Digital cameras 101

[NobodysSon]

Hello all,

I have an HP Photosmart E317 that is less than a month old. Recently, it is reporting the batteries are low even though the batteries are brand new! I have tried several different sets, fresh from the package, with the same results. The battery indicator display shows them as full when I turn the camera on then jumps down to empty after a few seconds and reports that they are low. I have tried cleaning the contacts with an eraser with no change. Needless to say I am a bit upset about this. Any help would be appreciated.

David

[bdery]

Hi NobodysSon!

I need one more information before I give you my opinion : are the batteries you are using disposable alkalines, or rechargeable NiMH?

If you are using rechargeables, then you have to know that these batteries need to be "conditionned" before they work properly. that means putting them through a few charge-discharge cycles. that could be your problem.

If you are using disposables, then remember that even though they have a very long shelf life, they are not eternal, so maybe your batteries are a bit old (there is actually an expiration date on most alkalines nowadays). Also, these batteries pack much less power than rechargeables (they don't last as long). Of course "a few seconds" is quite extreme.

Is your camera new? Did it work well before? Have you tried your reportedly depleted batteries in, say, a flashlight, just to see if they work? Maybe your camera needs repairs, or if you have this option, maybe you could reset all its parameters, this might help.

Good luck!

[pentachris]

If you are using disposables, then remember that even though they have a very long shelf life, they are not eternal, so maybe your batteries are a bit old (there is actually an expiration date on most alkalines nowadays). Also, these batteries pack much less power than rechargeables (they don't last as long). Of course "a few seconds" is quite extreme.

While there are battery testers, you can really get some insight into batteries if you have a multimeter.  Alkaline AA's should start at about 1.5 volts.  When they're about half spent, they'll register about 1.25 volts.  When they're down to 1 volt, they're done.  Rechargables, on the other hand, measure at about 1.2 volts from the beginning of the discharge cycle until just before the end of the discharge cycle.

May or may not be helpful to OP, but may be helpful to someone else reading the thread...

[NobodysSon]

> Hi NobodysSon!

Hello

>are the batteries you are using disposable alkalines, or >rechargeable NiMH?

The batteries are disposable alkalines.

>If you are using disposables, then remember that even >though they have a very long shelf life, they are not >eternal, so maybe your batteries are a bit old

I thought perhaps that they were defective or had sat too long on the shelf too but I have tried two packages from two different stores now (both within their expiry dates) and have had the same disappointing result with each.

>Is your camera new? Did it work well before?

It is new. Worked for the first week and then this started.

>Have you tried your reportedly depleted batteries in, say, >a flashlight, just to see if they work?

I have and they seem fully powered to me.

>Maybe your camera needs repairs, or if you have this >option, maybe you could reset all its parameters, this >might help.

I just tried reseting all parameters as you suggested with no change. I am starting to fear that repairs are in order :S

>Good luck!

Thanks!

[ShutterbugGail]

Most do not recommend using alkaline batteries for a digital camera. However they should not deplete as quickly as you say.

Have you tried some of the more powerful batteries such as lithium or Nickel Oxy Hydroxide? Here's some information about them:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/accessories/batteries-chargers/non-rechargeable-batteries.php

If these don't work better, you should call the manufacturer to see if the problem is with the camera and get it repaired under the warranty.