How long will the batteries last when you use only the video mode, say 2 minute clips?
499836
Good question, I'm doing a battery test right now. So far I have taken 4,800 pictures at the 10MP setting and now switched to video mode with high resolution 1280x720. I've taken about 100, 30 second videos. I'm using lithium batteries and the camera say's the batteries are at 98%. I would say so far, so good. The next test I'm working on is how well this camera performs in cold Wisconsin weather.
1371323
I haven't specifically used video that long, but with a couple of short (less than a minute vignettes each) with several hundred stills, 400+, and shooting off of the screen on the back and reviewing each shot as long as needed, I was able to do all that and the battery held up fine. That was over a couple of days even, and finally charged it when it got to about 5% after all that. Hope that helps.
645587
I find that at full charge the batteries last more than 4 hours. I think it is a great idea to keep a spare charged. Especially if you are editing or taking video as well.
1776653
Video and flash both use a lot of battery, but with pictures only and review of them, the battery lasts literally weeks between charges. I shoot a lot of pictures, and the only time the battery is a consideration is when I use the video.
924344
Depending on what resolution and frames per second you have it set for, the battery can last anywhere from 8 hours to 3 hours on a single charge. The camera battery is quick to charge though so high quality video is always an option.
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.
2281454
Naturally depends on use...mine has been great when taking pics (6 hours); video-about two.
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.
632765
Depends which mode they are set to. Mine was taking 10 second videos & died after 5 months or so. The batteries are cheap on Amazon, but depends how remote your camera is & where are you.
2036776
The battery should last about 3 hours, That is if you don't keep it on for long periods at a time. I film about 15 min at a time and get right at 3 hours out of it.
1026143
The battery discharges very fast when doing videos. I'm probably not the right person to ask. Find Mike Francis in Tallahassee. He knows way more
1553201
I got this camera for my son and he likes to make short movies with it plus take pictures and we go through batteries like crazy. If your taking a picture and then turn it off then on again they last longer. However if your taking say music program pictures or pictures where the camera is on for more than say 15 minutes at a time the batteries start to drain quickly and will not last for more than an hour or so.
278262
I'd say around an hour. Just enough that when you start to record an event of any length, the battery indicator shows it's losing power. (if you're only shooting 5 minute clips or occasional still shots at home / near shore power to recharge, stock battery is plenty. This is a very effiecient camcorder, power wise. It does have the 'close the LCD viewfinder, goes to Power Save mode' feature, which once you realize how it functions, is a huge power managment tool....and may manage power enough by itself.) I just record my kids road cycling racing events long enough, that I can easily outstrip the limited capacity of the stock battery, which is why I ordered the extra capacity one sold here at Amazon. I did buy the extra extended life battery (x2 capacity) plus wall charger offered here on Amazon for a reasonable $ 22.
1362620
I have two of these vixia hf m41 camcorders and use them to make half hour to one hour local community tv programs. The original batteries only last me around an hour or so, and certainly do not last a two or three hour shoot, which are later edited down to half or one hour programs. You must have extra batteries. Get the larger capacity batteries, so you do not have to replace the short-lived batteries and have to stop videoing while you are replacing them. The longer lived batteries stick out from the back of the camcorder, but that is not a bad trade-off, in order to not lose valuable video footage. I have two of these vixia hf m41 camcorders and use them to make half hour to one hour local community tv programs. The original batteries only last me around an hour or so, and certainly do not last a two or three hour shoot, which are later edited down to half or one hour programs. You must have extra batteries. Get the larger capacity batteries, so you do not have to replace the short-lived batteries and have to stop videoing while you are replacing them. The longer lived batteries stick out from the back of the camcorder, but that is not a bad trade-off, in order to not lose valuable... » Read More I have two of these vixia hf m41 camcorders and use them to make half hour to one hour local community tv programs. The original batteries only last me around an hour or so, and certainly do not last a two or three hour shoot, which are later edited down to half or one hour programs. You must have extra batteries. Get the larger capacity batteries, so you do not have to replace the short-lived batteries and have to stop videoing while you are replacing them. The longer lived batteries stick out from the back of the camcorder, but that is not a bad trade-off, in order to not lose valuable video footage. « Show Less
2144730
I don't use it for video, but listning to MP3's, I get a lot of hours, I would imagine at least 8 if not more, I've never really timed it. I've been very happy with how long it lasts.
464716
Have used it for mostly video and the charge would last several days. Didn't have any problems with battery.
491070
I did one while driving shooting every 30 sec and it lasted 3 hrs on full charge. On the way back I set it for 1 min. intervals and the die time was identical. So I'm not really sure how much more battery capturing an image takes over just idling.