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Spare battery is essential

A battery can conk out without warning, just before a marvelous travel photo opportunity appears before you. So always pack a spare, freshly charged battery in your camera bag. And bring a battery charger (if applicable).

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Idle battery
self-discharge

A camera battery can lose up to one half charge per month without even using it. Therefore, be sure your camera batteries are fully (or almost completely) charged before you travel.

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Declining capacity

A camera battery's maximum power capacity decreases each time you recharge it. At some point, it will need to be replaced.

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Leakage

A battery could leak, corroding your camera, if left for numerous months inside your camera. The older or cheaper the battery, the sooner it will begin to leak.

To prevent the problem, remove the battery and store it separately as soon as you suspect that you probably won't be using the camera for a long period.

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How to conserve
battery power

Minimize the use of your flash, cut back on your LCD playbacks, and avoid keeping your camera on for extended periods.

Also, don't use your camera's battery power to upload your pictures to your computer. Consider using an external memory card reader. Alternatively, supply the power with an external AC adapter plugged into your camera.

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Overcharging

Most camera batteries are harmed if connected to a live battery charger for more than 24 hours. The time span is even shorter for older and inexpensive batteries.

Look for a battery charger that has an indicator light to tell you when the task is done. Some units even turn off the current automatically.

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Cold weather

Batteries drain faster in cold weather. Hiking or cross-country skiing? Store your camera battery close to your warm body, either in a pocket (with an insulated exterior lining) or under your sweater or coat.

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