rechargeables for that camera

I have the A75, and burned through batteries for it too. I went out and bought two sets of 2100Mah rechargeable batteries for it, and I'm good to go now. I get about 175 shots out of each set of batteries, which is typically more than enough for the type of shooting I do. If it's not enough for you, there are quick chargers and car adapters available too.

Do NOT buy the cheap 1500 or 1800 Mah batteries. They don't hold a charge nearly as well and aren't worth the money unless you're planning on buying several sets.

A few other tips:
1. Turn of the redeye light and "preflash" if you don't need it. It sucks the batteries dry, but is only really needed if you are taking a facial shot of a person.

2. Buy a CF adapter for your computer. Transferring the files off the camera using the USB adapter is a power hog too. I just pop my CF card out, plug it into my PC using my $15 adapter, and transfer my photos that way.

3. Turn off the SOUNDS. Another unneeded power hog.

As for the LCD suggestion, I never turn mine off and routinely get 175 photos per charge using just the tips above.

[randr]

10. Find the optional power cord

for use when downloading and editing.