I use to own the Canon SX280 (horrible!). Are you able to take videos 5 minutes straight then switch back to pictures without having the battery die?
1954006
You may have already found the answer to this by now but just in case you haven't, let me say that the sx700 I've just purchased functions extremely well in this regard. So far I've shot close to 300 pictures and 30+ minutes of video and the camera still shows three bars (I use ECO mode which takes a little getting use to). I've heard only positive things about battery life all over the web. We may be in the clear. I too purchased the sx280 -- it was incredible to me that a major company would release a device that didn't work. The SX700 appears to function the way a camera should and has a lot of nice features. You may have already found the answer to this by now but just in case you haven't, let me say that the sx700 I've just purchased functions extremely well in this regard. So far I've shot close to 300 pictures and 30+ minutes of video and the camera still shows three bars (I use ECO mode which takes a little getting use to). I've heard only positive things about battery life all over the web. We may be in the clear. I too purchased the sx280 -- it was incredible to me that a major company would release a device that didn't work. The SX700 appears to function the way a camera should and has a... » Read More You may have already found the answer to this by now but just in case you haven't, let me say that the sx700 I've just purchased functions extremely well in this regard. So far I've shot close to 300 pictures and 30+ minutes of video and the camera still shows three bars (I use ECO mode which takes a little getting use to). I've heard only positive things about battery life all over the web. We may be in the clear. I too purchased the sx280 -- it was incredible to me that a major company would release a device that didn't work. The SX700 appears to function the way a camera should and has a lot of nice features. « Show Less
1954007
Yes, I had the Canon Powershot SX280 also and was frustrated by the battery problem. I brought it back and later purchased the Canon Powershot SX700HS. I was able to take over 200 shots and 30 minutes of video with plenty of battery power left.
1954008
You may have already found the answer to this by now but just in case you haven't, let me say that the sx700 I've just purchased functions extremely well in this regard. So far I've shot close to 300 pictures and 30+ minutes of video and the camera still shows three bars (I use ECO mode which takes a little getting use to). I've heard only positive things about battery life all over the web. We may be in the clear. I too purchased the sx280 -- it was incredible to me that a major company would release a device that didn't work. The SX700 appears to function the way a camera should and has a lot of nice features.
1969614
I haven't used the camera much. I bought it for others to use, so I'm not an expert. But from what I've seen, my guess is that it will take a couple of hours of video. If the charge life is a concern, I suggest getting a second battery.
760715
As you know, the answer depends on what exactly you're using it for. If you're just taking snap shots without all the art features, or just a bit of video here and there, then for me the battery lasts for weeks. However, if you're out doing HD 1080 filming, which I do often, then I'll go through a battery every two to four days with over an hour worth of clips to show for it (with image stabilizer off & not using the zoom). However, when I do use the built in image stabilizer for video and pic taking as well as zoom, I only get about 30 min worth of video. When my battery is finally drained, it takes about three to four hours to recharge.
1094067
I wouldn't. I returned this one and currently have the SX280, which I like better. I have not used a camera in a business way so cannot advise you.
2119786
all day and no problem. :) a fully charged new battery gives about 1.5 hour for video and 4 hours for picture taking. It is a fun little camera.
1346599
Sorry I do not have any personal experience with the sx260. I do like the sx280 a lot except for the movie function. In movie mode the battery managment is very bad and actually shuts the camera off after only minute or two of recording even on a freshly charged, high capacity battery. I followed the instructions to update the camera firmware, but it made no dofference with this problem on my camerra. Some people claim that their camera was fixed using this update but mine was not. My movie mode is virtually useless to me because of the battery issue. For the SX 260 I could only suggest reading other peoples reviews. I hope this helps. Sorry I do not have any personal experience with the sx260. I do like the sx280 a lot except for the movie function. In movie mode the battery managment is very bad and actually shuts the camera off after only minute or two of recording even on a freshly charged, high capacity battery. I followed the instructions to update the camera firmware, but it made no dofference with this problem on my camerra. Some people claim that their camera was fixed using this update but mine was not. My movie mode is virtually useless to me because of the battery issue. For the SX 260 I could only suggest... » Read More Sorry I do not have any personal experience with the sx260. I do like the sx280 a lot except for the movie function. In movie mode the battery managment is very bad and actually shuts the camera off after only minute or two of recording even on a freshly charged, high capacity battery. I followed the instructions to update the camera firmware, but it made no dofference with this problem on my camerra. Some people claim that their camera was fixed using this update but mine was not. My movie mode is virtually useless to me because of the battery issue. For the SX 260 I could only suggest reading other peoples reviews. I hope this helps. « Show Less
1063881
Right up front, I haven't tried these models yet, but am researching the 'next' camera. However, having had three different digital cameras and using others at work, I will tell you that in my opinion the AA battery is not the way to go. They just don't last very long & requires spares to be carried around. My most recent camera, a Fuji Finepix F30, has a proprietary battery and I have yet to run it down, even when taking 200+ photos in a given day (it's rumored to last up to 500). I believe these Canon batteries are supposed to come in around 230 which is quite good too. Also, and perhaps more to your point regarding flash recycle time, double-check Canon's site, as it looks like the 850 has a 10 second recycle time for the flash as well (maximum). Good luck ! At any rate, just wanted to throw that out there as I would most definitely 'sacrifice' AA for flash recycle time if in fact the flash recycle time is faster.
151180
Hi John, if you take video, it will last for 2 to 4 hours, you can buy a spare battery at the same time. Feng Te
695802
I have an SX280 HS 12.1 MP and love the output quality. If you're going to do much video, you will need to carry a couple of extra batteries as it eats them in video mode. Also, for me, I had a little learning curve with the way I hold it. My left forefinger wants to rest right where the flash pops up. But so far, I'm very pleased with it and have no reservations about recommending it.
372898
I've been using the camera for a couple of days and shot a couple of hundred photos and multiple videos totaling about 30 minutes. I've used the zoom a lot with both stills and videos. Still three bars. I'm so happy. I'm going to keep going and I will let you know of something emerges. I'm encouraged because, having owned the SX280, I can tell you that it would have failed by now for sure. Fingers crossed,Don
435751
I am having exactly the same problem, taking the battery out for 30 minutes works for a time but the problem starts again after a few days. Leaving the battery out until required sometimes makes the camera difficult to switch on or off. I don't think that Creative are interested. If anyone has the answer please let us know.
268214
Don't know what the SX280 battery issues are, but the SX260 battery has a great time of use...I bought extra batteries: just to be safe taking vacation pics all day long, and have never needed to replace the battery during a long day of photo taking.
1210201
I'm able to get about 25 minutes of 1080p HD video plus 400 photos on one set of 2650mAh rechargeables. For just video, should be 2+ hours easily. More if you turn off your LCD display. You can get beyond the 4GB limit by using the CHDK firmware (google CHDK for more info). CHDK will add a whole lot more functionality than that to your camera.
197750
Yes there is a 30 minute limit on video length and then yes, you have to press record again to do up to 30 minutes more. By then you'll need to swap batteries. Batteries last a maximum of a bit over an hour at 1080p. Aftermarket batteries often last more like 45 minutes. The 30 minute limit exists no matter what quality of video you choose to record in, even the lowest which is 480p. The limit is there because this camera only accepts SD cards that are formatted FAT32, and FAT32 has a max file size limit of 4GB, in which it can get close at the 1080p setting. I think they were lazy to keep the limit on lower qualities and to not support NTFS for that matter.
435674
Reports say 10 minutes battery life on video. I'd call this a short burst video camera. I have 16 GB memory card to cover my casual image and video use. Video shooting for you might need 32 or 64 GB card. Extra batteries certainly needed (Amazon has replacement $4 & $4 shipping). I just got camera & have only tried auto with flash on, day and night---resulting in super sharp quality photos. Have not tried any video, but should be excellent because of several setting options. I was super-surprised with picture quality, with night flash shots.
818478
I just bought my Sx110 IS yesterday--and after taking about 15 pictures and trying out the video, I got the battery low warning. I can only hope that the problem is with the batteries being old. According to my manual, I should get 140 images and 5 hours of playback time with them. The only other batteries they recommend in the manual are AA-size NiMH-3AH. I'd like to use Lithium batteries, but I'm worried that they are not listed in the manual as OK. I see that Canon Chick uses them, what about the rest of you?
1893354
Hello Amy. I see that you've not gotten a reply yet for a few days. I own the Canon SX130is camera that is nearly identical to that of the next version, the SX150is. I even owned the previous model of mine now, SX120is. THe only reason for the upgrade was to get HD video and stereo sound. Other than that, I loved that camera too. I've not studied the others you are deciding on but just looked them over. THere's not a "night & day" major difference between them. Differences of 2x zoom power is not major IMHO. Frames per second in burst mode shooting is. Size may be a factor too. But I can tell you why I like my camera. A manual flip up flash allows unmistakeable control over the flash and keeps the camera from waisting power charging for a flash that you didn't need for that shot. The option of complete manual settings is a must. And the advantage of using AA batteries gives you limitless flexibility of power. Don't let the negative reviews tell you that you cannot take lots of photos with this camera. If you get some high capacity rechargable batteries and enough for an extra set, you'll be good. Several here have recommended Sanyo Eneloop brand cells. That they come precharged and hold that charge for extended periods of storage time. A friend of mine used them and swears by them. I use Ansmann 2850 mAh batteries (which are higher capacity) and they give me nearly 200 more shots in my Canon SX20is than what is rated in the camera manual.