How to Care for Camcorder Batteries

Camcorders use a variety of features which quickly use up available battery resources. Most employ an LCD screen for picture previews, etc.; they often have powerful lights and speakers; and they usually are capable of multiple functions such as image zoom, picture review, still capture, color filters, lighting effects, etc. Therefore, it is important for anyone serious about camcorder use to make sure their camcorder has a fully-functioning rechargeable battery. To ensure this, it is important to remember some basic tips for keeping a camcorder battery in good shape.

The majority of rechargeable camcorder batteries are NiMH batteries. These batteries are excellent in terms of their power capacities, resistance to battery failure, and their long life spans. However, just as with any rechargeable battery, misuse can cause these batteries to function poorly. For example, any rechargeable battery is only good for approximately 500 charge cycles. So, if someone puts their camcorder battery on a charge every time it is not in use, the battery will not last as long as it would if it was allowed to drain most of the way down and only charged when necessary. Similarly, although most modern rechargeable camcorder batteries are designed to stop receiving a charge when they are fully charged, leaving a battery constantly on charge even after it is fully charged may overcharge the battery to the point of failure. Also, NiMH batteries can go completely dead if they are left uncharged for long periods of time.

If you find that your rechargeable camcorder battery is not lasting as long as you would like on a full charge, you may need to alter your camera-using practices and the camcorder settings. Many camcorders have both a screen and a standard viewfinder. You can save a ton of battery by turning off the LCD and using the viewfinder to see what you are recording. Using the zoom functions of a camcorder will also drain the battery more quickly. So it should be used sparingly by the user seeking maximum battery performance. In addition, many users quickly drain their camcorder battery by constantly reviewing their recordings on the camcorder itself. The battery can be saved in this case if the memory card or other media is removed and placed in a nearby computer to view the video files.

Finally, with camcorder batteries dropping in size and price, it is often beneficial to carry a spare battery with you when using your camcorder. By doing this, one can instantly double the battery life of any camcorder without having to carry around bulky chargers and accessories. If you are interested in an extra battery for your camcorder, online is the way to go. Many people can have a new battery for their camcorder shipped directly to their doorstep for much less than they could purchase one for in their local electronic or photography store.

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