Battery life I tried to purchase Canon SD800 from one online retailer. After transaction was complete, its rep. called me and tried to sell an optional battery @ $59.99, saying that its standard battery lasted only 20 min. and for normal use I had to buy an optional 2 hour or 5 hour battery. I did not find any userfs review on SD800 complaining about battery life. I also checked out Canonfs website and confirmed it came with NB-5L battery as standard. I felt it was a lie and terrible sales pitch. I cancelled my order with them but now have a question: Do we really need an optimal battery? Can anyone help me on thisH Battery life I tried to purchase Canon SD800 from one online retailer. After transaction was complete, its rep. called me and tried to sell an optional battery @ $59.99, saying that its standard... » Read More Battery life I tried to purchase Canon SD800 from one online retailer. After transaction was complete, its rep. called me and tried to sell an optional battery @ $59.99, saying that its standard battery lasted only 20 min. and for normal use I had to buy an optional 2 hour or 5 hour battery. I did not find any userfs review on SD800 complaining about battery life. I also checked out Canonfs website and confirmed it came with NB-5L battery as standard. I felt it was a lie and terrible sales pitch. I cancelled my order with them but now have a question: Do we really need an optimal battery? Can anyone help me on thisH « Show Less
1160462
I'm referring you to this link, it states that the battery life on the SD850 runs down quickly if you leave the LCD on...but isn't a problem with it off. Not sure about the SD800.Here's the link I found:http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Customer-reviews-for-Canon-PowerShot-SD-850-IS-Digital-Camera-Silver/sem/rpsm/oid/180591/rpem/ccd/productDetailReview.doGood luck!Sheri
1160463
Sheri, thank you for your info. But actually I am not too concerned about the battery life of NB-5L, which is the standard rechargeable battery of Canon SD800 according to Canon's website. But all of the online retailers I talked to (I actually talked to 3 retailers and ALL of them) said that the SD800 @ the advertised price was of international spec. which came with NB-1 battery that would last only 15 to 20 min. and NO manufacturer's warranty (No U.S. warranty). I was shocked and felt like dealing with camera stores in Times Square. Is such a lip off practice still common for online retailers? Sheri, thank you for your info. But actually I am not too concerned about the battery life of NB-5L, which is the standard rechargeable battery of Canon SD800 according to Canon's website. But all of the online retailers I talked to (I actually talked to 3 retailers and ALL of them) said that the SD800 @ the advertised price was of international spec. which came with NB-1 battery that would last only 15 to 20 min. and NO manufacturer's warranty (No U.S. warranty). I was shocked and felt like dealing with camera stores in Times Square. Is such a lip off... » Read More Sheri, thank you for your info. But actually I am not too concerned about the battery life of NB-5L, which is the standard rechargeable battery of Canon SD800 according to Canon's website. But all of the online retailers I talked to (I actually talked to 3 retailers and ALL of them) said that the SD800 @ the advertised price was of international spec. which came with NB-1 battery that would last only 15 to 20 min. and NO manufacturer's warranty (No U.S. warranty). I was shocked and felt like dealing with camera stores in Times Square. Is such a lip off practice still common for online retailers? « Show Less
1160464
I too had the same issues with DigitalNerds from the "everyprice" web site. I asked if I could call right back the man was so RUDE he said I'm sure you have an extra 100$, everyone knows that. I only wanted to call right back he could of said yes or no. This man said I had stepped over the line and that the deal was cancelled. This is a racket. Do not buy from DIGITALNERDS!!
1591877
1) Battery life from the included battery ~800maH is about 50 minutes shooting at 720p at 60fps. I believe it is a little longer when you shoot at slower frame rates like 30fps. I bought a 1200 maH after market battery which took it to nearly 60 min at 60fps. 2) I usually use the camera in more or less bright sunlight outdoors at a pool. So optical and digital zoom is pretty good under those conditions which are generally optimal conditions for most videocams. I have not tried in lower light situations. 3) It saves in mp4 format which is perfect for most applications. I have a SDHC slot on my Mac and it's easy to copy from the SDHC card to my computer and do whatever I want, share or burn DVD.
645588
We have had Canon PowerShot cameras at our Site for years. We use them in Security, Maintenance, Production and in the Warehouse. We always purchase an extra battery so that when one requires recharging another one is available. I am not sure what the life of a battery is, but we have never had to purchase replacements. Just recharge and ready to go. We have always replaced the camera before the battery requires replacing. Camera replacement happens sometimes if the camera walks or if we purchase a newer model. I don't believe that you have to worry about battery life. However if you have to replace a battery, the generic ones are very inexpensive.
554065
My first camera lasted for only 25 pictures on one charge. I charged the battery for two hours. I sent it back and got another one. This one lasted for about 60 pictures! I don't know if I should send this one back as well. I love the camera, but I think the charge should last for more than one day. Any one else with problems with battery life?
1159151
+1 on Ryan's post. I just recently bought this sx110is camera, and when I was shopping for my new digital camera my very first criteria was AA batteries. It goes without saying that having a universally available power suppy while traveling is indispensible. It's so easy to forget to charge proprietary batteries - and that's if you remembered to bring the charger. Even at home, I never want to have the day come that I want to capture a moment but can't, because I forgot to charge the battery pack. It's true that you'll get more shots per charge on a proprietary battery pack, but when you can get several hundred from a set of AA's, what else do you need? The one downfall of the 2xAA's in this canon is a long flash recharge time (during which you cannot take any pictures, flash or not) - around 5 seconds if you use the highest of 3 flash settings (flash recharge is pretty quick on the medium or low flash settings). If you're going to be at an engagement where you're going to want quicker turnaround (wedding/whatever) you can always buy Lithium AA's - expensive, but great performance. Also consider that a typical lithium battery pack will only last around 5 years. It's the nature of lithiums. Plus, if you care, niMH is better for the environment than lithium...
1451157
Having purchased this battery, I reviewed it based on the fact that when I used it in my camera, occasionally during the shoot, the camera simply wouldn't fire. I'd then turn the camera off and then back on, shoot a few more frames, then same thing. I've since acquired another Canon brand battery, and retired this one to use as a "backup backup backup." After all, you never know, and if you truly run out all of your batteries and still need to shoot, having an unreliable battery is still better than having no battery at all. How long does the battery last? Can't say. . . got too frustrated with its unreliability to keep using it until it died. Sorry. Having purchased this battery, I reviewed it based on the fact that when I used it in my camera, occasionally during the shoot, the camera simply wouldn't fire. I'd then turn the camera off and then back on, shoot a few more frames, then same thing. I've since acquired another Canon brand battery, and retired this one to use as a "backup backup backup." After all, you never know, and if you truly run out all of your batteries and still need to shoot, having an unreliable battery is still better than having no battery at all. How long does the battery last? Can't say. . . got too... » Read More Having purchased this battery, I reviewed it based on the fact that when I used it in my camera, occasionally during the shoot, the camera simply wouldn't fire. I'd then turn the camera off and then back on, shoot a few more frames, then same thing. I've since acquired another Canon brand battery, and retired this one to use as a "backup backup backup." After all, you never know, and if you truly run out all of your batteries and still need to shoot, having an unreliable battery is still better than having no battery at all. How long does the battery last? Can't say. . . got too frustrated with its unreliability to keep using it until it died. Sorry. « Show Less
73660
It is NOT a good idea to buy a used battery. Spend the extra money and buy a NEW battery and ALWAYS buy a CANON BRAND if you buy it online otherwise buy from a place like Batteries Plus where you can get it warrantied if it doesn't work. Here is the "I TOLD YOU SO": If you buy a used or off brand battery online - your chances of wasting your money completely are VERY HIGH. Also - don't be a cheap skate.
713075
It comes with a tiny battery that last just over an hour. I recommend you buy a pair of Wasabi high capacity spares for $45. They last several hours each and are much cheaper and better than the Canon brand batteries.
1055175
I have not experienced any major battery life issues. I take a lot of photos when I use it and a few video clips as well and don't need to charge up for a couple of days. I am an amateur so I generally keep it on auto with very little to none on manual. I am pretty basic and just wanted a camera that takes great clear photos inspite of my limitations which is exactly what it does for me. I take approximately a couple of hundred in a day plus a video or two when I shoot my alpacas at shows. Then I take about a hundred when we are out in the country while my husband fly fishes and I don't have to recharge for a couple of days. Again I use a pretty basic setting and I only have 1 battery. I have not experienced any major battery life issues. I take a lot of photos when I use it and a few video clips as well and don't need to charge up for a couple of days. I am an amateur so I generally keep it on auto with very little to none on manual. I am pretty basic and just wanted a camera that takes great clear photos inspite of my limitations which is exactly what it does for me. I take approximately a couple of hundred in a day plus a video or two when I shoot my alpacas at shows. Then I take about a hundred when we are out in the country while my husband fly fishes and I don't... » Read More I have not experienced any major battery life issues. I take a lot of photos when I use it and a few video clips as well and don't need to charge up for a couple of days. I am an amateur so I generally keep it on auto with very little to none on manual. I am pretty basic and just wanted a camera that takes great clear photos inspite of my limitations which is exactly what it does for me. I take approximately a couple of hundred in a day plus a video or two when I shoot my alpacas at shows. Then I take about a hundred when we are out in the country while my husband fly fishes and I don't have to recharge for a couple of days. Again I use a pretty basic setting and I only have 1 battery. « Show Less
608530
I can't answer that directly as it depends on use, I expect. I don't think I've replaced one in over 5 years, but I always keep an extra on hand. I did buy one that was a dud, but think it wasn't a Canon one. Would never again try to get a cheaper one. Not worth the savings. I would recommend getting an extra new one to keep on hand if you're traveling, but sounds like yours are still going strong at this point.
324000
It's been very good - maybe a bit better than other cameras I've had. I did buy a back up battery just to be on the safe side (very inexpensive and offered by Amazon when you buy the camera). Just so that if I'm on vacation I will have a back up battery. I can't give you specifics as so far I've not been on a vacation for example, where I might use it all the time. But I've taken hundreds of fall photos and some special occasions and think I haven't charged the camera more than 2 or 3 times in the 2 months I've had it. I've used it almost daily as I take it with me on walks with the dog. Hope this helps. It is the nicest camera I've had. Really delighted with it. It's been very good - maybe a bit better than other cameras I've had. I did buy a back up battery just to be on the safe side (very inexpensive and offered by Amazon when you buy the camera). Just so that if I'm on vacation I will have a back up battery. I can't give you specifics as so far I've not been on a vacation for example, where I might use it all the time. But I've taken hundreds of fall photos and some special occasions and think I haven't charged the camera more than 2 or 3 times in the 2 months I've had it. I've used it almost daily as I take it with me on walks with the dog.... » Read More It's been very good - maybe a bit better than other cameras I've had. I did buy a back up battery just to be on the safe side (very inexpensive and offered by Amazon when you buy the camera). Just so that if I'm on vacation I will have a back up battery. I can't give you specifics as so far I've not been on a vacation for example, where I might use it all the time. But I've taken hundreds of fall photos and some special occasions and think I haven't charged the camera more than 2 or 3 times in the 2 months I've had it. I've used it almost daily as I take it with me on walks with the dog. Hope this helps. It is the nicest camera I've had. Really delighted with it. « Show Less
1030249
I get less than 2 hours of use on a full charge (mainly using for internet browsing, email, and playing mp3). The battery also drains when it's not on. I have the 16 GB linux version with advanced desktop enabled. This seems to be common. I think most manufacturers exaggerate battery life a lot, if it's not a flat-out lie. So 2 hours or less of use unplugged with this device is probably the norm, if the manufacturer is saying 3 to 4 hours. My experience with most rechargeable mobile devices is that normal real world use will not get anywhere near what manufacturers state for battery life. I get less than 2 hours of use on a full charge (mainly using for internet browsing, email, and playing mp3). The battery also drains when it's not on. I have the 16 GB linux version with advanced desktop enabled. This seems to be common. I think most manufacturers exaggerate battery life a lot, if it's not a flat-out lie. So 2 hours or less of use unplugged with this device is probably the norm, if the manufacturer is saying 3 to 4 hours. My experience with most rechargeable mobile devices is that normal real world use will not get anywhere near what manufacturers state for battery life.
645586
We have had Canon PowerShot cameras at our Site for years. We use them in Security, Maintenance, Production and in the Warehouse. We always purchase an extra battery so that when one requires recharging another one is available. I am not sure what the life of a battery is, but we have never had to purchase replacements. Just recharge and ready to go. We have always replaced the camera before the battery requires replacing. Camera replacement happens sometimes if the camera walks or if we purchase a newer model. I don't believe that you have to worry about battery life. However if you have to replace a battery, the generic ones are very inexpensive. We have had Canon PowerShot cameras at our Site for years. We use them in Security, Maintenance, Production and in the Warehouse. We always purchase an extra battery so that when one requires recharging another one is available. I am not sure what the life of a battery is, but we have never had to purchase replacements. Just recharge and ready to go. We have always replaced the camera before the battery requires replacing. Camera replacement happens sometimes if the camera walks or if we purchase a newer model. I don't believe that you have to worry about battery life. However if you have... » Read More We have had Canon PowerShot cameras at our Site for years. We use them in Security, Maintenance, Production and in the Warehouse. We always purchase an extra battery so that when one requires recharging another one is available. I am not sure what the life of a battery is, but we have never had to purchase replacements. Just recharge and ready to go. We have always replaced the camera before the battery requires replacing. Camera replacement happens sometimes if the camera walks or if we purchase a newer model. I don't believe that you have to worry about battery life. However if you have to replace a battery, the generic ones are very inexpensive. « Show Less
1362619
I shoot on the highest quality settings, with a lot of zooming in and out and switching to preview mode etc and the battery that came with the camera will last about an hour. I bought an extra battery for back. Talking to the camera shop staff, they told me that you can buy bigger batteries, such as 2 hour batteries or 4 hour batteries. They said that the four hour batteries are longer and stick out of the back of the camera a little, no big deal though. Hope this helps. I have the M400 model which is similar to the M41, it just has no internal memory (so is lighter) and stores the film on SD cards instead. Hope this helps. I shoot on the highest quality settings, with a lot of zooming in and out and switching to preview mode etc and the battery that came with the camera will last about an hour. I bought an extra battery for back. Talking to the camera shop staff, they told me that you can buy bigger batteries, such as 2 hour batteries or 4 hour batteries. They said that the four hour batteries are longer and stick out of the back of the camera a little, no big deal though. Hope this helps. I have the M400 model which is similar to the M41, it just has no internal memory (so is lighter) and stores the film on... » Read More I shoot on the highest quality settings, with a lot of zooming in and out and switching to preview mode etc and the battery that came with the camera will last about an hour. I bought an extra battery for back. Talking to the camera shop staff, they told me that you can buy bigger batteries, such as 2 hour batteries or 4 hour batteries. They said that the four hour batteries are longer and stick out of the back of the camera a little, no big deal though. Hope this helps. I have the M400 model which is similar to the M41, it just has no internal memory (so is lighter) and stores the film on SD cards instead. Hope this helps. « Show Less
910488
I also recommend a case. This will protect your investment. Another nice, but not mandatory purchase would be an additional battery. This way, you are never caught off guard by a dead battery. The battery life has been excellent on this camera, which is why I say it's not mandatory for a second one, but remember that if it does die, you can't just pop in some double A's. Amazon sells a case & battery package for around $45. Here's the link:Canon Digital Elph Accessory Kit for Canon SD990IS, SD970IS, SD880IS, SD800IS, SD890IS, SD950IS, SD900, SD870IS, SD850IS & SD790IS Digital Cameras I also recommend a case. This will protect your investment. Another nice, but not mandatory purchase would be an additional battery. This way, you are never caught off guard by a dead battery. The battery life has been excellent on this camera, which is why I say it's not mandatory for a second one, but remember that if it does die, you can't just pop in some double A's. Amazon sells a case & battery package for around $45. Here's the link:Canon Digital Elph Accessory Kit for Canon SD990IS, SD970IS, SD880IS, SD800IS, SD890IS,... » Read More I also recommend a case. This will protect your investment. Another nice, but not mandatory purchase would be an additional battery. This way, you are never caught off guard by a dead battery. The battery life has been excellent on this camera, which is why I say it's not mandatory for a second one, but remember that if it does die, you can't just pop in some double A's. Amazon sells a case & battery package for around $45. Here's the link:Canon Digital Elph Accessory Kit for Canon SD990IS, SD970IS, SD880IS, SD800IS, SD890IS, SD950IS, SD900, SD870IS, SD850IS & SD790IS Digital Cameras « Show Less
905224
I have used many Sanyo eneloop AA cells in my old Canon S1, new Canon S5, Canon 420EX flash unit, etc. I believe low-self-discharge batteries are idealy suited for digital cameras, especially for intermittent shooting. There are people who claim that ordinary NiMH cells are better because those are rated 2700mAh instead of 2000mAh. But I never have the need to shoot 500 pictures in one day. Plus I keep one set of spare batteries in the camera bag anyway. Ordinary NiMH cells self-discharge so fast, you always have to recharge the batteries just before shooting. Plus there is no point in keeping a spare set because it would become exhausted by the time you need it.
79834
I would call Canon and bitch them out. Sadly, it seems like all the manufacturer are doing the same thing and I think it's a crock. Who wants to sit at the PC and read what I heard is a 96 page manual with COPY stamped on it. I was going to buy the 20is and found out there was no manual. I don't have to have a Canon for a P&S;, I would rather find one with a manual, which I haven't yet.