no battery life

[lawman9350]

I just recently got an S5100 and I love it. The problem that I have is that when I put batteries in it and start taking pictures, it shuts down within 5 to 10 minutes and tells me that the batteries are low. I am not sure what to do to resolve this problem and it is driving me nuts, any suggestions as to why this is happening??

[Redhead]

are you using rechargables?

I just started using the new AA lithiums & my bateries are lasting for 6 weeks of continouis use.... cool hey!!!

They are expensive - unless you see them as being used all the time. Be sure you are not discharging them by accident...there is a setting to do that in the menu

[lawman9350]

Thank you for your suggestion. We are using rechargable batteries, but still same problem. We have tried new batteries and everything else i can think of.

[Redhead]

The Lithiums are not rechargable.
And another bonus - they are VERY light wieght

Good Luck
red

[bytethis]

Don't forget that rechargeable batteries often perform at their best after several full charges and discharges. Their first full charge should be over several undisturbed hours (I'd suggest 8 or more hours constant, undisturbed charge before first use, on every set)

The best time to charge (rechargeable) lithium and and NiMH is somewhere between 80% and 20% of their full charge. Not sure if your cam has a 'fuel' guage that tells you at a glance of what status your cells are at (my D200 does to within a % point), but avoid charging too often below or above those levels (if possible)

I'm not sure in what environment you're shooting in, but here's some simple tricks to lessen battery discharge rate.

- mimimise the amount of reviewing on the lcd screen, perhaps even go into the menu to reduce the amount of time the screen stays on

- avoid continued long shutter speed images e.g. say 5 second duration expoures, as they draw power to 'hold' the shutter open.

- minimise flash useage, and perhaps adjust output of flash power if available.

- make sure your batteries are 'warm' i.e. body temperature as most cells discharge quickly, or last very little time in very cold temps.

- Also constant use of zoom and focus is a pretty big draw on power. I guess the best option is to attempt to have as much ambient light as possible, so that focussing does not 'hunt' around for lock on your chosen subject.

Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, some cameras chew through battery power very quickly...My D200 does this, my D70 was extremely efficient. I'm not sure what category your cam falls in, but just taking care of the batteries charge and useage, (and if they're removeable, get several sets), you should be able to improve their useability and life.

I'd suggest to get a set of standard alkaline or lithium batteries also just to see how long those last, as a guide.

Good luck and let us know how you go!

[photowebor]

I'm starting to have the same problem with our 5100. It does not shut down, but it chews through the batteries in a few shots, and it looses it's configuration when I change the batteries.

[Redhead]

how long have you had your 5100?
Mine is 2 years old & still doing great

but I also have 2 other cams it takes turns with.
red

[photowebor]

I think ours is about 2 years old..